250 



Live and Dead Meat Trade in May. [june, 



the averages varying very slightly from week to week, the last being 

 the lowest. The average for the month was 8|d. for first and yd. for 

 second quality, a reduction of ^d. and fd. per lb. respectively on April 

 prices. 



Fat Sheep. — The following refers to clipped sheep only, those sold 

 in the wool having been comparatively few. There were complaints 

 in some markets of poorly finished sheep, but on the whole the condition 

 of the tegs has been better than might have been expected after such 

 an unfavourable winter, while the numbers coming out have been about 

 normal. The demand generally was good, and prices were somewhat 

 higher than they were in April, with a decided upward tendency, 

 during the last week, in London and some other important markets. 

 Prime Downs of about 64 lb. weight averaged Sd. per lb. ; second 

 quality, or those of 80 lb. and upwards, y\d. ; and ewes 6d. Longwools 

 averaged y\d., 6%d., and $%d. for first, second, and third quality. 

 The trade in Scotland was also very firm throughout, cross-breds and 

 Cheviots making up to nd. per lb. in the wool at Glasgow, Edinburgh, 

 and Castle Douglas. 



Fat Lambs. — The trade in lambs was fairly good generally, but the 

 averages for the month of n^d. and lod. per lb. for first and second 

 quality were f i. per lb. lower than those of April. The trade was, 

 relatively, no worse, but naturally, as the season advances, lambs 

 increase largely in weight and realise less per lb. The great varia- 

 tion in values at different markets noted in April was again con- 

 spicuous. It is a remarkable fact that London has been, throughout 

 the season, one of the worst markets for lambs. 



Fat Pigs. — Bacon pigs continued to appear at about 30 English 

 and Scotch markets in quotable numbers, and the trade was remark- 

 ably sharp for the time of year. Prices, however, were slightly lower 

 than in the previous month, the average for first and second quality 

 being ys. lod. and 75. 2d. per stone. 



Carcass Beef — British. — The value of British beef in the dead 

 markets has been steady, with a gradually hardening tendency, prices 

 throughout keeping in fair proportion to those in the live stock markets, 

 with very little difference between those ruling in London and in the 

 great Midland towns. The highest price touched in Smithfield market 

 was about 6fd. per lb. for Scotch short sides at the close of the month, 

 and about 6§d. for English, the average prices for the month being 

 62s. per cwt. for first quality Scotch, and 60s. for English. 



Port Killed Beef. — This class of beef has continued remarkably dear 

 in proportion to British. Till the last week it stood on a level with 

 English, but the latest London quotations placed it |i. per lb. higher, 

 and f<2. above the best Scotch long sides. This unusual occurrence was 

 partly owing to the hot weather, which affected the condition of meat 

 after long distance railway transit. 



Chilled Beef. — With the exception of the second week, when trade 

 was bad for Argentine quarters, chilled beef sold well, and became very 

 dear at the end of the month. The best hindquarters of Argentine 

 averaged $%d., and American States yd. per lb. 



Frozen Beef. — There was a better inquiry for " hard " beef than 

 in April, and prices advanced, till, at the close of the month, best 

 hindquarters fetched $d. per lb. 



