1823.] 
fectly round, and free from prismatic 
tints, while that of Saturn, usually better 
seen in the glass than Jupiter, was a 
deformed and coloured spectrum. This 
change of effect was evidently produced 
by the intervening fog, or stratus, which 
filled the atmosphere, and somehow acted 
as a counteracting power to the refrac- 
tive defeats of the glass. 
Dec. 13.—Before I arose in the morning, 
I became sensible that the wind had 
changed to east, by a sensation of rigour 
and slight head-ache, producing a great 
disinclination for any sort of exertion. A 
still and clouded atmosphere, and a raw 
air, added to the horrors of a wind, iu 
most countries proverbially disagreeable 
and unwholesome. Barometer falling about 
50.14. Therm. 34°. 
Monthly Agricultural Report. 
557 
Dec. 14 to 16.—The same sort of cold 
wind prevailed, and rendered being abroad 
very disagreeable. I am persuaded that 
patients, with delicate healths, wonld do 
well to confine themselves to the honse, 
during the prevalence of north-east anc 
east* winds in winter-time. Indeed, at all 
times of the year, the east wind is un- 
wholesome. 
—. 18.—A warmer air, with small rain 
again. 
—. 19.—Cold unwholesome E. N.N.E. 
wind again. t 
* It is a remarkable circumstance, that 
good astronomical observations cannot be 
made with east wind. The objects seem 
to wave about in the field of the telescope. 
MONTHLY AGRICULTURAL 
a 
oo the drought at the commence- 
ment, and the subsequent continued 
rains, a considerable part of tne wheat- 
seed has been put in unusually late. ‘The 
appearance of the young crop, however, 
is universally good. Local damage has 
been done to the wheats by the late floods, 
from which they are recovering; and the 
crops, generally, will receive a salutary 
check by the late and present seasonable 
weather. In our last, we reported from vari- 
ous quarters, that the usual quantity of 
wheat had not been sown this season, which 
has been since contradicted by a directly 
opposite assertion. ‘The potatoe-crop has 
proved great, but the considerable culti- 
vators are so dissatisfied at the present 
prices, that many of them have determined 
10 contract that culture, Report speaks 
still more favourably of the turnips, and 
of all the green cattle-crops. Lauds have 
been for some time getting ready for put- 
ting in the early pulse. Instead of the 
usual depression of market towards Christ- 
mas, wheat has remained steady, and even 
advanced in price; a favourable circum- 
stance, no doubt, resulting from the pru- 
dent forbearance of landlords. Strange 
discrepancies of intelligence arrive from 
different parts of the country. In some 
quarters it is pretended, that the farmers 
no longer complain, and that a favourable 
turn in the times, is in prospect. Facts, 
and a general view of the case, forbid us, 
at present, to be sanguine in such a spe- 
culation. When we consider the immense 
and unfailing supply of live stock at Smith- 
field market, so often to an overflow, the 
prices there obtained cannot be deemed 
low; more especially as the highest prices 
are seldom or never quoted in the common 
reports. Store cattle and sheep, from the 
REPORT. 
abundance of keep during this autumn, 
have been saleable without any depression 
of prices: but cows and calves, and foals, 
have been most ready of sale. Pig breed- 
ing has been utterly ruined in this country, 
by the constant and extensive importation 
from Ireland. Our English breeders are 
taking the most judicious steps; either. 
discontinuing intirely, or reduciag their 
breeding stock one-half. They write 
from several quarters that ‘‘money is 
scarce ;” the English of which is, that 
prices are low; for in no part of the, 
country is money deficient for a profitable 
purpose, whether in coin or paper. Thus, 
far, the surplus of country labourers has 
been supported with full, as much. ease as 
was expected ; but the prospect, especi- 
ally in case of a hard winter, is gloomy, 
The dissatisfaction on account of the 
tithe-system, gains ground in the country ; 
and, indeed, in the minds of all who re- 
flect; nor does it seem possible that such 
an antiquated and absurd mode of sup- 
‘porting the priesthood, can possibly en- 
dure many years Jonger, notwithstanding 
the opposition of such powerful conflicting 
interests. 
A severe frost set in on Christmas-day, 
the wind south-east, and the thermo-~ 
meter 30. 
Smithfield: —Beef, 2s. 8d. to 4s. 8d.— 
Mutton, 2s. 4d. to 3s. 64.—Veal, 3s, 6d. 
to 6s.—Pork, 2s, 6d. to 4s. 6d.—Bacon, 
.—Raw fat, 2s. 4d. 
Corn Exchange: — Wheat, 25s. to 52s, 
—Barley, 22s. to 40s.—Oats 183. to 275. 
—London price of best bread, 4)b. for 74d, 
—Hay, 52s. to 848.—Clover, do. 658, to 
90s.—Straw, 52s. to 43s 6d. 
Coals in the pool, 388. 6d. to 466. 
Middlesex ; Dec. 26, 
POLITICAL 
