204 ON THE PRICE OF GRAIN. 



6s. each on one occasion, but the general scale is identical with that 

 of other localities. The wheat harvest of this year must have been 

 generally good, and the weather of that character which suits all kinds 

 of soils alike. The same uniformity characterizes the barley prices. 

 One or two malt sales are high, but, as I have stated before, the 

 evidence of malt sales must be always qualified. The amount sold 

 is generally small, the time is seldom given, though it is generally 

 purchased for harvest, and the quality is very indeterminate. Oats 

 are, of course, more varied, but present less than the usual uncon- 

 formity. Many of the sales are very large. Rye prices are not very 

 abundant, and are hardly equal to the proportion. Beans and peas 

 are fully proportionate, but vetches are a little dearer. 



On the whole, no year which has yet been commented on presents 

 so wide an amount of evidence, and so close a correspondence in 

 price. The rates are certainly lower than the average, but the re- 

 markable feature of the year is the aspect of uniform agricultural 

 prosperity. 



T 333- The evidence is rather scanty, but wide and uniform. 

 There is singularly little variation in the numerous Cuxham entries. 

 Wheat begins in August at 4,?., and reaches its highest point in 

 April, when it touches 5-y. for a short time, though a sale at 4.?. 8^. 

 was made on the same day. Nor is the rate high near London. 

 The lowest prices are found at Cheddington, the highest at Boxley. 

 Barley follows the price of wheat, and is throughout low. Oats are 

 cheap, except in the north, from which, however, the sale of one 

 quarter only is taken. Rye is found in three localities only, one of 

 which is near London. The price is exceedingly low. Beans, &c. 

 are equally cheap. 



X 334- The evidence is more abundant. The fall in wheat con- 

 tinues till the summer ; the Cuxham prices oscillating from No- 

 vember to June between 4^. and a little above. In Oxford the rate 

 is still lower, as also at Cheddington and Wolrichston. The rise in 

 July is to be referred to the anticipation of the next harvest. Barley 

 is very low, the sales throughout the country being made at uniformly 

 cheap rates. Oats are also fully proportionate. Rye, as in the pre- 

 ceeding year, is particularly cheap. There is a slight rise in beans 

 and vetches, but peas are sold at relative rates. 



1335. The evidence is very full, and derived from a wide area. 

 The price of wheat has risen considerably, the highest rates being 

 reached in the spring. Still the price is hardly up to an average. 

 The sales near London, as is customary, are at the best price ; 



