Letter: In Brief

Sir: In 1826, William Cobbett was shocked at the low prices paid for sheep: "And yesterday, 22nd Sept., at Newent fair... Mr Palmer sold sheep for twenty-three shillings a head, rather better than some which he sold at the same fair last year for thirty-four shillings.... Think of the dreadful ruin which must fall upon the renting farmers." Recent prices have been remarkably similar to those of 1826. The difference is that, according to Cobbett, in 1826 a family of five could survive on pounds 62 a year.

ALAN LANGLEY

Market Harborough, Leicestershire