106 Monthly Agricultural Report* JAN. 



turnip?, however, as well might be expected, have produced little else but green tops, 

 those in plenty : and should the winter prove severe, it will be one of the most difficult 

 and expensive. Mangold-wurzel is now the root crop of the greatest consequence, and 

 in general, got up and stored. Mr; Lawrence's old plan of the mixed grass and straw 

 stacks is now under experiment, particularly in those parts where the out crop has been 

 most successful. Potatoes, two-thirds of a crop. Two to three shillings and sixpence 

 a head given for beasts at straw yard, and seven to ten guineas per aero for ordinary 

 turnips. Winter tillage, generally, was never more forward, nor the lands in finer con- 

 dition for the reception of seed for the spring crops. Clover seed, various in quality and 

 low in price. 



There are complaints in some parts of the country, that wheat does not come out to 

 satisfaction, either in quantity or quality ; and that there is a quantity of black wheat, 

 in despite of the most regular steeping ot seed. But there never was a crop without; 

 some tail or falling off; arid we still abide by our darly opinion of the last crop, having 

 seen samples from various parts, of uncommon fineness and weight, the great object ; and 

 which, comparative measured quantities equal, must add greatly to oiir estimation of 

 quantity. From all the most productive districts, we are informed that the stocks of this 

 most precious grain are unusually large. Great complaints still of the Imperial bushel, 

 but not with reason equally great, since a short period of time must necessarily equalize 

 all the difference ; and we repeat, it was something very like an absurdity in the legis- 

 lature to make a rule and not render it imperative; The tacking of a rider, is the one 

 thing needful. Bruised wheat, the most plentiful grain, has now become food for horsfes 

 and pigs, and barley the substitute of oats. On the fortunate sods, barley and oats will 

 prove nearly an average crop, and they are held back by the farmers, for the sake of straw 

 fodder for the spring. During the summer drought, the dairies came exceedingly short 

 of produce, whence butter and cheese must continue at a high price. The wool trade 

 has finished without improvement. Stores and half fat stock have been low throughout 

 the season, the prospect for winter provision being so dubious^ or rather certain as to its 

 heavy expense. 



There are reports, real or pretended, of a cessation of improvements in husbandry, 

 from apprehension of the ill consequences of an expected change in the corn laws; 

 also of a general discharging of labourers. But as, in any case, farming concerns must 

 be retained, they who retain their lands, will find it more to their profit, to employ 

 labourers in duly working and keeping those lands clean, than in pauperizing and sub- 

 sisting those really unfortunate men. A month or two since, we were not a little amused 

 at perusing, in a celebrated magazine, a borrowed article on destroying thistles, by the ex- 

 hibition to them, individually, of doses of salt ; and moreover, by a recommendation to dig 

 store tnrnips in February ! We have since heard, from various quarters, this process of 

 thistle-killing, boasted as a recent discovery. Now experience has long since proved such 

 application of salt in the fields to be most uncertain ; and all such temporary half-measures 

 are most impolitic, since they form so rare an excuse for those (and they are a majority) who 

 cannot be induced to undertake any measure radically. After all, why do our farmers 

 continue to grow such immense loads of weeds ? Is their land of so rampant a nature 

 that it cannot be tamed by corn cropping, and are they thence under the necessity of 

 calling in the effectual assistance of weed vegetation ? It appears extraordinary that 

 flesh meat should be quoted so low in the country, and yet bear so great a price in the 

 metropolis. The London Christmas prices are excessive for the best meat of all kinds, 

 which is scarce ; the inferior bearing a proportionate value. At the cattle show, the 

 quality of the animals was fully equal to the usual standard ; but the number considerably 

 inferior ; and the number of amateur visitants of rank, reduced indeed. 



Smithfield.Beef, 4s. 6d. to 6s. 6ef. Mutton, 3s. Sd. to 4s. Sd. Veal 4s. 8d. 



to 6s. Od. Pork, 4s. 2d. to 5s. Sd. Dairy- fed, 6s. 6d, Raw Fat, 2s. 9d. per stone. 



Corn Exchange. Wheat, 45s. to 68s. Barley, Sis. to 44s. Oats, 26s. to 44s. 

 Bread, 4lb. loaf) 9$d. Hay, 60s. to 105s. Clover, ditto 80s. to 130s. Straw, 21s. 

 to 40s. 



Coals in the Pool, 28s. Od. to 36*. per chaldron. 

 Middlesex, December 18/A, 1826. 



MONTHLY COMMERCIAL REPORT. 



THE war declared against Spain has, as yet, had no effect on the prices of Spanish 

 produce, and there is at present in the London Docks upwards of five years' consumption 

 of Sherry, and of all other sorts of Spanish wines. 



Sugar at this part of the year the consumption being great, the demand by the grocers 

 continues brisk, and prices keep a fair average, say from 50s. to 70s. per cwt. 



Tea keeps its price, and, like sugar, in full demand-. 



Rum is rather dull in the market at 2s. Sd. to 4s. for strong per imperial gallon. 



Coffee has been in demand for the Continent, and the Grocers have for the past 



