“By this rule from every Manchester load of flour weighing 240 lbs. there ought to be produced 297 lbs. 13 oz. 12 drs., of Bread of each sort well baken. The price of 296 lbs. 7 oz. 8 drs. of Wheaten Bread consisting of 1d. 2d. 6d. 12d. 18d. loaves according to the above Assize is 44s. The Price of a load of Flour is 30s., allowance to Baker is 14s. The Price of 297 lbs. 10 ozs. 15 drs. of Household Bread consisting of such loaves is 32s. 10d. Price of a load of Flour is 27s. 6d. Allowance to Baker is 5s. 4d.” ASSIZE OF BREAD FOR MANCHESTER AND SALFORD 10TH NOVEMBER 1766[A] _lbs._ _ozs._ _drs._ 1d. loaf Wheaten to weigh 8 7 Ditto Household ” ” 11 2 2d. loaf Wheaten ” ” 1 0 14 Ditto Household ” ” 1 6 4 6d. loaf Wheaten ” ” 3 2 9 Ditto Household ” ” 4 2 12 12d. loaf Wheaten ” ” 6 5 2 Ditto Household ” ” 8 5 8 18d. loaf Wheaten ” ” 9 7 11 Ditto Household ” ” 12 8 3 [Footnote A: _Manchester Mercury_, 11th November 1766.] ] In February, 1767, riots were again reported from Derbyshire, and two months later the Mayor and Corporation of Chester were threatened with murder if they did not prevent forestalling. In July, a statement appeared that, although provisions had been imported into the country, food was no cheaper, and with pathetic insistence the cause was still sought in the trading activities of “harpies who prey on the vitals of the public.”[281] [Footnote 281: _Manchester Mercury_, 10th February, 14th April, 28th July.] During this year an agricultural society came into existence for the Hundred of Salford, and another in Manchester whose activities extended over a radius of twenty miles from the town.[282] Both these societies were exceedingly active for a long period in encouraging improvements by the offer of premiums, and articles on various aspects of agriculture became a common feature in _The Manchester Mercury_. That the distress during these years was widespread is shown by similar accounts to those mentioned, from all parts of England, from Ireland and Scotland, and from the Continent as well.[283] [Footnote 282: _Ibid._, 1st September 1767. The rules and orders of the Society of Agriculture at Manchester are given, 21st June 1774.] [Footnote 283: _Ibid._, in various issues.]