Welsh Journals

wilful spoiling of over a hundred barrels of salt consumed by the weather because of the practice of measuring the product in an open field. Herbert and his associ- ates were also accused of selling the salt at 2s. 6d. a barrel whereas the merchants could sell it, and had done so, for four shillings. Though anxious to please the merchants, Osborne was loth to believe this of Herbert and asked for an explan- ation but it is not known whether the latter ever made an attempt to defend himself.1 It seems fairly clear from this correspondence that the 'Lords' did come to some kind of agreement with these merchants but nothing is at present known of its terms nor of its effect on the salt works near the Dyfi. With peace in France, England lost its monopoly of Biscayan salt and official interest was aroused once more in the development of a domestic salt industry.2 But the 'Dovie' no longer attracted attention, nor is there any further mention of salt making in that part of Wales. University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. 1 3 August 1569. Osborne and Wightman to Herbert. 2 Hughes: E.H.R., Vol. 40, p. 347. W. J. LEWIS.