the Second X^etter of Inquiry. 1 1 7 



The whole system was devised by the flour-factor when the last act was passed, 

 and is calculated entirely for their benefit. 



The writer could explain this more fully, if desired by the Committee; but he 

 begs leave to observe, that while it is impossible to make any gauge for the fineness 

 of flour, it is impossible to regulate the weight of bread, to any good purpose. 



The only use of a law for that purpose, is to put into the power of bakers to 

 take advantage of it, while, at the same time, the flour-factors draw it again from 

 the bakers into their own pockets. 



Competition in the price of bread will do much more to reduce the price of 

 it, than any laws to direct the weight of it. 



WORCESTERSHIRE. 



Nathaniel Kent, Esq. 

 In and a few years prior to 1790, it was a rule with me, in estimating a fair rent 

 upon a farm, supposing it to consist of three parts arable and one part grass, to 

 allow four rents to be made; and at the present time, on account of the increase 

 in labour, the rural trades connected with it, and the increased taxation, I am in- 

 clined to think, that unless a farmer can make five rents, he cannot live in any 

 degree of comfort. You will however observe, that this mode of calculation ought 

 to vary a little according to the nature of the soil. If it be sandy, or a friable 

 loam, somewhat less should be allowed. If it be wet, heavy, cold, cohesive, or 

 stony, a little more ought to be allowed. 



Let us suppose the medium, and the form to be set according to this scheme, at 

 £"200. per annum, then it will be grounded on the following proportions : 

 First, It will require at least ^1500. to stock such a farm ; the com- 

 mon interest of this is £']S' ^^^ allowing ^{'25. more for risk and £. s. d. 

 casualties on stock, this is equal to half a rent - - 100 o o 



The tithes and parochial rates will be equal at least to another half 100 o O 

 The labour and rural tradesmen's bills, connected with the farm, will 



be equal at least to two years rent _ . - 400 o o 



The rent speaks for itself - - - - 200 o o 



And then the tenant gets for his time, his judgment, and the support 



of his family (as hitle as he ought to get) one other year - 200 o o 



The whole is equal to five years rent , - _ 1000 o o 



