252 Fruit Trade in the Metropolis. LJ une > 



to handle them at around the same price as New Zealands, and in 

 consequence by the end of the month there was an accumulation of new 

 cheese in most markets, resulting in importers being very indifferent 

 about committing themselves to further purchases in Canada, although 

 prices were down to 525. to 53s., per cwt. c.i.f., or about 55. to 65. per 

 cwt. under those current at the same time last year. The latest advices 

 from Canada report that the . May make was not quite so large as that 

 of last year, but the pasturage conditions are good in most sections, 

 also that the cows are in good condition, so the quantity should quickly 

 recover. Since the opening of navigation of the St. Lawrence, the total 

 shipments to this country are about the same as last year. 



In the United States finest full cream cheeses were making around 

 ■685., and skims 545. to 585. per cwt. 



At the end of the month the estimated stocks of Canadian cheese at 

 the three principal distributing centres (London, Liverpool, and Bristol) 

 were 99,000 boxes, against 63,000 boxes last year, and 88,000 two 

 years ago. 



English cheese was in fair demand, and by the end of the month 

 much improved prices were realised, chiefly on account of improved 

 quality. 



Butter. — The demand has been slow throughout the month. Arrivals 

 from Australia and New Zealand have continued large, and with 

 improved conditions of home pasturage, prices have favoured buyers 

 on all markets. This has made buyers very timid, resulting in hand-to- 

 mouth trading. 



Advices from Canada report a steady market, with a good home 

 demand, and Vancouver still taking supplies from Montreal. Prices 

 continue above an export basis, so there are no shipments for the 

 month. The pastures are in excellent condition. 



Prices continue abnormally high in the United States, as much as 

 136s. to 1385. per cwt. being made for best fresh selections. 



Arrivals from Siberia have been fair, but the quality somewhat 

 irregular. 



Irish butter was marketed much more freely, and the quality being 

 very satisfactory, there was a good demand for best creameries. 



Towards the end of the month, arrivals from Denmark showed a 

 falling off, as tinning ope'rations were in full swing. 



Eggs. — Prices have mostly been in favour of buyers during the 

 month. Arrivals from the Continent have been fair, and shipments 

 from Denmark increased at the end of the month, on account of the 

 demand for pickling purposes having fallen off. There was a moderate 

 demand for English and Irish. 



THE FRUIT TRADE IN THE METROPOLIS. 

 W. W. Glenny. 



The markets of London are amply supplied with immense quanti- 

 ties of fruit from home and abroad, not merely for consumption in 

 the immediate vicinity, but as a distributing centre for the provinces. 



Pineapples. — The cultivation of pineapples for sale has almost been 



