CHAP. XXVI.
299
than that of leaf gold, but considering the greaterweight of each leaf of the same size, perhaps theconsumption of one metal in this particular way-may be nearly equal to the other. There is an-other application of silver by an inferior, but nu-merous class of artisans, denominated washing withsilver, but it has been found difficult to obtain anyclue to this branch of the trade by which even aconjecture could be formed of its extent.
Taking the opinion of experienced dealers, andconsidering the observations here stated, we shouldnot be disposed to estimate the quantity of silverannually used in the sevei'al ways noticed in thepreceding paragraph at less than five hundredthousand ounces.
Our estimate then of the annual quantity ofsilver applied in the British kingdoms to otherpurposes than that of coin appears thus :
Ounces.
That paying the duty
1,275,316
That used in watch cases
506,740
That used in plating
900,000
That for other minor purposes
500,000
3,282,046
At five shillings per ounce
£820,521
If to this be added the quantity of gold as beforedetailed at one million six hundred and thirty-sixthousand seven hundred pounds, we may considerthe two metals as demanding two million four