Covent Garden Market. 255 



culture goes far to remedy the deficiency. Our supplies of ordinary articles 

 have been abundant throughout the winter, at very moderate prices. A 

 general impression prevails that there is less consumption of vegetables in 

 the metropolis, and consequently a depreciation in their value : from what- 

 ever cause it may proceed, there is certainly a very limited demand ; and 

 when the prices are barely more than remunerating to the growers, that 

 limited demand, if possible, becomes less. The supply of English apples, 

 from the deficiency in the late season, has been very small ; but consider- 

 able quantities have been imported from France and Flanders, at very 

 moderate prices, which have kept down the value of our own produce ; 

 and this will illustrate very clearly my observation ; for, in consequence of 

 the light crop, the apples of this country in the early part of the season 

 brought high prices, which put them out of general use. After Christmas, 

 the supply of foreign fruit being considerable, prices declined; but the 

 consumption has not materially increased, and the sales are really nominal. 

 The supply of forced rhubarb has been good ; and is used very generally 

 as a substitute for, and in preference to, apples. We have now a moderate 

 quantity of English fruit in the market ; but it will not pay the grower for 

 holding over, in consequence of the decline in its price. Forced asparagus 

 was in great demand during February ; and the growers obtained higher 

 prices than I have quoted, for a short period : but, the supply being very 

 good, prices have declined. Pine-apples have been also wanted ; and, in 

 consequence of there being but few fine, have realised good prices. Straw- 

 berries are as yet in limited quantities, and but little looked for. Grapes 

 are just coming in, and but little in demand at present. Sea-kale is now 

 in great plenty, and of excellent quality ; being generally cheaper than 

 asparagus (for which it is in some measure considered a substitute) ; it is 

 much in demand. The supply of Scotch potatoes has lately been good ; in 

 consequence, the prices have declined ; but, as we have few to come to 

 hand from the home districts, and as the planting season has commenced, 

 it is probable they may be in demand and sell better. During the winter, 

 some specimens of »S'tachys palustris have been in the market, and sold as 

 an esculent : to my taste it resembles in flavour, when dressed, the bot- 

 toms of the common artichoke. Brussels sprouts, a most excellent 

 vegetable, have been more generally cultivated, and brought to market, 

 and appear to be much esteemed. — G. C. March 24. 



Weights and Measures. — I am surprised that the Duke of Bedford has 

 not followed the example of the managers of Farringdon Market, and 

 established in it an office of reference and regulation for weights and 

 measures. It is shameful to see half-sieves, as they are called, differing 

 in quantity to the extent of nearly 3 quarts, and yet passing for the same 

 measure, and sold at the same price. If a person errs in weights or mea- 

 sures in the City market, I believe, he is immediately turned out of it. — 

 Henry Lowndes. Cedar Cottage, JBrivton, .Ian. 30. 1831. 



Measures used in Covent Garden Market. — Sir, On the part of myself 

 and some others of your readers who reside in the country, I solicit the 

 favour of a specification of some of the particular quantities designated ■ 

 by local terms, in common use at Covent Garden Market, comprised in 

 your " List of Prices." For instance, what quantity, either by weight or 

 number, constitutes, on an average, a bunch or a bundle of broccoli, 

 turnips, carrots, salsify, succory, &c. ? The sieve, and the half-sieve, too, 

 are measures not generally known in the country; but if you would give 

 the average weight of the respective articles contained in these particular 

 measures, or the relation which these measures bear to the divisions of 

 the imperial bushel, a better idea would be obtained, in the country, of 

 the comparative prices of the articles. The same information relative to 

 the sizes or capacity of the punnet is required. In other respects, the in- 

 formation given is clear and satisfactory. — B. Sevan. Leighton,Feb.7. 1831. 



