Note 1087 — Chapter II · RETROSPECT.
Reading edition
Novís. Recop., Lib. 1, Tit. v, leyes 14, 15, 17, 18. Under Carlos III the numbers of the clergy were:
1768.1787.
Parish priests15,63916,689
Beneficed clergy, vicars etc.51,40842,707
Regular clergy, males55,45347,515
Do. Do. females27,66524,559
Servants, sacristans, acolytes, etc.25,24816,376
Treasurers of religious houses8,5524,127
183,965 151,973
The falling off in 1787 is probably due to greater rigor in scrutinizing claims to exemption.