tity of work exactecl from them. They were often subjected to extremely cruel treatment, although the maser weavers and journeymen were at the same time gratifying their own love of independence, just as their feelings or inclinations led them. This lamentable system continued to prevail more or less till the power loom transferred the weaving business from the cottage to the factory, from 1824 to 1834.

The first official account of the numbers of the population was taken in 1801. According to this return the total number of inhabitants in the township of Oldham was 12,024: Crompton, 3482; Chadderton, 3452; Royton, 2719; total of the four townships, 21,677. The estimated population of the four townships in 1792 was 15,776. The population of the town, exclusive of Green.acres moor, North moor, and Maygate lane in 1801 was about 2800, and inclusive of those places about 4000. The population of Ashton-under-Lyne parish in 1801 was 15,632, and of the town, 5000; Rochdale parish, 29,101, town, 7000; Bury parish, 22,300, town, 5500; Bolton-le-moors parish, 29,826, town, 1400; Preston parish, 14,300, town, 10,000; Blackburn parish, 33,631, town, 11,000; and Manchester parish, 112,300, town, 88,134.

In the early part of 1801 numbers of individuals, who were anxious for a change in the government, were so misguided as to form secret associations throughout the country to effect their object. Three persons connected with the conspiracy being discovered at Oldham, they were apprehended in May, that year, and at the succeeding Lancaster assizes were sentenced to seven years' transportation each, for having adminis- tered the oaths of the association. A report being in circulation that a political meeting was to take place at Buckton castle, near Stalybridge, Mr. Entwisle, of Fox holes, proceeded from Bolton to Oldham, at the head of a party of 300 horse soldiers, on the 3rd of May, 1801,

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