"In pursuance of an order made in the last Quarter Sessions held for this County; whereby it was referred to us, among others, to enquire into the number of houses and places within such parts of this town and county as are therein mentioned, where Geneva and other strong waters are sold by retail, and the mischiefs occasioned thereby: We, whose names are subscribed, do hereby certify, that by the returns of the high and petty constables, made upon their oaths, it appears there are within the weekly Bills of Mortality, and such other parts of this County as are now by the contiguity of buildings become part of this Town, exclusive of London and Southwark, 6187 houses and shops, wherein Geneva or other strong waters are sold by retail. And, although this number is exceeding great, and far beyond all proportion to the real wants of the inhabitants (being in some parishes every tenth house, in others every seventh, and in one of the largest every fifth house), we have great reason to believe it is very short of the true number, there being none returned but such who sell publicly in shops or houses, though it is known there are many others who sell by retail, even in the streets and highways, some on bulks and stalls set up for that purpose, and others in wheelbarrows, who are not returned; and many more who sell privately in garrets, cellars, back-rooms, and other places not publicly exposed to view, and which thereby escaped the notice of our officers; and yet there have been a considerable number lately suppressed, or obliged to leave off, by the Justices within their parishes, though it has proved of no effect, having only served to drive those who before were used to these liquors into greater shops, which are now to be seen full of poor people from morning to night. "But in this number of 6187 are included such victuallers who sell Geneva or other strong waters, as well as Ale and Beer: though it is highly probable, from the great and sudden decay of the brewing-trade, without any diminution in the number of victuallers, that the quantities of strong waters now drank in Alehouses is vastly increased of late beyond what was usual; and it appears by the constables' returns, where they are distinguished, that the number of Geneva and other strong water shops are fully equal to the number of Alehouses, and rather exceed than otherwise.