16.
**** Statutes at large, p.

6.
***** We learn from Cicero's orations against Verres, (lib.
iii.cap.81, 92,) that the price of corn in Sicily was, during the preetorship of Sacerdos five denarii amodius; during that of Verres, which immediately succeeded, only two sesterces; that is, ten times lower; a presumption, or rather a proof, of the very bad state of tillage in ancient times.
The Chronicle of Dunstable tells us, that in this reign wheat was once sold for a mark, nay, for a pound a quarter; that is, three pounds of our present money.[*] The same law affords us a proof of the little communication between the parts of the kingdom, from the very different prices which the same commodity bore at the same time.

A brewer, says the statute, may sell two gallons of ale for a penny in cities, and three or four gallons for the same price in the country.

At present, such commodities, by the great consumption of the people, and the great stocks of the brewers, are rather cheapest in cities.

The Chronicle above mentioned observes, that wheat one year was sold in many places for eight shillings a quarter, but never rose in Dunstable above a crown.
* So also Knyghton, p.