[912.] Live and Dead Meat Trade in December. 883 



Veal Calves. — There is only a small demand for veal at this season, 

 and supplies, though greatly diminished as regards choice quality, 

 were quite ample. The averages for the month were 8|d. and 

 per lb. for first and second quality. 



Fat Sheep. — The very low price of fat and store sheep has been 

 one of the worst features of the farming year, but it is generally 

 recognised that, at least for the last few months, it has been caused, 

 not by abnormal numbers in the country, or any decline in the 

 ordinary demand, but by the exigencies of the season and the difficul- 

 ties of farmers as regards "keep." The general condition of the sheep 

 which have been offered to the butcher has been bad, and this draw- 

 back was aggravated as the season advanced. This told heavily 

 against the price of sheep through the decrease thereby entailed on 

 the value of the "fifth quarter." The low prices of November were 

 indeed rather more than maintained, but this was partly owing to the 

 growth of the fleece, natural to the season, and the firm trade in 

 skins. Downs averaged in the English markets a fraction over y*d. per 

 lb., but not quite Sd. for first quality, against a bare 7fd. in November. 

 Second quality averaged yd., against 6fd., and third 5^., against 

 $\d. The Longwools did quite as well relatively, their averages being 

 y^d.y 6^d., and 5^., against 7i<3., 6\d., and 5^. per lb. It will thus 

 be seen that the small fluctuations which have occurred have been in 

 sellers' favour, pointing to a growing scarcity of sheep in marketable 

 condition. 



Fat Pigs. — Bacon pigs have declined very slowly, but surely, for 

 many months, and at present there is no sign of the end of this 

 depression. Averages in December were 6s. i\d. per 14 lb. for prime 

 small, and 55. 6\d. for the heavier weights. 



Carcass Beef — British, — The movements in values in the Central 

 London Market are fairly typical of those of the whole country, 

 and prices of native beef were very firm in December. Scotch 

 short sides averaged yd. to y\d., according to quality, and long sides 

 6f<2. to 6%d. per lb., which was a shade higher than in November. 

 English sides have been better supplied than for some months, and 

 averaged 6d. to 6\d. per lb. There were no fancy or extra Christmas 

 prices, but a good steady demand and ready clearance. 



Port-Killed Beef. — The supplies of Deptford-killed sides have been 

 extremely moderate, and this article meets with plenty of competition. 

 Prices therefore have ruled strong, and the month's average is rela- 

 tively high at 6d. to 6fd. per lb. 



Chilled Beef. — United States chilled quarters have been scarcely 

 discoverable on the London market, and quotations were nil. Argen- 

 tine hindquarters ranged up to 3s. 6d. per 8 lb., the averages being 

 3 s - 3id. and 2s. n^d. for first and second quality respectively. Fore- 

 quarters also sold better, and averaged 25. i\d. and is. ud. Both 

 these quotations are much higher than those of November. 



Frozen Beef. — " Hard " beef has been dealt in steadily, though the 

 volume of business was limited. Prices were slightly higher, and 

 averaged 2s. 3|d. to 2s. $%d. per 8 lb. stone for hinds, and is. 8f<i. 

 to 15. lo^d. for forequarters. 



Carcass Mutton — Fresh-Killed. — Until the last week the trade in 

 Scotch, English, and Dutch mutton was much depressed, owing to the 



