344 AGRICULTURAL REPORT. 



be recollected by our readers that we, previous to the meeting of parlia- 

 ment, vouched for these resolutions of Ministers on informations we received 

 from that which we know to be the best authority. In truth and common 

 sense, the very idea of government acceding to the plan of a free trade in 

 corn, under existing circumstances, is supremely ridiculous they cannot do 

 it nor would any Ministers, unqualified for bedlam, make the attempt. 

 We are as sanguine advocates for free trade in corn and every other 

 commodity, as the most enthusiastic partisans can be ; but even precious 

 stones may be bought too dear ; and it is ethically somewhat too much, to 

 sacrifice nearly the whole body of the present farming tenantry, by way of 

 a bonne bouche, and for the benefit of their successors. Down with all 

 superfluous and corrupt taxation, and then up with free trade, say we 

 we will then challenge all the world at cheap corn growing. The farmers 

 stoutly deny the accusation of monopoly. The price of wheat has long 

 been stationary, kept down by an inordinate home supply, which has pro- 

 produced meager stack yards in every part of the country ; but should a 

 foreign demand ensue, the price must rise considerably, as the quantities 

 which can be spared from the Continent are by no means abundant, and 

 whence the demand for Russia, where the crops have failed to a great 

 extent, must be supplied. We shall be enlightened on this important 

 point two or three months hence by the then appearance of our own crops. 

 The hop trade seems reviving ; somewhat more money is asked and given. 

 The prices of live stock and wool have made some amendment for the de- 

 pression in the products of the soil, but the care of sheep is still unfortu- 

 nate, and must ever be so under a continued moisture of atmosphere. Not 

 only the health of the sheep has been morbidly affected, but the unseasona- 

 ble warmth of the winter has produced a premature breed of ticks, which, 

 constantly annoying the sheep with their bites, has stimulated them to roll 

 in the mud and dirt, to the soiling and considerable damage of their wool. 

 The general demand for wool has advanced the price per stone, of long 

 woolled sheep, to an equality with that of the South Downs. In the early 

 part of the lambing season, there was unfortunately considerable loss, both 

 in lambs and ewes; at present, we have better hopes. All turnips, Swedes 

 equally with the common, have been for some time running toseed, in 

 course, affording no nourishment thence our chief independence is on hay 

 which is fortunately very plentiful. 



Other horrible cases of incendiarism have occurred since our last, and it 

 has been too often heard from the mouths of our country labourers, that 

 to such threatning acts they have owed the allotments of land bestowed 

 upon them. This surely ought to induce particular caution in those who 

 bestow these allotments. 



The dead markets, by the carcase, per stone of 8lbs. Beef, 2s. 4d. to 

 3s. 8d.; Mutton, 2s. 8d. to 3s. 10d.: Veal, 3s. Id., 5s. 2d. ; Pork, 3s. to 

 4s. 4d. ; best dairy, 5s. 



Corn Exchange. Wheat, 38s., 60s. ; Barley, 21s., 29s. ; Oats, 16s., 24s. 

 London Loaf, 4lbs., fine bread, 8|d. ; Hay, 55s. to 80s.; Clover ditto, 70s. 

 95s. ; Straw, 28s. to 35s. 



Coal Exchange. Coal sin the Pool, 15s. to 18s. 6d. per ton ; delivered to 

 the consumer at an additional expense of 9d. to 12d. per ton. 

 Middlesex, Feb. 24. 



BAYLIS AND LETGHTON, 

 JOIIXSON'S-COURT, FLEET-STREET. 



