THE Excise on Beer and Ale is a considerable part of the Reve­nue, and for that Reason the Brewer ought to be considered. That as to the complaints of the Poor, 'tis very improbable they should occasion either their want or their clamour. For the quantity of Corn, besides Molosso's which they use, is not more than 3 millions of Quarters in a Year, and if there should be produc'd 3 hundred thousand Quarters more than what they use, surely that is enough to sup­ply the Poor, and other uses.

The Brewers are so advantageous to the Kingdom, that there are 3 Men who consume more Malt in a year, than all the Distillers have done; and surely such Men ought not to be laid by, tho but for one Year; for 'tis more to the advantage of England certainly to let the whole Trade of Distilling be put down, than for such Men to suffer, tho it should be by obliging them to brew a little less Malt.

The Brewers are come to that perfection in their Trade, that they now fine down their Wash, and make Drink of that which the Hogs used to eat before.

What if there is as much Malt Brew'd into Strong Beer or Ale, as is consum'd by Distilling, and which pays no more Duty to the King, than single Beer and Ale; yet surely the Excise for single Drink is enough for both.

What if there is a scarcity of Corn, is it necessary that the Brewer be restrain'd in their use of Malt? Is it not sufficient to prevent Distilling? For then Corn will be cheap and plenty; and when there is but one buyer no body need fear that the Brewer will give too much for his Corn. The Farmer can't fatten Hogs with Barley to very great advantage, but if the Brewer once brings Corn to such a cheapness, that it will be more profit to feed Poultry than bring it to London Markets to sell them, the Poor won't surely com­plain of the dearness of Corn, unless the Poultry should unhappily consume more than the Distillers have done; for by the best computation, if they should consume as much as has been supposed, it will amount to near Half a Peck to a man in one Year; which being so considerable they ought to be put down. For the worst that can come is, that we shall then im­port French Brandy, and that will be so much to the advantage of En­gland, that we only send ready Money out of the Land; and if we export Malt Spirits, it will be of that pernicious consequence, that 'twill bring mo­ney home.

A great many other considerations might be offer'd; but 'tis hop'd from these, that no body will put it into the head if any man to move, that the Brewer may be so much as consider'd in this matter.