Dec, 1894.] EXTRACTS FEOM DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR 235 



REPORTS. 



The natives continue to cultivate oi^ly to the extent of their 

 own requirements, the crops grown at each kraal being no more 

 than is sufficient for the food of its inmates. In the Inkandhla, 

 Eshowe, and Nqutu districts, however, ploughs are now being 

 bought^ and in the latter district, which is chiefly inhabited by 

 Basutos, grain is being extensively cultivated for sale, the plough 

 being used at almost every kraal. 



lAsi^nual Colonial Reports, No. Yib (C. 7319-13), Price, Id] 



5^ j ■ hi'^ 



Agricultural Depression in Oregon. 



In a report forwarded to the Foreign Office by Mr. Denis 

 Donohoe, Her Majesty's Consul at San Francisco, it is stated 

 that the year 1893 was probably the most unprofitable one that 

 farmers have ever experienced in the State of Oregon, only 

 fruit and hops having been profitable, for although crops were 

 heavy, late and long continued rains during harvest caused a 

 large amount of damage. In some sections of Eastern Oregon 

 and Washington only a small proportion of the wheat crops 

 were saved. This, and the fearfully low prices realised for sound 

 wheat, ruined a great many farmers. 



The acreage under hops is steadily increasing, and a large 

 number of new yards will be in bearing next year. It is said to 

 cost 4<d. (8 c.) per lb. to grow and harvest them, and it is 

 estimated Oregon will produce 50,000 bales in 1894, should the 

 season prove favourable. 



In view of the ruinous prices received for wheat there is a 

 tendency to grow more largely such fruits as apples, pears, 

 prunes, &c., which will bear transportation, and for which there 

 is a steady demand. The yield of apples, pears, and prunes 

 was heavy, but the peach crop was short on account of late 

 frosts. Apples and pears were more free of moths than for some 

 time past, and sold at full and profitable prices for the Eastern 

 States. Prunes sold low. There was an over-production of 

 small fruits which could only be sold locally, and in consequence 

 much was wasted. 



There was a very poor market for horses, and good graded 

 animals were sold at very low prices. In consequence, numbers 

 of breeders are going out of the business. There is hardly any 

 demand now for horses for street cars, as electricity has super- 

 seded them. There is more demand for good, heavy draft 

 horses than for any other class. 



During the first half of the year fair prices were paid for beef 

 cattle on the ranges, but they sold much lower in the last months 

 of the year. The Union Meat Company bought and slaughtered 

 about 20,000 cattle at an average price for the year of 61. 12s. 

 (33 doL), which would be about 4/. on the ranges. The same 

 company slaughtered about 6,000 calves at an average price of 



