the increase of crimes which are generated through this medium. [Footnote 91: It is a curious and important fact, that during the period when Distilleries were stopped in 1796 and 1797, although Bread, and every necessary of life was considerably higher than during the preceding year, the Poor in that quarter of the Town where the chief part reside were apparently more comfortable, paid their rents more regularly, and were better fed than at any period for some years before;--even although they had not the benefit of the extensive charities which were distributed in 1795. This can only be accounted for by their being denied the indulgence of Gin, which had become in a great measure inaccessible from its very high price. It may fairly be concluded, that the money formerly spent in this imprudent manner had been applied in the purchase of provisions and other necessaries to the amount of some hundred thousand pounds.--The effects of their being deprived of this baneful Liquor was also evident in their more orderly conduct.--Quarrels and assaults were less frequent, and they resorted seldomer to the Pawnbrokers' shops: and yet during the chief part of this period Bread was 15_d._ the Quartern Loaf, and Meat higher than the preceding year, particularly Pork, which arose in part from the stoppage of the Distilleries; but chiefly from the scarcity of Grain.] It is to be lamented, that in pursuing this subject, new sources giving origin and progress to crimes press upon the mind in the course of the inquiry. To the catalogue already detailed may be added, _Gaming-Houses_ of every description, particularly _houses of the lower cast_; but as this subject has been very fully handled in a preceding Chapter, it will be unnecessary to do more than place it in the general list of causes, which have contributed exceedingly to the evils, which have afflicted Society in this Metropolis, and which can only be remedied by a _Responsible Police_, attaching particularly upon this baneful propensity by appropriate regulations. Next to Gaming, Illicit Trade or Smuggling may be mentioned as a very productive source of criminality. The vast extent of the Trade and Revenues of the Country; its insular situation, and the temptations arising from the magnitude of the duties, contribute exceedingly to the corruption of morals, not only of these engaged in illicit pursuits, but it is to be lamented also of the inferior officers themselves, whose duty it is to prevent this evil.