Page:William Petty - Economic Writings (1899) vol 1.djvu/402

304 doubted, since Housing is now more splendid, than in those days, and the number of Dwellers is increased, by near $1/5$ part; as in the last Paragraph is set forth.

As for Shipping, his Majesties Navy is now triple, or quadruple, to what it was forty years since, and before the Sovereign was Built ; the Shipping Trading to Newcastle, which are now about eighty thousand Tuns, could not be then above a quarter of that quantity. First, Because the City of London, |[99]| is doubled. 2. Because the use of Coals is also at least doubled, because they were heretofore seldom used in Chambers, as now they are, nor were there so many Bricks burned with them as of late, nor did the Country on both sides the Thames, make use of them as now. Besides there are employed in the Guinny and American Trade, above forty thousand Tun of Shipping per annum; which Trade in those days was inconsiderable. The quantity in Wines Imported was not near so much as now; and to be short, the Customs upon Imported, and Exported Commodities, did not then yield a third part of the present value: which shews that not only Shipping, but Trade it self hath increased, somewhat near that proportion.

As to Mony, the Interest thereof was within this fifty years, at 10l. per Cent, forty years ago, at 8l. and now at 6l. no thanks to any Laws which have been made to that purpose, forasmuch as those who can give good security, may now have it at less: But the natural fall of Interest, is the effect of the increase of Mony. |[100]|

Moreover if rented Lands, and Houses, have increased; and if Trade hath increased also, it is certain that mony which payeth those Rents, and driveth on Trade, must have increased also.