192 ON THE PRICE OF GRAIN. 



Prices are rather lower than in the previous year, and suggest gene- 

 rally an average rate. The highest are found in the south-east, and 

 on a Bedfordshire estate. In all likelihood these prices were forced 

 by anticipation of the coming harvest. The price of barley is 

 steadily proportionate to that of wheat. Oats are rather high. Rye 

 is proportionate. Beans are only found twice, and appear probably 

 higher than the market price actually was, for peas are low. Vetches 

 are dearer than peas. 



1293. The evidence is very abundant, and the entries are very 

 numerous. Wheat prices are very high; the lowest rates being 

 west and south. The price, according to the Cuxham account, 

 travelled up till the end of April, and then fell slightly, having 

 reached los. 6d. on this estate when dearest. This is the largest 

 rate reached, except for one quarter at Gamlingay, which sold for 

 us. 8d. : 10,?. is frequently found. Barley is equally dear; but 

 drage is not so high. Oats and rye follow proportionately. Beans 

 are somewhat cheaper than might have been expected, but peas and 

 vetches come up to the market. 



1294. The information is abundant, and derived from a very 

 wide area. Prices of wheat reach the highest point hitherto 

 noticed, especially in the eastern counties, where they are quoted 

 several times at 1 2 s. : they are lower, however, in the west. The 

 Cuxham account gives the highest prices at the beginning and end 

 of the financial year, the rates in winter, comprising the largest sales, 

 being considerably less than at the other periods. The prices of 

 barley, rye, and malt are fully proportionate, following the localities. 

 Oats are not quite so high as might have been expected, though 

 evidently scarce and dear in the eastern counties. Beans, &c. are 

 very high, especially in the same places ; and it appears from certain 

 entries that the yield was bad in quality as well as quantity. 



1295. The evidence is of the same character. Prices have fallen 

 considerably, but wheat is uniformly dear : the highest rates were 

 in the autumn, and the market becomes easier during the spring 

 and summer. Barley is on the whole a little below the proportion, 

 and drage still less. Oats are rather cheap. Rye and malt follow 

 wheat and barley exactly. Beans, &c. are still dear, especially in 

 the western and midland counties. 



1296. The information similar in extent and variety. Wheat is 

 cheap, especially in the eastern and midland counties, but dearer 

 in the south. At Cuxham it decreases, with some fluctuations, to 

 May, when a reaction takes place, and the rate rises. The highest 



