1910.] Fruit Crop in the Wisbech District. 519 



were 340,000 boxes, against 295,000 last year, and 265,000 two years 

 ago. Stocks of last season's makes of Canadian and New Zealand 

 are now in very small compass. 



It is reported that some contracts have been made for the coming 

 season's output of several factories in New Zealand at about 555. 6d. 

 c.i.f. 



As previously stated, there is still a large make in progress in 

 England and Scotland, but the quality has been somewhat irregular 

 in some districts. 



Butter. — There has been a steady consumptive demand throughout 

 the month, dealers preferring to operate from hand to mouth at present 

 prices. By the end of the month prices had advanced 3s. to 55. per 

 cwt. on some descriptions. Arrivals from Siberia have not been quite 

 so heavy, and hfgher prices have been demanded in Siberia, the 

 quality continuing good. Further shipments of the new season's 

 Australian and New Zealand makes are now on passage, as well as 

 several parcels of stored Australian, mostly consigned. The prospects 

 in both these countries are for a large make during their coming 

 season. Shipments from Canada continue small, as prices are high. 

 The total for the season to the middle of August was only 15,000 

 packages. 



Eggs. — The demand has been good, but chiefly for best selections, 

 this description showing advances by the end of the month, whereas 

 secondary lots were difficult to sell at the reduced prices. The ship- 

 ments from Canada this season will be practically nil. In 1901 that 

 country sent us 231,532 cases, each case containing 360 eggs. 



THE FRUIT CROP IN THE WISBECH DISTRICT. 



H. Amos. 



The show of blossom in the Wisbech district was very good for 

 gooseberries, strawberries, apples, plums, &c, and early in the 

 season it was anticipated that there would be a glut of fruit. In 

 consequence, several fruits were quoted in advance at very low prices, 

 but subsequently there was a marked improvement, and s on the whole, 

 prices have been good. 



Gooseberries. — The marketing of gooseberries commences in bulk 

 about June 28th, and the price began at £10 105. per ton, as against 

 £S 10s. for the corresponding week of 1909. It was quite noticeable 

 from the first what small quantities were being sent away daily, and it 

 seemed understood that the above price would be maintained throughout 

 the season ; as a matter of fact, it was never less than £9, although 

 some gooseberries may have been purchased very early at lower prices. 

 What few tons were left on the trees to be sold as "ripe berries" 

 made £10 quite easily, and in some places even more. 



The best gooseberry grown here is the Crown Bob, Whinham's 

 Industry being second, while the Careless is becoming very popular. 



Strawberries. — Strawberries at first made an extremely good show 

 of bloom, and looked like being a bumper crop ; consequently prices 



