Bakers in many instances
sold bread deficient in weight, and to check the fraud many shopkeepers
were fined sums from L64, 5s. to L106, 5s. The Privy Council gave the
matter serious consideration, and strongly urged that families should
refrain from having puddings, pies, and other articles made of flour.
King George III. gave orders in 1795 for the bread used in his household
to be made of meal and rye mixed. He would not permit any other sort to
be baked, and the Royal Family partook of the same quality of bread as
was eaten by the servants.
A great deal of flour was used as hair powder, and an attempt was made
to check its use. The following is a copy of a municipal proclamation
issued at Great Yarmouth, the original of which is preserved in the
office of the Town Clerk:--
"DISUSE OF HAIR POWDER.
"Owing to the present enormous price of corn, and the alarming
approach of a scarcity in that most necessary article, many towns
throughout the kingdom have set the laudable example of leaving off
for a time the custom of wearing powder for the hair; by which
means a great quantity of wheat must infallibly be saved to the
nation; and if the price be not reduced, it may at least be
prevented from increasing.
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