scantity

For such is the scantity of them here in England, in comparison of the plenty that is to be seen in other countries, and so earnestly are the inhabitants bent to root them out, that, except it had been to bear thus with the recreations of their superiors in this behalf, it could not otherwise have been chosen but that they should have been utterly destroyed by many years agone.

Of Savage Beasts and Vermin. Chapter XIV. [1577, Book III., Chapters 7 and 12; 1587, Book III., Chapters 4 and 6 1909

Sir, — Your being personally present in this sever sea - son which we know stroungly impresses your mind with a scene of their suffering circumstances, therefor having no doupt of your humanity to relieve them, and justis to hear their complaints when founded on justis and reason, gives us, the commanding officers of the regiments in the 3 1 * and 4 th brigades, to lay the complaints of the soldiers to the officers of the scantity of their present alowance of their provision under the heavey fatigue this garrison is now subject to, which is more sever than at any other time, in hailing provisions, forage and material for the barracks over and above the supply of wood for the garrison and ourselves; and the beef being thin and not any vegetables at this season to be procured as in time pass.

Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society 1792