- 36 - 



subject, must be accepted with the greatest possible reserve. Contrary 

 to the view expressed in our April Report, that cloves would probably 

 experience a considerable rise in the prices in the course of the 

 summer, a change occurred already in the beginning of May, and 

 since then the quotations have steadily declined. Against all ex- 

 pectation the harvest commenced this year very early, and the number 

 of bales placed on the market in Zanzibar was in July already 6000, 

 and in August 28000, (against 2000 in 1906 and 5600 in 1905). 

 Under the influence of these figures, and of the fact that a few 

 optimists estimated the result of the 1907/8 harvest at 150000 to 

 200000 bales, the quotations weakened further, until about the middle 

 of September the fall was arrested. As the harvest has commenced 

 early, a correspondingly early finish is anticipated. With regard to 

 the probable further movement of the clove prices, we must refrain 

 from expressing any opinion; we would only say that a group of 

 interested persons also characterises the above estimates as much 

 too high, and calculates the prospective result at only 50000 to 

 60000 bales. 



The Diplomatic a?id Consular Reports, Trade of Zanzibar for 1906, 

 give under the heading "Cloves" the following interesting information : — 



The total crop of cloves of the two islands was some 68000 fra- 

 silas, x ) or 1,062 tons less than that of 1905, but there is every sign 

 of an exceptionally large crop this coming season. 



There was practically a small corner in this product during the 

 year under review, owing to one firm being able to obtain possession 

 of what is known as the duty cloves; cloves pay duty in kind at the 

 rate of 25 per cent, of the crop. This, together with an early 

 estimate that the crop would be an exceptionally small one, forced 

 up the local prices considerably. 



During the year a complaint was made in the home market that 

 cloves were being sent home "in a damp or wet condition, or with 

 more or less excessive t moisture, the impression being that the cloves 

 were by some means impregnated with water before shipment. " 



Merchants dealing with this product should thoroughly realise that 

 if such practices exist as suggested by the Home Report it will have 

 a very prejudicial effect on the home markets; buyers will be very 

 chary in accepting produce with a prospect of a heavy rebate being 

 made when re -selling. 



It has been suggested, and the Custom-house authorities have 

 been consulted on the matter, that when the shipments are being 

 cleared through the Custom-house, some sort of examination should 



*) 1 frasila = 35 lbs. 



