Honey anciently used for sweetening purposes. Sugar imported
into England after the Crusades. Its importance noted in 'The
Libel of English Policy' and in 'The New Atalantis.' Progress
of the cultivation of the sugar cane. Barbadoes the first Eng-
lish sugar ground. Jamaica ceded to us in 1670. Sugar taxed
under the commonwealth. We 'gain our sugar trade from
Lisbon.' Dudley North's suggestion for a special tax on sugar,
1685. A tax imposed for eight years, determines in 1693. In-
crease in the consumption of sugar. The punch-bowl and tea
and coffee cups assist in the process. Sugar further taxed in
the war of the Spanish Succession. The practical monopoly of
Jamaica. The plantation duties,' 1733. A 'bounty' granted
on refined sugar exported. The home consumption in 1734.
Pelham's proposal for an additional duty in 1744, defeated by
Carteret. Another proposal, in 1759, by Legge, opposed by
Beckford, and dropped. The average consumption from 1770-5.
Arthur Young notes the increase in the use of sugar. Adam
Smith considers sugar a proper subject for taxation. The tax
raised by North, in 1781, and by Pitt, in 1787 and 1791. The
yield in 1793. The tax raised on seven occasions in the war.
The yield in 1815. Only part of the war duty taken off in 1816.
The yield in 1827. Altered position of sugar. Huskisson ad-
vises a reduction of the duty, and Parnell and Poulett Thomp-
son the admission of foreign sugars. The sugar question raises
the question of protection. Effect of the emancipation of the