1909.] The Cultivation of Watercress. 831 



market loose in packages of two to four stones each, being 

 usually conveyed direct to the northern markets by the mid- 

 night mail trains. These consignments are usually sold on 

 commission. The gross prices varies from is. 6d. to 2s. 6d. 

 per stone. 



In the majority of cases the salesmen supply the baskets 

 and pay carriage, but many of the oldest growers still use 

 their own baskets, which are branded with their name or trade 

 mark, this being a guarantee of quality. These consign- 

 ments are delivered carriage paid, while the agents deduct 

 their commission, and pay carriage on returned empties. 



Gathering Watercress. 



Prices Obtained. — Early supplies from February to March 

 will give an average return of 6d. per dozen bunches; from 

 then on to the first week in June the average may be taken 

 at 4^. A very fair average for the season may be taken 'at 

 from 25s. to 305. per 100 dozen bunches, after deducting car- 

 riage, salesmen's commission, and sundry incidental 

 expenses. 



Rental and Cost of Beds. — The question of rental and cost 

 of maintaining watercress beds must be viewed from a broad 

 standpoint, and the rents of late years will not compare with 

 those paid previous to 1897, when watercress growing was 



