[294] 

 The United States Economist, of recent date, says : 



There never was a time at this period of the year when stocks of do- 

 mestic fleece and pulled wools were sold up as clean in all markets, and 

 were it not for the large quantities coming from all foreign countries it is 

 fair to conclude that prices would have ere this risen to exalted figures. 

 Prices are advancing in the markets abroad for all classes of wools adapt- 

 ed to our necessities, in consequence of the large demand for this country* 

 and it is getting more difficult every day to obtain the grades of wool we 

 require, unless at prices which will materially enhance the cost of the 

 scoured pound. There is no safety left manufacturers but to diversify 

 production (if a modification of the wool tariff is not reached), because it 

 is now clear that any class of fine wool when scoured will cost from 80c. 

 to $1.15 this season, while last year mannfacturers were enabled to pur- 

 chase the bulk of supplies at from 40c. to 75c. scoured. The cause of this 

 enormous advance is founded on demand and supply. We do not grow 

 sufficient wool for the wants of manufacturers, and the result is seen in 

 the sharp competition to obtain the necessary supplies adapted to the 

 wants of our woolen mills. 



