By a proclamation of James, establishing public magazines, whenever wheat fell below thirty-two shillings a quarter, rye below eighteen, barley below sixteen, the commissioners were empowered to purchase corn for the magazines.[*] These prices then are to be regarded as low; though they would rather pass for high by our present estimation.

The usual bread of the poor was at this time made of barley.[**] The best wool, during the greater part of James's reign, was at thirty-three shillings a tod.[***] At present, it is not above two-thirds of that value; though it is lo be presumed that our exports in woollen goods are somewhat increased.

The finer manufactures, too, by the progress of arts and industry, have rather diminished in price, notwithstanding the great increase of money.
* Rymer, tom.xvii.p.526.To the same purpose, see also 21st lac vi.cap.

28.
** Rymer, tom.xx.p.

157.
*** See a compendium or dialogue inserted in the Memoirs of Wool, chap.