191 i.J Fruit and Vegetable Markets in July. 445 



Eggs. — Prices are mostly easier on the month, brought about by 

 the hot weather. To effect sales of some imported parcels (chiefly from 

 Russia) affected by the heat, some very low prices have been accepted. 



THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MARKETS IN JULY. 

 W. W. Glenny. 



Strawberries. — The drought materially hastened the strawberry crop, 

 and fruit came to market hurriedly, which depressed prices on several 

 occasions. The plants were parched, and late gatherings were of smaller 

 size than usual. Large, well coloured parcels made 2s. 6d. to 35. 6d. 

 per peck. Quality and flavour were lacking in many instances owing 

 to want of moisture. 



Cherries. — Prices have been firm throughout the month. Imported 

 consignments came from France first, and some were received from 

 Belgium; but the liberal supplies that often arrive from Stade on the 

 Elbe were lacking. Prices have varied from 14s. to 16s. per half-bushel 

 for the best varieties of English produce, such as Early Rivers, Elton, 

 Napoleon, &c, with lower figures for common kinds; while French and 

 Flemish cherries were at various prices from 4s. 6d. to 10s. per half- 

 bushel. 



Apples. — A brisk demand has ruled for South Australian and 

 Tasmanians in cases (40 lb. weight). Cox's Orange Pippins and 

 Cleopatras sold for 145. to 165., others, such as Worcester Pearmains, 

 and Sturmer Pippins, averaged nearly 10s. per case, but were cheaper 

 at the close of the month. 



English Juliens, Sufnelds, Gladstones, Quarrendens, Beauty of Bath, 

 Dominoes, Ecklinvilles, are now on sale at prices varying from 45. 6d. 

 per half-bushel for Ecklinvilles down to is. gd. for Juliens, according 

 to quality and size. Dessert and culinary apples began to arrive freely 

 during the last week in July, though drought is having a serious effect 

 in many orchards. 



Currants have met with a good demand, which has encouraged 

 importers to purchase both black and red; these come to market in 

 trays of about 10 lb. net, and sell for from 25. 6d. to 45. per tray. Black 

 currants are generally the dearer, and home-grown ones have fetched 

 7s. to 8s. a half-bushel, against 4s. to 5s. for fine red ones. 



Grapes. — The price of grapes has been low. Best Muscats are worth 

 from 2s. 6d. to 4s., while Canon Hale are worth 5s. per lb. for those 

 of quality and size. 



Peaches and Nectarines. — These have been in request, more especially 

 since the heat has prevailed. Goodwood made a special call for 

 these luxuries, and they were sold for the occasion at capital prices; 

 English peaches realised 12s. to 16s. per dozen ; while nectarines were 

 quoted at from 12s. to 28s. per dozen, according to condition. 



Plums. — The French have sent some useful culinary plums of various 

 qualities, the price averaging 5s. per half-bushel ; while English Rivers, 

 Orleans, and Royals have ranged from 4s. to gs. per half-bushel, the 

 last mentioned being highest in value. 



