148 



Market Prices. 



[may, 



The second week of April saw a continuance of the improve- 

 ment in the beef trade in the large provincial markets, but. at 

 Islington on the 13th there was a decided check. This market 

 is very sensitive to adverse reports through being so closely in 

 touch with the dead-meat trade, and the rumour of heavy 

 arrivals from Denmark was quite sufficient to cause a tem- 

 porary restriction in the demand. Prices in consequence fell 

 to the extent of about 15s. per head, a movement which was 

 accentuated by a moderate increase in the supply. The London 

 sheep market was better supplied than of late, chiefly owing to 

 its being the great week for Easter lambs. This section proved 

 •disappointing to sellers, notwithstanding that the total number 

 of lambs on offer was far smaller than usual for this great 

 occasion. Prices were lower by nearly 2d. per lb. than at the 

 corresponding market last year, although the supply was then 

 larger. This depression was attributed entirely to the coldness 

 •of the weather, a continued low temperature always affecting 

 the demand for both lamb and veal. The highest price 

 quotable was njd. per lb. and a large proportion were sold at 

 ■9 In the provincial markets the supply of fat lambs was 

 larger than last year, owing chiefly to Easter falling rather late, 

 and prices showed a slight fall. About half the fat sheep were 

 clipped, and these met a quiet trade at fair rates, 8^d. per lb. 

 being occasionally given for small choice Downs. Veal calves 

 were rather a poor supply, and trade not very encouraging. 



The dullness in the beef trade at Islington was not justified 

 by subsequent events at the Central Market, for all the better 

 classes sold well in view of Easter. Prime Scotch long sides 

 fetched 59s. 6d. per cwt. and short sides 64s. 2d., while English 

 made 54s. iod., and best port killed reached 57s. 2d., the 

 highest prices for many months. More noteworthy still was the 

 value of United States chilled hind quarters, which advanced 

 -to 63s., and fore quarters to 43s. 2d. Whether really justified 

 or otherwise there was a distinct feeling of confidence in the 

 trade for beef, which did not extend to other meat. Mutton 

 was slow to sell, and English gave way to the extent of \d. per lb. 

 Pork showed no improvement. Provisions again fluctuated, 

 there being a considerable fall in continental butters, though 

 colonial appeared to have touched bottom for a time. Bacon 



