2. Fish-oils. The Hanseatic treaty was the basis, on which the diminution of duty on this article was asked and granted. It is expressly referred to as such, in the letter of Monsieur de Calonne. Instead, however, of the expression, _huile et graisse de baleine et d’autres poisons_, used in that treaty, the letter uses the terms, ‘_huiles de baleine, spermaceti, et tout ce qui est compris sous ces denominations._’ And the Farmers have availed themselves of this variation, to refuse the diminution of duty on the oils of the _vache marine, chien de mer, esturgeon_, and other fish. It is proposed, therefore, to re-establish in the _Arrêt_, the expression of the Hanseatic treaty, and to add, from the same treaty, the articles ‘_baleine coupée et fanon de baleine_.’ The letter states these regulations as finally made by the King. The merchants, on this supposition, entered into speculations. But they found themselves called on for the old duties, not only on other fish-oils, but on the whale-oil. Monsieur de Calonne always promised, that the _Arrêt_ should be retrospective to the date of the letter, so as to refund to them the duties they had thus been obliged to pay. To this, attention is prayed in forming the _Arrêt_. His majesty having been pleased, as an encouragement to the importation of our fish-oils, to abolish the _Droits de fabrication_, it is presumed that the purpose announced, of continuing those duties on foreign oils, will not be extended to us. 3. Rice. The duty on this, is only seven and a half deniers the quintal, or about one quarter per cent, on its first cost. While this serves to inform a government of the quantities imported, it cannot discourage that importation. Nothing further, therefore, is necessary on this article. 4. _Potasse_. This article is of principal utility to France, in her bleacheries of linen, glass-works, and soap-works; and the potash of America, being made of green wood, is known to be the best in the world. All duty on it was, therefore, abolished by the King. But the city of Rouen levies on it a duty of twenty sols the quintal, which is very sensible in its price, brings it dearer to the bleacheries near Paris, to those of Beauvais, Laval, &c. and to the glass-works, and encourages them to give a preference to the potash or soude of other nations. This is a counteraction of the views of the King, expressed in the letter, which it is hoped will be prevented.