REVIEW OF THE CORN TRADE The first week of the present month opened as though a fine seed season were commencing, and certainly a good beginning was noted in the early soils; but lowering el uds soon gathered in abundance, and for three weeks such storms have raged, and such torrents of rain fallen, as to render a similar period far beyond the recollection of the present generation. The low lands in the central and northern counties have become so hopelessly swamped, that a hard winter's frost must bring up the long arrears, and fit the soil for its work; and when we hear of 3 inches falling in three hours at Exeter, it disposes us to ask where safety can be found. August and September had well done their duty, and made up partly for the excessive rains of July. So, in expectation, none were prepared for so untoward an event, which seems to postpone the work of seeding to the new year. The condition of new samples has much suffered from the wet; yet supplies have kept so light in London and the country generally, that we have seen a rise of 23. per quarter during the month. Our foreign imports have been so free, and grauaries so well stored with old, that, so far as the public are concerned, we may be certain for some time, at least, to be provided with good and useful qualities. Though, from the lateness of the season, supplies may now be expected to fall off, the recent small advance may procure less abundant, but steady supplies, and keep us well in trim when the Baltic and the Northern ports are closed. In France they have lately been fluctuating, apparently as reports reached them from the country; but the last advices were firm, as they were in Belgium, Holland, and most parts of Germany and Russia, while Danzic holds her best samples at high rates, and finds customers here for them in our town millers, who are determined to keep up the character of their flour. In America they are very much acted upon by our cable advices, and continually show fluctuations; but, with a crop 21 per cent. below an average, we cannot expect much depression, more especially as time wears, and we show wants of our own. In Hungary trade had become dull, with prices drooping; but they do not expect any large supplies for export. In the Principalities there is a good crop, but their quality is low; though Denmark is favourably reported, both as to yield and fiueness. Odessa, with plenty in store, refuses to sell at present rates. The following prices were recently quoted at the several places named: Wheat at Paris 433. to 49s. 6d., though for seed as much as 753. per qr. has been given; La Vendee wheat at Bordeaux 46s., Berdianski at Marseilles 47s. 10d., Marianopoli 46s. 8d., Danube 39s. 3d.; wheat at Courtrai 463., old at Louvain 51s., new 48s.; native wheat at Brussels 52s., old at Liege 51s., new 483., old at Maestricht 49s., new at Lewarden 42s.; red at Hambro' 44s., at Mayence 48s., at Cologne 44s., at Berlin 43s.; best new at Dauzic, cost, freight, and insurance, 55s.; do. old, cost, freight, and insurance, 58.; old wheat at Mulhonse 48s., new 44s. ; old at Strasburg 51s., new 49s., at Vienna 39s., at Budapesth 43. 61., at St. Petersburg 42s. 2d., at New York 39s. 3d. per 480lbs., at San Francisco 57s. per 500lbs., cost, freight, and insurance. The first Monday in Mark Lane opened on a moderate supply of English wheat and heavy arrivals of foreignone third from America and plenty from India, Russia, the Baltic and Australia. There was but a limited exhibition of fresh sainples from the near counties, and the condition was generally inferior, but the few lots of good and dry quality were taken quietly at 1s. more, but without any improvement being obtainable for the remainder. The foreign trade was steadily maintained at Friday's advance of 1s., but it could not be exceeded. Cargoes afloat were also saleable at 1s. more money. The firmness in the country trade continued, and many places followed the London advance of 1s., among which were Birming. ham, Hull, Melton Mowbray, St. Ives, Spilsby, Lynn, Whitby, &c., while 1s. to 2s. more was paid at Newbury, Newark, Louth, and Leeds; Liverpool was 2d. to 3d. lower per cental on Tuesday, but gave way 1d. to 2d. on Friday. Though at Aberdeen there was no change, the Scotch markets generally advanced 1s. to 2s. per qr. Dublin was 6d. per barrel higher for native wheat, and foreign was the turn dearer. On the second Monday there was about the same quantity of English wheat, but the foreign arrivals had further increased this time, over 30,000 qrs. being from America, 20,000 from Russia, with plenty from India and the Baltic. There were but very few fresh samples this morning from Essex and Kent, and these mostly wanting in condition, and it was only fine and dry parcels that went off at the previous rates. The foreign trade was generally slow, and to sell red American it was necessary to accept a decline of 1s. per qr., the quantity being most abundant. Cargoes afloat, also, barely maintained their previous values. The quiet report of London on Monday found its echo this week in the country, and the upward tendency of prices was lost, though at a few places rather more money was made. It was so at Liverpool, which on Friday was 1d. to 21. dearer per cental, though the previous Tuesday was without change. The Scotch markets this week made no alteration. Irish wheat at Dublin was unaltered, but red American was 3d. to 6d. per barrel lower. On the third Monday there was again a moderate English supply, but an abundance from abroad, though the proportion from America was lessened by much from many ports. There was but a small show of fresh samples from the near counties, and but little to recommend it as to condition and quality, but selected lots were taken slowly at 1s. advance, the others being difficult to quit at previous rates. The foreign trade, though not extensive, was very firm, and fine white as well as American red, which had previously been depressed, brought 1s. more money. Floating cargoes, not being numerous, sold at 1s. advance. The more favourable reports from London again influenced the country. Nearly every market was the turn against buyers, and many followed the London improvement of 1s.; among these being Hull, Manchester, Lynn, Birmingham, St. Ives, Melton Mowbray, Spilsby, &c., while 1s. to 23. more was made at Newark, Louth, Leeds, and Newbury. Liverpool was 1d. to 3d. dearer on Tuesday, and firm on Friday. The Scotch markets were generally 1s. per qr. dearer for wheat. Irish wheat was 6d. per barrel dearer at Dublin, and foreign rather against buyers. On the fourth Monday there were moderate arrivals of English wheat, but again plenty of foreign; over onethird being, as usual, from America; but it was also plentiful from Russia, the Baltic, India, and Australia There were not many fresh samples in the morning'. offer, and many of these were poor. That which was fine went off quietly at the rates of the previous Monday, and so did foreign samples of all qualities. Cargoes afloat were fully as dear. The arrivals into London for the month were, in English sorts 30,167 qrs., and foreign 228,177, qrs., against 29,55 quarters English, 164,487 quarters foreign for the same period last year. The London exports were 1,881 qrs. The London averages commenced at 488. 11d., and closed at 47s. 10d. The imports into the kingdom for the four weeks ending 16th October were 5,167,769 ewts. wheat, 352,877 cwts. flour, against 3,397,910 cwts. wheat, 336,424 cwts. flour in 1874. The general averages commenced at 47s. 1d. and closed at 46s. On the first Monday the flour trade was brisk, country and foreign sorts being 1s. per sack and fine barrels dearer; but since then there has been no change of value. Town millers have maintained the top price at 47s., and The the tendency since has been towards higher rates. arrivals of late from America having been mostly made of new wheat of inferior quality, they have been a slow sale, while prime old have been firm, and held at more money. Norfolks closed at 36s. to 378., American barrels of extra State 25s. to 28s., new to 26s. The imports for the month into London were 82,610 sacks country quality, 17,096 sacks 31,943 barrels foreign, against 84,687 sacks country, 5,033 sacks 22,210 barrels foreign in 1874. Without being considerable, the supply of British barley has been gradually increasing every week, and, the quality being rather better than expected, prices have gained about 1s. during the month, and about the same improvement has taken place in foreign grinding from the lowest, such being now worth 25s. 6d. which a month ago was slow sale at 2s. 6d. Indeed, as this is the cheapest feeding stuff on the market, we think there is a fair chance of a rise as the winter approaches, foreign supplies as yet being very light. The imports into Londou for the month were 13,400 qrs. British, 32,090 qrs. foreign, against 14,599 qrs. British, 131,392 qrs. foreign for the same period in 1874. The malt trade has been very steady through the month for the best qualities, but the sale of secondary and inferior sorts was slow; new samples have begun to appear at market, but the price has not yet been fixed. From considerably reduced foreign supplies oats have been tending upwards, and the recent accounts of numerous wrecks seen in the Baltic give the impression that much has in this way been irretrievably lost. The first and second markets evinced an upward tendency, while the third and fourth noted a gain of fully 6d. each per qr. Russian oats made up to 38lbs. per qr. have become worth 23s. 6d., and those naturally weighing 40lbs. 27s., while good new Swedes, Danes, and Dutch are worth 233. to 26s. 6d. With stocks in granary light, winter ahead, and a continuous free demand for town and country, there seems a probability that we may yet be dearer, notwithstanding the present high rates. imports into London for four weeks were 4,165 qrs. English, 181 qrs. Scotch, 128 qrs. Irish, 124,361 qrs. foreign, against 4,750 qrs. English, 395 qrs. Scotch, 165,144 qrs. foreign for the same period in 1874. With short supplies of home-growth, and only mode. rate arrivals, beans have been constantly tending upwards, till they have gained about 2s. per qr. in value. Indeed, Egyptian sorts, which only a few weeks ago were only quoted 398., are now held at 42s.; but it must be admitted that recent shipments much excel former in their quality. Old Mazagans have become worth 48, Harrows 54s, and heavy, small old, now exceedingly scarce, 60s. to 61s. Such rates, we should fancy, would lead to the substitution of cheaper feeding stuff; but we know take special good care of their horses. The imports into London for October were 2,575 grs. English, 7,830 qrs. foreign, against 4,412 English, 9,491 qrs. foreign in 1874. some Business in peas has been very quiet, and prices little changed, the new supplies of English much exceeding the foreign. But this season they are of very inferior quality, and a still worse yield, some places not exceeding 2 qrs. per acre. Buns are worth 42s., small whites 30s. to 38s.; while old foreign bring 438., either for boilers or horse-feed. The arrivals during the month were 4,219 qrs. English, 1,187 qrs. foreign; against 4,469 grs. English, 1,213 qrs. foreign in 1874. Of linseed the supplies have been very moderate, and prices have improved 1s. to 2s. per qr. The seed trade has not fairly opened yet, for want of samples. The new English is reported as good, and some French and German red cloversted has appeared moderately priced, though, as yet, rates have not been settled; and it is the same with trefoil. Wheat............................ 837937 70042 218169 Barley.............. 119501 16792 Oats................................... The 125767 The supplies of Maize during the month have been moderate, but values have only slightly improved, say 6. per qr., from the knowledge that this year in America, as well as in Europe, the crop has been most abundant. Rounds for poultry feed, are worth 33s., flat American 32s. The low price of barley is against the sale of this grain, though there is no great reason for a decline from present rates. The month's imports into London were 33,953 qrs., against 10,078 qrs. in 1874. Rye Peas............................ Beans............................ Indian Corn...... Buckwheat (1809 Exported. British. Foreign Cwts. Cats. 6906 515 152 3890 3712 1625 73529 27529 242825 1230 80 45 66659 160802 445 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. DECEMBER, 1875. PLATE. THE DUKE: A PRIZE CLYDESDALE STALLION. THE PROPERTY OF MESSRS. E. & A. STANFORD, EATONS, STEYNING. The Duke, foaled in 1867, was bred by His Grace the | Royal Agricultural show at Bedford; the first at the Royal Duke of Hamilton, at the Home Farm, Hamilton, Scotland, and purchased by his present owners in 1869. He was got by that celebrated Sir Walter Scott, out of Bell, by Lothian Tom. The Duke is a rich brown bay, with black legs, rising 8 years old, standing 17 hands high, and possessing great muscular strength, good symmetry, and hardy constitution. The Duke has won the following prizes, which are the only times he has been exhibited: In 1872, the second at the Royal Agricultural show at Cardiff; and highly commended and reserve number at the Royal Counties at Windsor. In 1873, the second prize at the Royal Agricultural show at Hull; first at the Royal Counties at Southampton; and highly commended at the Alexandra Park. In 1874, the second prize at the Counties at Reading; highly commended and reserve at the Bath and West of England at Bristol; and commended at the Alexandra Park. In 1875, the second prize at the Royal Agricultural show at Taunton, second at the Bath and West of England at Croydon; second at the Royal Counties at Portsmouth; first at Slinfold; first at Tunbridge Wells with silver cup for the best horse in the show of any description. Several of The Duke's stock have also taken prizes at the above show and at many local shows, and have been sold at high prices; the Messrs. Stanford last year selling some weaners at 80 guineas each, three-year-old fillies at 150 guineas, and in October last a yearling colt for 160 guineas. They have still some very superior colts and fillies by him for sale. The first monthly meeting of the Club, after the usual suspension during the summer and autumn, was held on Monday November 1st, in Salisbury-square, when Dr. Voelcker, the Chairman for the year, introduced the subject approved for consideration-viz., Root Crops as affected by Soil Manure and Climate. On taking the chair, Dr. VOELCKER said that, as he should have the pleasure of addressing them at some length that evening, he would not, in opening the winter session, make a speech on the prospect of agriculture, the weather of the past season, or the character of the harvest, though such topics were very interesting to farmers; but he had one announcement to make, which he was sure would be gratifying to the members of that Club-namely, that at a Committee meeting held that afternoon, it had been unanimously agreed to elect for the chairmanship for the ensuing year, Mr. Thomas Horley-(cheers)-a gentleman who was well known to be a thoroughly practical farmer, and whose example in the neighbourhood in which he lived, had been attended with the most beneficial results. A gentleman, OLD SKRIES. too, of great energy and public spirit, and one who, besides being an active member of the Royal Agricultural Society, had long manifested great interest in the welfare of the Farmers' Club (cheers). He had great pleasure in making that announcement, and having done so he would now ask Mr. Lucas, who was the Chairman last year, to take the place which he then occupied. Mr. E. M. M. LUCAS having then succeeded to the chair, and expressed his confidence that the introduction of the subject by Dr. Voelcker would prove deeply interesting, Dr. VOELCKER proceeded to read the following paper: The members of the Central Farmers' Club, I trust, will not expect of me a paper on root-crops which treats systematically on the preparation of the land, the application of manure, mode and time of sowing, and subsequent management of the various root crops usually grown in this country. There is hardly a single Farmers' Club in England, if at all occupied with agricultural discussions, at which subjects specially related to the practical management of root crops have not been discussed, more or less fully, by many able men, VOL. LXXVIII.-No. 6. EE |