71
The second part of this volume^ Num« 1852,
is a kind of Auctarium, or Appendix, with
observations relative to the kind and value of
the monies mentioned in the two volumes — a
matter of great difficulty^ and not of corres-
ponding importance*
It can scarcely be required of us to recon-
cile the variations and disproportions of these
different Tables^ since it is very supposeable,
that the whole tax is not always specified in
each ; and they who find^ or make, so many
mysteries where there are none^ must in reason
excuse us^ if we do not pretend to account for
every thing in this mystery of iniquity. Enough
is clear : and it should be lecoUected, that these
TaxaB are manuscript, not printed or published.
The conjecture, likewise, may not be altogether
groundless, that, as when the trade was unre*
stricted, the commodities, in order to meet and
attract the many, were charged low, so, when
it became contracted, the prices were raised.
And now it may fairly be asked, whether, in
the face of the evidence which has been ad-
duced, the pretence can with the slightest
- The publication of these volumes would be a valuable ac-
cession to dociiineit;ry literature. In the preceding extract the author holds liimseif answerable only for intentional accuracy of transcription.
