States, and that they would give only such prices for American produce as are warranted by the state of the demand here. We cannot reasonably presume that the producers in America will withhold their usual supplies; consequently, we may safely venture to anticipate a continuance of heavy importations from that quarter, although the freights to England are unusually high. The barley crop is turning out very abundant, and of excellent quality. The demand for most kinds of barley has shown signs of improvement, and fine malting samples have produced rather more money. There is now very little foreign barley in warehouse in this country, and the receipts between this and the close of the year are not likely to in Potato-raising having been pretty generally commenced, we are now enabled to form an accurate opinion in reference to the total produce. In nearly every county in England, as well as in Ireland and Scotland, very few losses from disease, in a comparative sense, have been experienced, consequently the growth is something enormous. We have therefore secured a large quantity of food for winter use, and the increased supply must have some influence upon the value of the low kinds of wheat and flour. On the Continent, but more especially in France, from whence we have commenced importing liberal supplies of potatoes, the growth is likewise abundant, and of fair average quality. The foreign potatoes, however, are selling at low currencies here, viz., from 55s. to 75s. per ton. The growth of hops in Sussex has proved abundant; but in most other counties it has been very moderate. Fine qualities have exchanged hands steadily, at from £9 to £10 per cwt.; but other descriptions have ruled heavy. The imports from abroad have amounted to nearly 5,500 bales; and we understand that the growth in America this year is a most abundant one. The enormously high range in the value of cotton and cotton goods has imparted a great stimulus to the wool trade. Since the last sales of Colonial wool, held in the metropolis, prices have advanced 2d. to 24d. per lb.; and it is fully expected that the rise will be fully supported during the remainder of the year, as the stocks held in the manufacturing districts are mostly confined to small parcels. The next series of wool sales will be commenced on the 18th November, when about 60,000 bales will be brought forward. The Liverpool sales, comprising 35,000 bales East India and other low qualities, have gone-off briskly, at Old. to 1d. per lb. more money, although the supply taken for export purposes was small. Both English and foreign flax has sold freely, at very full prices, to a slight advance. At one period English jute was worth £30 to £34, under the impression, on the part of buyers, that it would be largely used as a substitute for cotton. As, however, it has been found almost worthless for such a purpose, the demand has fallen off, and the present quotation is only £21 10s. per ton. The demand for both hay and straw has ruled heavy, and prices have not been supported. Meadow hay is selling at £1 16s. to £4 12s.; clover, £3 10s. to £6; and straw, £1 14. to £1 18s. per load. The quantity of hay produced this year is unusually large, but its quality is by no means prime. The harvest in Scotland has been a most protracted one. Even now, in the northern counties, wheat is in the fields. We learn, however, that the yield of produce generally is nearly an average. The corn trade has been devoid of animation, and no change of importance has taken place in prices. The crops have been all secured in Ireland, and our accounts respecting them are somewhat satisfactory. For export to England, the transactions in produce have been very moderate, at about stationary prices. Turnips are turning out well; and the growth of swedes and mangolds is certainly equal to most seasons. The stock, therefore, will have an abundance of food during the winter, although it is doubted by some of the growers whether the roots contain as much saccharine matter as in what may be ermed more favourable seasons. REVIEW OF THE CATTLE TRADE DURING THE PAST MONTH. Notwithstanding that most of the leading markets of consumption have been seasonably well supplied with beasts, the demand for most breeds has continued tolerably active, at steady currencies. The arrivals of stock from Scotland have been on a limited scale, but those from Ireland have increased to some extent. The general quality of the breeds has been by no means first-rate; but, hitherto this season, Lincolnshire has contributed its full quota of good bullocks to the Metropolitan Market. The supplies of sheep have slightly increased in number; and the weight of mutton disposed of has been quite equal to most former periods. The trade has ruled tolerably firm, and, in some instances, the quotations have had an upward tendency. Calves have commanded rather more money; and the demand for pigs has been somewhat active, at slightly enhanced rates. Our advices from most parts of the country state that food has been very plentiful, and that the root crops are likely to be fully up to the average of most seasons, both as to quantity and quality. Both in Ireland and Scotland, beasts are represented as very abundant; and we may safely anticipate large numbers, in prime condition, from the latter country, in December. It is gratifying to find that the disease amongst the sheep has not increased in any of our leading districts. In some quarters the losses have been severe; but the return of cold weather may have the effect of improving the health of the stock generally. Letters from Holland state that full average supplies of stock are in process of fattening for export purposes. The beasts at hand from that country, since we last wrote, have been only in moderate condition; but the sheep have turned out extremely well, most of them having carried a large quantity of internal fat. The shipments from Jutland have nearly ceased for the present year. We may observe, however, that the Danish stock-some of which exhibits signs of crossing with our shorthorns and Herefords, perhaps with Devonshas exhibited a better symmetry than in former years. Owing to the heavy gales, some serious losses of stock have been sustained at sea. They have, we understand, wholly fallen upon the shippers, arising from the want of a judicious system of insurance abroad. A few Spanish beasts, in fair average condition, have arrived for the London market. The extent of the consuming powers of France will be understood when we assert that 188,000 beasts and 555,200 sheep were imported into that country in 1861, chiefly from Holland, Prussia, and Spain. The imports of foreign stock into London have been as follows: COMPARATIVE SUPPLIES. Oct. 1861. 28,220 539 121,390 Beasts...... Cows Sheep Calves........................ 1,626 3,650 Oct. 1860. 26,240 525 128,250 2,289 Pigs 2,620 From Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire, the arrivals have amounted to 13,800 shorthorns, &c.; from other parts of England, 3,000 various breeds; from Scotland, 18 Scots and crosses; and, from Ireland, 3,400 oxen and heifers. The prevailing distress in the manufacturing districts compels the breeders of stock in Ireland to forward largely to London in preference to Manchester and Birmingham, in which Irish stock is largely consumed in periods of commercial prosperity. Beef has sold at from 3s. to 4s. 8d., mutton 3s. 6d. to 5s. 8d., veal 3s. 10d. to 58. 4d., and pork 4s. to 5s. per 8lbs., to sink the offal. 4 0 to 5 4 4 0 to 5 8 6 to 5 0 0 to 5 2 Pork.. Fair average supplies of meat have been disposed of in Newgate and Leadenhall markets, at the annexed quotations: Beef from 28. 8d. to 48., mutton 3s. 4d. to 4s. 8d., veal 3s, 10d. to 58. 2d., pork 4s. to 5s. 2d. per 8lbs. by the carcase. The supplies of rough fat have been moderately extensive, and the quotations have declined to 2s. 5d. per 8lbs. In October, 1861, the price was 2s. 10d., and in 1860 3s. 2d. per 8lbs. The comparative abundance of home-made tallow has produced some heaviness in the tallow trade, notwithstanding the moderate shipments from St. Petersburg. DURHAM. Our northern harvest being now almost concluded, and a considerable portion of the new crop having been thrashed, we are in a position to speak of the yield and quality of the harvest of '62 with tolerable accuracy. Though the harvest has been a backward one, it has been one of the finest ever experienced in this county. One of the features of a late harvest is, that the grain crops require a longer stand in stook than when the harvest is comparatively early, even if the weather be equally fine; and the palpable and reasonable difference often, we are ashamed to avow, leads our farmers into error. Strange though it may appear, there is scarcely a township but in which may be seen some over anxious and impatient farmer engaged in rick turning, in a season when we have been favoured with fine weather sufficient and to spare. I may be wandering from the ordinary agricultural report; but I think the practice of carting corn before it is sufficiently dry, is excessively absurd, and reflects discredit on the intelligence of the farmer, who having raked the crop through all the dangers and variations of an uncertain climate, rashly at the eleventh hour damages his produce, upon which he has bestowed his industry and exertion through its various stages of growth. Our wheat on moderate and good land cut off a bulky crop, but bearing upon it traces of an unfavourable summer. The poor clays of the county produced as bad a crop of wheat as ever we remembered. The yield has fulfilled our worst anticipation, in the majority of instances forty-eight sheaves will yield about 120lbs of wheat. The quality is very variable, samples uneven, and containing a large per centage of coarse husky-looking grain, which will yield an excessive quantity of bran. The weight is light, even where the wheat is in fair condition, and we conclude that our wheat crop is below an average to the extent of eight bushels per acre. Barley has done well, a good crop, fair even sample, and heavy in weight; but a little faulty in colour; decidedly over an average crop. Oats on good land are an extraordinary crop, but on poor land almost a failure; and in the aggregate will be under an average. Turnips grow well, healthy in appearance, clear of mildew, and promise fully an average weight of bulb. Potatoes are a light crop, and although disease is spoken of the complaints are not widely spread. Aftermath and parture are good; cattle and sheep seemingly do well, but are not forward for the seasou, whether for holding or slaughtering purposes. Mutton is scarce and dear, and will realise 8d. per lb. at the end of the year.-Oct. 28. ISLE OF ELY. We have lately had very rough stormy weather, although no great amount of rain has fallen. It is well for the Middle discharging its flood waters are yet incomplete. The syphons Level occupiers that it has been so, as its preparations for at St. Germains are daily being placed across the dam, and the trials made with those already fixed have been almost more than satisfactory. They will evidently discharge a vast quantity of water when in full operation, and it is very desir able that every effort should be made to expedite their completion, as until that time all the low-lying lands in the Level are in jeopardy, for the time of the year has now arrived when a flood may very naturally be expected, and it will be well to be prepared for it. The excavations too in Well Creek will be completed ere long we trust, as this cut will doubtless render essential service to the Middle Level, should the waters rise very high in its internal drains and rivers. We are now disposed to believe that the prospects of an efficient drainage for the coming winter are greatly improved, and we think our Fen farmers may allay their fears and apprehensions, and prepare their lands for wheat as usual. Wheat sowing has now become general, and much seed has been deposited in as good a seed-bed as could well be desired. The rains have prepared the ground, and made it work well. The frequent showers of the last ten days have occasionally impeded work, but have not been too heavy to make land work unkindly. Potatoes are nearly all taken up. They are generally a heavy crop, and the tubers are large, but there is much more disease than a few weeks ago was expected. Mangolds have improved lately, but are not so heavy a crop as we frequently grow, although much better than we have seen in some parts of the country. Coleseeds have grown fast the last month, and are a good crop. They are not selling so well this year as last, in consequence of the extravagantly high price of store sheep. Grass keeping is still abundant, and for the season good. Meat realises a high price. Wool too is dear. The high price of meat and wool, and the abundance of keeping, occasion lean sheep to sell at exorbitant prices. Bullocks too are high, but not quite so extravagant in price as sheep. Being minus the wool, they have one less exciting cause to dearness. The corn trade is languid in the extreme. Although our quality and condition are both good, we have yet a very limited inquiry, and prices have seriously declined. Oct. 22. YOUR FEN REPORTER. The annual sale of the Exmoor Cobs came off at Taunton SALE OF MR. ROBERT SMITH'S EXMOORS.on Friday. The day was fine, but the attendance less numerous than on many former occasions; in fact, horses in the west would seem to be at a discount. The best cotis sold well, ten of them making £35 each, while the general average was much below former years. The country trade was slack, and there were not so many purchasers from s distance. The horses in condition were very excellent, but the younger ones were not so catching to look at, owing, it was said, to the severity of the past seasons-from wet and cold upon the hills. The Star (brother to the Comet) fetched 52 guineas. Mr. Carr, of Stackhouse, has just sold a Windsor heifer to Captain Spencer for 150 gs.; and the Captain is getting rather fastidious in his purchases, for nothing could tempt him at the recent Bushey sale. GLASGOW, (Thursday last.)-Supplies of Cheese continue large; but the demand is moderate, and prices unaltered. About 8 tons passed the weigh-house scales. Dunlop old 56s. to 59., ditto new 469.; chaddar-made, 51s. to 66.; Skim milk 17s. to 19s. per cwt. 1 REVIEW OF THE CORN TRADE October has passed away without sustaining its good repute as to fineness. During the first fortnight there was some quantity of rain; but the last half of the month was unusually stormy, with a very heavy fall. This has been seriously damaging to the yet outstanding corn in Ireland and Scotland, as well as to some late and northern districts of this country, where it has somewhat interfered with the autumnal sowings and labours of the field. The wheat that was got in early, however, has fared well, and much is above ground, with a prospect of being established before winter. There has also been a very fortunate seed-time in France; though this work there is not yet complete. Germany, till lately, was suffering in some places from drought; but is now well off. The season, therefore, on the whole, has a fair commencement, and let us hope that no disasters will mar the present promise. Last month was dull in the extreme, almost every Monday noting some decline; but, though the opening of October was very much like a continuance of depression, with an almost absolute paralysis in business, and a readiness to accept a further reduction of 2s. to 3s. per qr. in prices, this was the only gloomy day of the month, and it closed with 18. per qr. recovered, and a more general confidence than has been evinced since harvest. As yet our weekly deliveries are much below the average of seasons, and, as compared with the last, we have the result of four weeks as 361,817 qrs., against 583,185 qrs., and had not foreign imports kept flowing in at an unequalled rate, a rise instead of serious decline since harvest would have been certain. The general averages, which include much of the business of last month, show a heavy fall, closing last month at 54s. 9d., and this, at 48s. 11d., while the real decline for this period through the country has scarcely been 2s. per qr. Foreign markets, as well as our own, seem generally becoming firmer, and the increase of freights at this time of year, as well as the possible setting in of frost, appears against that low range which at one time seemed inevitable. Our chequered harvest is more diminished by the unfavourable yield in Scotland and Ireland, and though there is no prospect of a large advance with all the world open as a source of supply, yet Portugal, Italy, Holland, Belgium, and possibly France, as well as ourselves, will all, more or less, be large consumers. The potato crop is certainly not free from disease, and there is no doubt that Scotland and Ireland will require free imports. As respects other grain, there has been a serious decline in oats, owing to the good crop and free deliveries of this grain; but prices now have become so moderate, that a large consumption will be induced, and malting barley has already increased in value with the increasing coldness of the season and apparent scarcity of very fine samples. Beans and peas have hardly come into full con sumption; but enough is seen of the former, both in quality and condition, to show them much below those of last year, and most samples of new have been consequently neglected and declining. The following quotations were recently current for wheat at the several places named: Wheat at Paris ranged from 50s. to 55s. per qr.; for the new crop at Bordeaux to 53s. At Louvain it was 56s.; Pomeranean, at Antwerp, was 57s. per qr.; Polish, at Amsterdam, 60s.; fine Saale, at Hambro', 528.; old red, 53s.; red Holstein at 50s 6d. Fine new Danzic was yet quoted 55s. per qr. Native wheat, at Cologne, 49s. to 55s. per qr. Ghirka Wheat, at Odessa, 35s.; at Galatz 348. Banat quality, at Trieste, 46s. per qr.; native wheat at Venice, to 48s. New York had lately been advancing, both for flour and wheat, the export trade being in competition with the consumptive, on diminished receipts. Chicago spring was worth to 388.; Milwaukie, 40s.; winter red, 43s.; white Michigan to 488. 4d.; extra Kentucky, 52s.-all per qr. of 480 lbs. The first Monday opened on a good foreign and fair supply of English wheat. The additional samples from Kent and Essex during the morning were not numerous, but with many overleft from the previous week, there was rather a large show. The market, which had previously been heavy, became so excessively dull, that factors, though willing to clear at a reduction of 2s. to 3s. per qr., made so little way at this decline, that most of the bulk remained unsold at the close of the day. But this state of things arose principally from the damp state of the samples, and very little difference was noted in those that were dry, or in fine quality foreign, though inferior sorts were about 1s.per qr. cheaper. Cargoes afloat were held at the previous rates. The country markets this week were in a state of stagnation from the want of condition in the samples shown, as well as from the dull accounts received from London. Prices everwhere were tending downwards, and fully 1s. per qr. less was generally accepted on the little business passing. Liverpool, on Tuesday, made sales at former rates; but on Friday rather gave way. In Scotland and Ireland there was great heaviness, though little difference obtained on the quotations. On the second Monday there was rather less of home-growth; but a heavy arrival of foreign, nearly half of it being in Russian qualities. Not many fresh samples were sent up this morning from the near counties; but the ample foreign sup ply kept the demand on a very limited scale, some of the previous week's show being yet uncleared; but prices were not further reduced. Fine dry foreign still found a retail inquiry, without any reduction in the rates; but low sorts again gave way about 18. per qr. Not many cargoes afloat being on sale, prices were about maintained. want of condition was again the ccmplaint of the The several country markets, and from the scarcity of dry samples it was difficult to give accurate quotations, but a downward tendency was manifest generally for soft and damp wheat, while dry new and fine old fully supported former quotations. Liverpool found a fair sale on Tuesday, without altering rates; but on Friday the abundance of winter red Ainerican, and pressure on the part of holders, caused it to sell at irregular and lower prices. Throughout Scotland and Ireland trade was again dull; but quotations remained much the same. The third Monday opened on another very heavy foreign supply, with some further falling of fine English samples. The show from Essex and Kent was limited, farmers apparently being more careless about sending up till better times; and there seemed a general feeling that about the lowest point was reached. All dry samples, therefore, went off steadily, and those even wanting in condition were more easily placed; though some were still uncleared. A more healthy feeling was visible in the foreign trade also, notwithstanding the plenty on show, and holders were more disposed to land the supplies than press at any decline. The floating trade, however, was affected by the quantity arrived, and gave way 18. per qr. A more cheerful tone was perceptible this week in the country markets, and several of them noted an advance of 18. per qr. on the best dry qualities, as Boston, Spalding, Hull, Stockton, Gainsborough, and Newcastle-on-Tyne, while Bury St. Edmunds quoted an advance of 1s. to 28. per qr Liverpool made free sales on Tuesday, and noted an improvement of 1d. to 2d. per cental on Friday. Edinburgh and Glasgow were without change; at Dublin native wheat, being in improved condition, sold more readily; but buyers of foreign tried (though vainly) for some reduction. The fourth Monday opened with a still diminished English supply, and with rather less foreign, the bulk of which was from New York and Canada. Very little was sent up this morning either from Kent or Essex, and as the weather had been very boisterous and windy the condition of the samples was improved. Factors could readily have disposed of most of their bulk at the full prices of the previous Monday, and some quantity was so placed, but in several instances an improvement of 1s. per qr. was realised, and this being generally insisted on, there was some check to business, with a portion left over. Fine foreign, such as Danzig and similar qualities, brought only former prices; but American red, in fair condition, notwithstanding the good arrivals, was 1s. per qr. dearer, and so were some parcels of Russian. Cargoes afloat found also more demand at some improvement. The imports into London for the four weeks were 25,069 qrs. English, 180,873 qrs. foreign; against 37,539 qrs. English, 82,465 qrs. foreign for the same time last year. The imports for the kingdom in September were 1,073,101 qrs. wheat, 814,110 cwts. flour. The exports from London this month were 1,204 qrs. wheat, 585 cwts. flour. The flour trade was heavy through all the month till the last market, when rather more was asked | both for country sorts and American barrels, and in some instances paid for good qualities. Fair average American could, however, yet be had at 258. per barrel, and fine at 28s.; Norfolks at 37s. ex-ship per sack. The town trade has been steady as to prices all through, and the month commenced and ended at 51s. for the top price. The imports into London for the four weeks were 62,447 sacks country, 11,155 sacks 62,773 barrels foreign; against 68,962 sacks country, 103 sacks 38,834 barrels foreign for the same period last year. The barley trade, which all last month was in a course of decline, the warm weather preventing any important enquiry for malting samples, has partly recovered from its depression since the commencement of low temperature. The second Monday showed the first indications of an improvement, the best sorts being then improved 18. per qr., and a further gain of 18. has since been realised; secondary sorts, which had been quite neglected and reduced almost to a grinding price, being still more enhanced in value, but grinding descriptions with slight fluctuations have remained little altered. The best malting has occasionally brought 428., and though it is generally believed we have a fair average crop of barley fine qualities, appear scarce, and seem likely to command high rates all through the season. The London imports as compared with last year show a decrease both in English and foreign of about 8,000 qrs. each. The four weeks amounted to 12,198 qrs. English, 14,864 qrs. foreign; against 20,692 qrs. English, 22,533 qrs. foreign in October 1861. It might be expected that the demand for malting barley enhanced the value of malt, and this article has rather gained something in price, with a better enquiry for fine old sorts, new not yet appearing at market. The oat trade has been decidedly dull all through the month, with almost a constant reduction in value of 6d. per qr. every Monday, the last excepted, when the falling off of foreign supplies and some diminution in the English receipts gave a little tone to trade, and in a retail way rather more money was made, but it may be safely said that nearly all sorts have receded 18. 6d. per qr. Fair useful_Russian sorts have been sold at 21s. per qr., and 40lbs. Swedes at 22s. per qr., but as foreign markets do not come down sufficiently to meet these rates, and old oats are not by any means plentiful, it would seem about the lowest rates have been reached. The imports into London for the four weeks were in all 148,874 qrs., viz., 43,932 qrs. English only, 90 grs. Scotch, 2,821 qrs. Irish, and 102,031 qrs. foreign; against 31,680 qrs. English, 697 qrs. Scotch, 4,650 qrs. Irish, and 86,155 qrs. foreign in 1861, for the same period. With much fewer beans imported this season than last, the London market has been excessively dull and drooping. The new English this year are generally of poor quality and in bad condition, so much so as to unfit them for horse food, still they are hardened by frost. The fineness too, of September, which was like a continuance of summer, made little demand for foreign, and though prices have remained about the same, business has been very inactive. Fair supplies of Egyptian may be expected, and much will depend on the hardness of the winter whether prices will improve; but as they are now easy, it seems unlikely much reduction can take place under any circumstances. 35 5 22 5 34 34 8 21 5 33 34 5 9 0 Sept. 27, 1862.... 8 39 2 41 1 4 39 5 42 3 8 39 1 42 5 COMPARATIVE AVERAGES-1862-61. Peas also have not hitherto been much in request, but the falling off of foreign supplies gave some hardness to values of English on the fourth Monday, especially as the stocks of foreign white feeding sorts have been gradually diminishing. Boilers, though low priced, have hardly come into demand yet, and the present rates are not high Barley 51314 34 5 enough to induce farmers to send them before wanted. The imports into London for four weeks were 3,073 qrs. English, 3,003 qrs. foreign; against 3,305 qrs. English, 453 qrs. foreign last year. The price of linseed has kept high all through the month, but the rates have scarcely been maintained, and cakes finished in calm after an active demand. The holders of cloverseed have been firm, from a reported failure of the English_crop, and fine trefoil has increased in value. Mustardseed has partly recovered from its late depression, but only in fine qualities of white, which have brought 98. 6d. to 10s. per bushel. Winter tares being yet abundant have given way, and 7s. 6d. per bushel has become a full price. New canaryseed has appeared of middling quality, and was held at about 60s. Old has remained much the same as to price and demand. From last Friday's Gaz. s. d. Rye ...... ........ 233 Beans 21 7 31 8 21 6 34 9 39 1 42 5 Peas........ PRICES OF SEEDS. BRITISH SEEDS. .................. 98. to 10s. 16s. 569. 7s. 9d. 268. 688. MUSTARD, per bush., white FOREIGN SEEDS. COUNTRY POTATO MARKETS. (Saturday last.)-A small supply of potatoes, which was not equal to the demand, and all were bought up at the following prices Wholesale 8s. 6d. to 10s. 6d. per load, retail ls. to 1s. 2d. per peck. LEEDS, (Saturday last.)-A large supply of potatoes, and a heavy market at 9d. to 10d., retail 11d. to 12d. per 21lbs. MANCHESTER, (Saturday last.)-Potatoes 9s. to 18s. per 252lbs. YORK, (Saturday last.)-Although there was a fair supply of potatoes, they advanced to 10s. per tub of 280lbs., the retail price being 8d. to 9d. per peck. This advance is attributed to waste and to a less sound condition of this valuable esculent on strong land than had been imagined, and the impression is that prices will be still higher. |