216 Monthly Agricultural Report. [Aveusr, 
which may be had of Mr. Gibbs. We have grown spurry during some years, with success, 
and experienced no aversion to it in sheep. ‘The hay when made at its full growth and in 
flavour, is most excellent food for sheep. Harvest is in hand in the southern counties, 
but the present constant rains may occasion the turn of a dry and propitious season for those 
who can defer a while, and for the later districts. ‘The labourers seem generally employed. 
It is now pretty well ascertained that the old stock of wheat will meet the new with a 
good face. A reduction of rents is spoken of, particularly in Essex, always the lowest 
rented, though the first corn county in England, and one of the easiest to cultivate. 
That fine county has been invariably mistaken by strangers, from days of yore, both in 
the above respect, and in reference to salubrity. Notwithstanding the great plenty of com- 
mon summer fruits, much apprehension is entertained on the score of those proper for. 
preserving, during the present rains. The accounts from North Britain, previous to the 
late tempestuous weather, were highly satisfactory ; and with regard to Ireland, it is encou- 
raging to record her decided superiority of late years, in the important articles of butter and 
bacon, of which she furnishes such an immense supply to this importing country. Irish 
butter has, some time since, commanded far the highest prices in the English markets, and 
Trish bacon fully equals the best Wiltshire, which indeed it has long since driven out of the 
general market. Hibernia, after centuries and iliads of miseries and oppressions, is at 
length destined to emerge, and that in the most honourable and profitable mode—through 
her own native energies. They who can deliberate impartially on her long oppressions 
and disgraces, will never wonder at her enthusiasm, however closely it may seem to border 
upon madness. 
On live stock, little is required to be said, but that there is great plenty in the country, 
with a superabundance of food for their nourishment. Store cattle have yet been too dear, 
which has caused much feeding land to be understocked. Prices, however, are declining 
in some degree. There is little or no variation in the wool market, nor is it probable, in 
regard to price. This luxurious country must and will be attired with the finest cloth, 
and our flock-masters, whether they can or not, will not grow wool equal in fineness for 
such a manufacture. 4 
A recital of the melancholy effects of the late hurricanes and overwhelming rains we 
must leave to the diurnals. Great and ruinous distress must have been produced in the 
northern and north western districts, particularly. Overwhelming floods, in one instance, of 
even twenty miles extent. Buildings, corn, hay, cattle, property of all kinds driven away 
by the overwhelming element : even lives lost. The damage to the crops of corn beaten 
down will be immense, in which the whole country will share in various degrees. Whilst 
writing, we have opened several letters from the middle and eastern parts of Essex, which 
concur not only in the accounts of the great damage done to their corn crops, by being 
beaten down by the late storms, but previously, by the variable and blighting effects of the 
atmosphere. Great part of their wheat will be discoloured, and much smutted. A similar 
calamity affects Suffolk and Norfolk. All accounts from the opposite continent, state 
that the late hurricanes extended thither in full force. Every intelligent farmer, ambitious 
of knowing his true position with that of his country, should read Mr. Jacob’s reports. 
Smithfield. — Beef, 3s. 6d. to 4s. 6d.—Mutton, 4s. to 4s. 10d.—Veal, 4s. 4d. to 5s. 8d. 
—Pork, 4s. 6d. to 5s. 6d.—Lamb, 4s. 6d. to 5s. 2d.—Raw fat, 2s. 3d. 
Corn Exchange.—Wheat, 48s. to 73s.—Barley, 26s. to 36s.—Oats, 18s. to 30s. 
—Bread, 94d. the 4 Ib. London loaf.—Hay and straw nearly as per last report. 
Coals in the Pool, 30s. to 36s. 6d. per chaldron. 
Middlesex, July 25, 1828. 
MONTHLY COMMERCIAL REPORT. 
Sugar.—The demand for Muscovadoes during the last week was steady—the purchases 
extensive ; being estimated at 38,000 hogsheads and tierces. There was not the slightest 
alteration in the prices. The transactions in refined goods, last week, were considerable 5 
and they would have been extensive if any adequate supplies had appeared. The fine goods 
met a ready sale. 
Coffee.—The public sales of coffee last week were not extensive ; the British plantation 
descriptions declined from Is. to 2s. per cwt. ; the foreign 6d. to 1s. per cwt. Good ordi- 
nary pale St. Domingo, 34s. 
Rum, Brandy, and Hollands.—The purchases of fine Jamaica Rum, last week, were 
extensive; the prices for strong descriptions were from 4s. to 4s. 3d. Several parcels ‘of » 
Leewards were disposed of at a shade lower. Brandy was heavy: Geneva without 
alteration. 
Hemp, Flax, and Tallow.—Tallow has been steady. Jn Hemp and Flax there is 
jittle variation. 
