GENERAL AGRICULTURAL REPORTS. AGRICULTURAL REPORT MARCH. FOR, The English wool trade has been in a state of great depression, and the fall in prices during the last six months has been fully forty per cent. This decline arises, in some measure, from the almost total absence of the usual Continental orders. This year's clip is turning out unusually large, even in districts not generally considered "crack" ones. Advices from Australia bring great heaviness in the wool trade, and a fall of from 1d. to 14. per pound in the quotations. In the value of hay and straw very few changes have taken place. Meadow hay has realised £2 10s. to £4 4s.; clover do., £3 10s. to £5; and straw, £1 5s. to £i 10s. per load. Throughout Scotland farming operations have progressed steadily, and the wheat trade has ruled heavy, at drooping currencies. Fat stock has likewise fallen in value. fallen off, and prices have ruled in favour of buyers. The shipIn Ireland, the transactions in all kinds of produce have ments of grain to England have been very small for the time of year. THE PAST MONTH. Since we last wrote, the weather in nearly all parts of the United Kingdom has been very favourable for out-door farm Jabour, in which, consequently, great progress has been made. Much of the light wheats, and most of the spring corn, have now been sown even in our backward counties, and the land has been everywhere in fine condition for the reception of the seed furrow. So far, therefore, everything is in a satisfactory state; but when we consider the wheat trade, the continuous decline in prices, and the future prospects of the growers, there is reason to anticipate a state of things-as respects wheat in particular-almost without a parallel. The effects of the late severe panic in the commercial world-a panic that has led to a decrease in our aggregate shipments during the first two months of the present year, compared with last season, of nearly four millions sterling-have, to some extent, produced a decline in the consumption; there is literally no speculation going on, either in home or foreign produce, notwithstanding that money is unusually abundant and cheap; and great anxiety continues to be shown by the holders of REVIEW OF THE CATTLE TRADE DURING foreign grain to sell at almost any price. The result of the last year's wheat harvest in this country shows an enormous yield, and an unusually large quantity on hand, both in bara and stack. Throughout France the produce seems to be equally large; and the same state of things prevails in the United States. The consequence is that we have had all sellers and very few buyers, except for immediate consumption, and forced sales of grain have continued, to the prejudice of the value of home-grown qualities. Again, in order to compete with French flour-which may be had as low as 34s. per 280 lbs., free on board, at Nantes-the town millers have reduced their top price to 403, and country marks have fallen in an equal proportion. The value of wheat has, too, declined fully 4s. per quarter, and the question generally asked is When will the downward movement cease? We can scarcely assume that wheat can be much lower than it now is, because it would be better for the wealthy growers to withhold supplies altogether, and take the chance of future markets, than sell at present quotations; but, at the same time, it is very evident that any advance cannot be anticipated at present. The last official averages show a fall in the quotations, compared with the same time last year, of about 12s. per quarter, and, in the present tone of the trade, that difference seems likely to increase than diminish. From France, the north of Europe, and from the United States, we are threatened with heavy importations in the face of great abundance at home, and there is not the slightest appearance of speculative investments. The want of speculation has compelled the foreign houses to sell on their own account; cousequently there has been no accumulation of supply in warehouse. However, there is no question but that the downward movement must have a limit, and that ordinary prudence on the part of our farmers, and of shippers generally, will have its accustomed influence upon the demand. The barley trade has continued healthy, and prices have ruled steady. Oats, beans, and peas have likewise commanded extreme, to rather advanced, rates; and these articles are likely to sell well, and at full quotations, during the remainder of the season. A further advance, owing to their scarcity, has taken place in the value of the best potatoes. We, however, continue to receive large supplies from the Continent, in fair condition, and which have changed hands at from 80s. to 105s. per ton. Evidently, the extent of our growth last year-though we admit that a large portion of it has turned out undt for human consumption has been much under-rated, as, even now, the supplies on hand are extensive. The result of the last Colonial sales is quite as satisfactory as could have been anticipated, considering the dulness of trade in our manufacturing districts. Fine wools sold at 1d. to lid. per pound more money; but inferior qualities went lower. Notwithstanding that only moderate supplies of fat stock have been on offer in the Metropolitan Market, the greatest heaviness has prevailed in the trade generally, and a serious decline has taken place in the quotations. The continuous fall in prices bas led to the opinion in various quarters that the consumption of food in London is rapidly falling off. Such, however, is not the fact, and the cause of depression in the currencies may be easily traced. That an unusually small amount of butchers' meat is now being consumed in the manufacturing districts, is obvious from the enormous supplies which have reached London by railway, and which, in a general way, would have been sent to Manchester, Birmingham, &c.' These supplies-which, in some weeks, have amounted to twenty thousand carcasses-have been overwhelming; so large, indeed, have they proved, that the greatest difficulty has been experienced in effecting sales on any terms. Had they been only moderately extensive, seeing that the consumption of meat in London is still large, prices would not have run down to their present low point, and great losses, on the part of those who bought store stock at high values, would have been prevented. On the part of the foreigner there has been very little competition, as the surplus produce of both Holland and Germany is still directed to France. In February there were imported into that country 19,119 oxen and sheep, against 23,513 in the corresponding month in 1857, and 23,050 in 1856. It is true that these figures show a slight falling-off when compared with the two previous years; yet they prove that the production of live stock in France is considerably less than the consumption. Our dependence upon the foreigner, as will be seen by our statistical details, is now reduced to a nominal amount, and the reduction in our importations shows a steady onward progress in our prodnction, both as regards number, weight, and condition. The high prices prevailing in this country up to a recent period have, no doubt, operated as a stimulus to production; and our impres sion is that there is now more stock, both in England and Scotland, than has been known for many years past. Perhaps, however, our remarks may be more strictly applied to beasts, the breeds of which are now undergoing changes of great importance. In Norfolk the shorthorns have been more generally introduced, not only as a separate breed, but they have been mixed with Scots, until the pure breeds of the latter have become much less numerous than formerly; in point of fact, the Scots in Norfolk are not now kept up, as formerly, by direct arrivals from Scotland, owing to the Scotch breeders keeping their store animals at home, and the shorthorns have been more generally introduced into that and the adjoining counties as fresh blood; hence, out of the wool, have rapidly increased. The general quo- Beef, Lamb Veal Pork of late years, noble-looking and heavy Scots, to all appear- We will Compared with the corresponding period last year, prices, almost generally, show a fall of nearly 1s. per 8 lbs., but we see no reason to apprehend any further important decline. True, we have bread at very low figure-viz., from 44d. to 74d. per 4 lbs. loaf; but, on the other hand, potatoes of good and sound quality are very scarce and dear. It frequently happens, however, that whilst the commerce of the country is in an active state, and whilst the price of wheat is low and drooping-such being the case at this momentthe effect upon the value of other kinds of food is important; and it is just possible, even though the trade of the country may revive, that both beasts and sheep will be selling at rather low quotations during the next two or three months, unless there is a considerable falling off in the arrivals of dead meat per railway. In nearly the whole of our grazing districts the health of the stock has continued good, and very few losses have been sustained by disease. The lambing season has passed off remarkably well, the weather having been highly favourable for it, and the fall has been larger and stronger than for many years past. The following return shows the importations of live stock into the United Kingdom during the past month: The above comparison shows that last month we imported a smaller amount of supply than during the last eight years; but this falling-off has been more than made good by increased production at home-a fact which appears to be worthy of special remark. The total supplies of stock shown in the London market, derived from all sources, have been as under : COMPARISON OF PRICES. March, 1855. s. d. s. d. 4 to 5 0 Mutton.. 3 4 Veal s. d. 2 10 to 4 10 6 0 s. d. &. d. 3 4 to 5 0 42-60 4 4 -5 8 36-52 The month's arrivals of beasts from Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire have amounted to about 10,610 Scots and shorthorns; from other parts of England, 2600 of various breeds; from Scotland, 1,720 Scots and crosses; and from Ireland, 1,350 oxen and heifers. Immense supplies of each kind of meat have been on ruled heavy in the extreme, and a considerable fall has taken offer in Newgate and Leadenhall. The trade generally has place in the quotations. Beef has sold at from 2s. 10d. to 4s.; mutton, 3s. 10d. to 4s. 4d.; lâmb, 4s. 8d. to 6s.; veal, 3s. 8d. to 4s. 8d.; and pork, 3s. to 4s. 4d. per 8 lbs. by the carcase. The City authorities-under, we presume, the impression politan Market towards the close of the week-have deter that a change of day will improve the trade of the Metromined to change the day of holding the market from Fridays to Thursdays. The continued falling-off in the supplies of stock, when compared with Smithfield, and the enormous sums lavished upon the new market, have rendered it ne cessary to double the tolls; and now, in order to attract additional supplies and more buyers, a change in the day is considered necessary. The authorities should bear in mind that double tolls will have the effect of reducing the supplies shown-that ever since the market has been removed a smaller number of stock, taken in the aggregate, has been brought forward-and that any change in the day ought to be taken into consideration by purely practical men." We are told that the butchers require more time to get their stock home and slaughter it for Saturday's business; but surely every man at all acquainted with the trade must be aware that the butcher-more especially as he has now to travel several miles of additional ground-finds it necessary to visit, in one day, not only the Metropolitan (or live) market, but also Newgate and Leadenhall. Now, in hot weather, this would be impossible; and it is quite clear to us that the change-as was the case many years since-wid prove a complete failure, and that eventually only one mar ket day will be held in each week, because unquestionably the butcher's interest must be consulted, or he will turn bis attention to local markets, which are now rapidly increasing in importance. AGRICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE, FAIRS, &c. CARMARTHENSHIRE FAIRS.-Cattle fairs have been held at Haverfordwest on the 20th, at Narbeth on the 22nd, and at Newcastle Emlyn and Cross Inn on the 23rd of this month. The show of store beasts was considerably under the average of former years, and the dealers purchased very sparingly at from 12 to 15 per cent. lower than last year's prices. Fat cows sold readily at from 5d. to 6 d. per lb., s cording to quality, sinking the offal. The few cows with Pigs. calves shown, sold at highly remunerating prices. Horses and colts were scarce, and sold at very high rates. The small number of bacon pigs and porkers sold at from 54d. to 6d. per lb. dead weight. A fair number of store pigs were on offer; those sold rather sluggishly at lower prices. 2,230 2,140 88,790 2,765 532 93,060 1,091 2,780 360 85,680 1,614 2,780 The few lambs on offer have sold slowly, at from 6s. to, in some instances, 7s. per 8 lbs. ; and the supplies of sheep done. The attendance was unusually scanty, and the fair is described as being upon the whole "very poor." DURHAM FAIR. Buyers were numerous. Colonel Teasdale attended as a purchaser on behalf of the Govern ment. Superior horses sold at about 100 guineas; army horses, £25 to £30, and in some few instances, £35; best cart horses, £30 to £35 per head; commoner animals were a drug. Prices are 10 to 15 per cent. lower than last year, Dealers and farmers state that prices are yet likely to fall consi derably. EAST RETFORD FAIR.-There was a good attendance of buyers and sellers. There was a very large show of agricultural and draught horses of a superior description. There were but few hacks shown, and but little business done in either description of these animals. Prices ruled, for really useful sorts of draughts, from £33 to £40; hacks, £20 to £30. As usual there were plenty of "offal" horses on sale. There was a large supply of cattle, but very little fat stock on sale. Drapes and steers readily sold from £9 to £14, according to size and quality. Milkers and store beasts went off sluggish. There were but few calves. Beef sold at 8s. per stone, and mutton at 6 d. per lb. Hogs realized 37s. fully. Few sheep were penned. HELSTON FAIR.-Purchasers were not willing to give so high prices as ruled for some time past. Towards the close of the fair, however, a good amount of business was done. A fine lot of bullocks, five in number, reared by Mr. John Tyacke, of Merther, was sold by auction, and realized good prices. HEXHAM FAIR.-A moderately light show of cattle, which met a brisk demand at good prices, excepting milk cows, which sold slowly at drooping prices. Horses a very good show; demand slack, prices lower, and many left unsold. Pigs a numerous show, at lower rates, and part left unsold, HORNCASTLE HOG SHOW AND FAIR-Was the largest that has ever been known, the recent favourable alteration in the weather having brought sellers of stock into the market in large numbers, in expectation of a rise in prices. Both beasts and sheep partook of the upward tendency, and although the market was rather lower than was anticipated, the stock exhibited was gradually disposed of. There was a strong interest excited in the competition for the silver cup, given by Mr. Stanhope to the exhibitor of the best pen of hehogs; the competitors being Mr. Parker, of Walmsgate, Mr. Jos. Walter, of Edlington, and Mr. Jos. Davey, of Fulletby. Mr. Parker was again fortunate enough to bear off the prize, and obtain a companion to the cup he won last year. The judges were Jos. R. Kirkham, Esq, Andleby, Mr. Harwood Mackinder, Langton, and Mr. Mayfield, Dogdyke. ILSLEY FORTNIGHTLY MARKET.-There was about an average supply, and a fair attendance of dealers. The sheep this season are in good condition, and handled remarkably well. The trade was dull, but eventually nearly the whole was disposed of at about 1s. to 2s. per head reduction from that day fortnight. LEOMINSTER FAIR was well supplied with most descriptions of stock, but the trade ruled dull except for steers and good barren cows, and those were in demand at high rates. Cows and calves met with customers and remunerative prices. Beef averaged 64d.; and wether mutton, in the wool, 74d. per lb. Pigs were low. Really good horses in demaud at high rates; inferior animals lower. MUIR OF ORD FAIR.-3,689 sheep, chiefly Cheviot hoggs, were for sale. Last year the number on the same day was 3,600. On this occasion the sheep were in fair condition, but not equal to last year; and in estimating the fall of prices, some allowance must be made for this fact. The want of keep throughout the country, and the depreciation in prices, told heavily on the market. Until about three o'clock only two transactions were reported; these were two lots, each of from 300 to 400 Cheviot wether hoggs, in good condition and wellbred, which were sold at a guinea a-head--Mr. Scobie, Lochinver, and Mr. Clarke, Eribole, being the purchasers. They were reported to be the best lots on the ground. After three o'clock Mr. Scobie gave the market a little activity by purchasing several lots of boggs, at from 18s. to 20s., which were counted cheap at the money, and sold from want of keep at home. Mr. Fraser, Mauld, bought a lot of Cheviot hoggs from Mr. Ross, Fairburn, at 149.; and another lot at the same figure. Mr. Sim, Scotsburn, sold a lot of black-faced hoggs at 13s. A fine lot of half-bred wethers, belonging to Mr. Maclennan, Tomich, were intercepted on their way to thr Inverness steamer, by which they were to be sent to Edinburgh, and were bought by Mr. Jackson at 853. a-head. Mr. Mackay, Cape Wrath, bought Cheviot wether hoggs at 19s; Mr. Mackenzie, Baluabeen, sold the Mulcbaich shot Cheviot wether hoggs at £16 per clad score. The market on Thursday was duiler than on Wednesday, and at a late hour little or nothing had been done. Forty cattle were on the ground, fifty horses, and seventy-six pigs, besides a large portion of the A good many horses sheep exposed on the previous day. changed hands, and most of the pigs; but, so far as we could learn, there was not an offer made for any of the lots of cattle, and nothing further was done in sheep. Horses were greatly down from last year, and pigs were selling at something like 20 per cent. less than at the corresponding market of 1857. NEWARK FAIR.-There was a moderate supply of store beasts, which sold as well as was expected, at prices considerThere was a ably below those realized this time last year. good supply also of milking cows, but prices were not so high as at previous markets. We had a good show of sheep, which sold off much lower than last year; hogs fetched about £2 each. Not many lambs were shown at the stock market on Tuesday; the show of sheep was good, Prices were 6d. per lb. out of wool, and 7d. in wool. Beef realized 78. to 7s. 6d. per stone. ROSS FAIR was not so well attended as it generally has been. Beef fetched 7d. per lb., mutton 64d. There were very few horses offered, and the sales were generally dull. UPTON FAIR.-The supply of stock was larger than usual. Useful cows and calves sold at from £13 to £14 apiece; bar.ens about £11 or £12 each; wether sheep averaged from 30s. to 40s. a-head. Store pigs were numerous, and were disposed of at a considerable reduction in price from last year's value. WREXHAM FAIR was exceedingly well attended by business men, but the tendency of prices for all kinds of stock, with the exception of sheep, was downwards, and in consequence not a very large amount of business was done. The show of fat stock was good, but barrens fetched the best prices comparatively. Sheep were scanty, both fat and store, and prices were firm. Of horses there was a larger show, especially of cart-horses, amongst which there were many fine animals, the prices ranging from £30 to £50. Pigs were plentiful, and cheaper than ever known in Wrexham. YORK FAIR.-Very few lean beasts were shown, and business trifling. A moderate supply of horses had slow demand, at rates much below last Palosun fair. IRISH FAIRS--BALLINAKILL: There was a good average display of stock. Prices ruled pretty much as during the past month, and good store stock were in demand. Store pigs sold a shade lower than previously. At ATHLONE FAIR there was large supply of prime cattle, for which there was little demand, in consequence of the absence of Leinster buyers. The supply of pigs was very large, but the demand was slow, and prices were very considerably down from the January fair. CARLOW: There was a good supply of stock, principally stores; but there was a disinclination on the part of graziers to purchase, unless cattle of good quality. Fat stock manifested a downward tendency -some prime lots brought good prices. Mr. Joseph Fishbourne sold two three-year-old stallfed heifers for £17 per head. Major M'Mahon received for a lot of fat heifers £13 58. per head. A large lot of stores, two and a half years old, were sold by Mr. B. B. Feltus to P. Maher at £10 per head. Beef may in general be quoted from 50s. to 55s. per cwt. for prime. Strippers and dry cows were numerous, and those of a good quality sold well; inferior classes were not much in request, prices ranged from £13 to £16. Mr. Browne, of Ballyraggan, county Kildare, sold a lot of three-year-olds for £10 12s. 6d. per head; and Mr. Browne, of Corbally, a lot of three-year-old bullocks, at £11 178 6d. The sheep fair was thinly supplied, but some lots of excellent quality were exhibited. Mr. Thomas Dowse sold a prime lot (fat) at £3 10., the top price; Mr. Peter Salter, a lot of wethers at £2 7s. per head. The average price of hoggets was from 35s. to 423. Store pigs from 20s, to 25s., bonhams 78. to 128. per couple. Mr. Stephenson.. 5 gs., h. b. 3 gs. Messrs. Barrow.. 10 gs., h. b. 5 gs. 3 sovs. Mr. Griffiths.... Mr. Sparrow.... 5 gs., h. b. 2 gs. 7 gs., h. b. 3 gs. J. Hitchcock.... 5 sovs., h. b. 2 sovs. Mr. Wheeler.... 10 gs., h. b. 5 gs. W. Hemming 10 gs, h. b. 5 gs. D. Price........ 1 g. Croft, Darlington...... T. Winteringham 20 gs. 5 gs., h. b. 2 gs. 10 gs. (mares) Pumicestone.... Althorp, Northampton Mr. Elliott. 10 gs.,h. b. 5 gs. (10 Halliford, Sunbury.... Mr. Carter...... 10 gs., h. b. 8 gs. Leybourne, Maidstone.. Mr. Tweed...... 15 gs., h. b. 5 gs. Owmby, Brigg ...Mr. Ashton ... 20 gs. (45 mares). Tollerton, Easingwold . Mr. Batty Sledmere, Malton 10 gs. &c., h. b. 2 gs. Sir T. Sykes.... 10 gs. |