I note that the thread from my original posting has become quite a topic of discussion. I thought the following article from 1800 may be of interest and give an indication of the money that could be involved in such an enterprise. Such a fine would be hard for many people to pay today, 200 years on......... Daily Advertiser, Saturday 12th July 1800 In an action, the King against SMITH, for attempting to defraud the Revenue, and bribe the Revenue Officers, it appeared that the defendant who is a Hop-Planter in Herefordshire, after four unmarked pockets of Hops had been siezed in an unentered room by two Officers of the Excise, pulled a handful of gold and silver from his pocket, offered them five guineas each and his note for as much as would make them up to forty guineas; but they removed the Hops and lodged an information against him. The charge being proved, the Jury without hesitation found the Defendant Guilty - Penalty five hundred pounds. Diane J.