12 



Raphia Ruffia, Mart. 



Raffia. No. 6. 

 Native of Madagascar. 



The Raphia palm grows in brackish swamps. The trunk is not large, but the pinnate leaves are 

 often 50 feet in length. 



There are young palms in the Castleton Botanic Gardens. 

 "Mafia. — Dearer; 22s. to 23s." — (Ide and Christie's Circular.) 

 Rhea. See Boehmeria nivea. 

 Sisal Hemp. See Agave rigida. 



Stipa tenacissima, Linn. 



Oran Esparto. (Algerian). No. 1. 



Spanish Esparto grass. No. 2. 



Flax Esparto. No 3. 



Tripoli Esparto. No. 4. 



Native of the shores of the Mediterranean. 



A rush-like grass, growing in sandy districts. 



The plant has been used from remote times for making baskets, hats, ropes, &c, and of late years 

 an immense trade has sprung up in consequence of its utilisation as paper stock. 



" Esparto. During the last fortnight of October the arrival of fuller supplies at the ports had the 

 effect of arresting, temporarily at least, the strong enquiry which had hitherto prevailed for spot and 

 stored parcels. The total imports of the month, although still short of the average consumption of the 

 trade, show a materially augmented quantity on those of August and September, and the relief to con- 

 sumers has been proportionately great. It will be observed that out of the total of 14,633 tons, the 

 Scotch ports have received 9,222, of which all but 943 tons consisted of Spanish and Algerian. Stocks 

 at the various ports have generally suffered depletion during the month, and much that remains is the 

 property of consumers and not on sale. Any recurrence of delay in shipments would therefore be again 

 reflected in the enhanced value of spot lots, which are now so diminished as to require but little to 

 wipe them out of existence altogether. For the present, however, the situation is easier and the mar- 

 ket inclined to dulness for early delivery, but the visible supply on the water is small, and there is no 

 pressure to sell. Rates of freight, influenced by the prospective closing of Black Sea navigation, are 

 no longer a disturbing element in the value of Esparto, and fairly abundant steam tonnage is offering 

 for winter employment. Distant delivery contracts have been few in number, and the enquiry for 

 them is limited. Sellers quotations are too highly pitched for any extensive business to be entertained 

 by buyers, but merchants are cons rained to " sit firm" in view of the prospects at the African centres 

 of production. 



Spanish has arrived in full quantity during October, and the total for the ten months is 55.126 

 tons, or 1,200 tons less than last year. During the past fortnight the imports have been small, and 

 there is but little advised as afloat. Sellers have of late shewn increased firmness »in their quotations 

 for future shipments, but buyers are disinclined to concede any advance, and business therefore, is re- 

 stricted. The tendency seems more the result of sympathy with African prospects than of adverse ad- 

 vices from Spain as to supply. 



Algerian imports have made up partially for the deficiency of September, and the total stands 

 just over 63.0( tons for the ten months, against 60,500 last year. All the chief ports shared in the 

 October arrival and little was available for sale from ships' side, but such parcels as were free com- 

 manded full prices. Intelligence from various sources in Algeria is unanimous in testifying to the un- 

 satisfactory prospects of supply. Stocks at the ports are much below the average quantity held at this 

 season, while deficiency of labour in some districts impedes the transport of gathered grass to the baling 

 oentres. Rains have interrupted, and in some cases terminated, the season's gathering in the interior, 

 and prices for all available grass ar2 rising. With these news before them sellers in the home markets 

 are firm at quotations for all winter and spring shipments. 



Tunisian arrived in contract fulfilment at Cardiff and Leith in October, followed, this month, by a 

 oargo to Wear. There has been a good enquiry, but sellers are compelled to refuse engagements save 

 with the option of delivering Tripoli as a substitute. Receipts at the shipping ports continue merely 

 nominal and stocks there are barely sufficient to cover contract raquirements on this side. 



Tripoli has again been scarce and the arrival for October is the smallest of the year. Total im- 

 ports 38,524 tons, a deficiency of 5,000 as compared with the corresponding period of 1889. During 

 the current month two large cargoes have arrived (Thames and Wear) and f ui ther parcels are on the 

 way and loading. There is only a very limited quantity for sale, and quotations are steadily maintained. 

 Distant contracts are oautiously enquired for by consumers, but it is difficult to get sellers to make 

 offers at a workable price. Raids in Tripoli have caused Esparto receipts at market to fall away, and 

 drawn off labour to ploughing, sowing, and other agricultural occupations. 



We append official returns of Stocks at Tyne and Cardiff (including Penarth) on 31st Oct. 



Ttnk Dock. Cahdiff. 



Sfax Esparto , 84 tons Spanish Esparto 72 tons 



Tripoli « 277 " Algerian " 157 " 



' Tripoli " 399 « 



361 



628 



