xxx.] FIRS. 257 



The trade in foreign deals, battens, boards, &c., from 

 the countries in the North of* Europe, is very great, and 

 there were imported into the United Kingdom, in 1874, 

 2,800,000 loads; in 1873, 2,450,000 loads; in 1872, 

 about 2,300,000 loads ; as compared with 2,140,000 loads 

 in 1871 ; 1,900,000 loads in 1870, and 1,380,000 loads in 

 1866. Large as these quantities are, they seem likely 

 to go on increasing, and will probably continue to do so, 

 until the supply is exhausted. Sweden has contributed 

 the larger portion of these, Norway and Russia come 

 next, and are nearly alike in quantity ; Prussia follows, 

 and Finland supplies least of all. 



To particularise and describe the various shades of 

 difference to be found in the quality of these deals, 

 battens, &c., would be next to impossible, drawn as' 

 they are from so many ports of shipment in each of the 

 countries referred to ; but, taking them in a general 

 way, the order of quality would stand, first or best with 

 Prussia, then with Russia, Sweden, and Finland, and 

 lastly, with Norway. Each of these countries classify 

 their goods by first and second, and sometimes third 

 quality, the respective distinctions of classes being 

 based upon the perfection or otherwise of the manu- 

 facture, and freedom from shakes, sap, or defects. 



From whatever source these deals are obtained, they 

 are usually branded with some fancy mark, letter or 

 device, as varied in character as the names of the 

 different merchants who produce them. These trade- 

 marks are all liable to be changed, and the purchaser, 

 unless he can make the selection for himself, must rely 

 upon the reputation and integrity of the firm he treats 

 with, for obtaining the particular article he may require. 



The following are samples of the trade-marks in 

 present use upon deals and battens : 



s 



