"The contrivances to keep up the price of wheat, having been discovered, and defeated, we hope the attention of the worthy Chief Magistrate will now be directed towards some plan for the relief of the Metropolis, against the extortion of the Graziers, and Salesmen, in Smithfield Market. The prices of the latter, on Monday, were higher than almost ever remembered, and mutton is now sold at 7-1/2d. per lb. What real cause there is for such extravagant prices, after such a mild winter, is a matter we are at a loss to account for."--(_Times, April 13, 1796._) * * * * * "An action for regrating, in Smithfield Market, is now pending in the Court of Common Pleas: against one of the five brothers, who have so long supported themselves, and their families, by jobbing in Cattle at that Market. A Carcass Butcher, in Whitechapel, is also in dread of a similar action, the penalties on which will be very heavy, as it is for purchasing near 70 oxen, on a Friday, driving them to his farm, near Clapton, and bringing them to Smithfield, for sale, on the following Monday."--(_Times, Nov. 29, 1796._) Before this time of Scarcity, however, the good folks did not deny themselves luxuries of the table, nor, seemingly, care what they paid for them. "The first _green peas_ which have been produced this season, were sold, on Monday, in Covent Garden market, at _twelve shillings_ per pottle."--(_Times, April 17, 1793._) * * * * * "As a proof of the forwardness of the season, green peas have already made their appearance in Covent Garden market, where they are retailed to the _curious in vegetables_ at the moderate price of _two guineas a quart_."--(_Times, March 1, 1794._) * * * * * "The Fishmongers Company are such jolly _soles_, as to have annually nine quarts of peas at a guinea a quart."--(_Times, May 16, 1794._) * * * * * "Lemons have attained a price never before arrived at in London, namely, ninepence each; buying them wholesale, the price is at the rate of from 6d. to 8d. each. About 400,000 were imported during the week from St. Ubes, and as a large supply is daily expected, the prices must of course fall."--(_Times, Jany. 2, 1797._) * * * * * "The arrival of the Lisbon fleet, will make Lemons once more plenty. They were sold, a week ago, at the enormous price of 1s. a piece."--(_Times, July 16, 1799._) It may be interesting to some to learn when Sea Kale first came into use.