The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1880-12-18 00:00:00

THE MARKETS.

THE CHRISTMAS' CATTLE MARKET.
METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET, MONDAY.
_ _

The annual Christmas Cattle Market was held on Monday,
and was quite of an average character, and was inmost respects
one of the best seen for years. Compared with last year the
improvement was, indeed, most marked; not only was there
a decided increase in number, but the condition was vastly
better, so that in the actual weight of most exhibited the
gain was very great. But, omitting 1879, which was
notoriously a bad year, the present show is certainly above
the average, and contains incontestable proof that the
labours of our graziers and breeders are not relaxing, nor are
the results disappointing. The reeoipts from Scotland were,
exeeptionally good, both for number and general evenness 01
excellence of quality. Cross-bred stock was plentiful, the,
uality and condition giving general satisfaction. There was
alair show of Herefords, bin Devons and Welsh runts were,
not numerous.

From Ireland there was a fair show, not calling, howeszr,
for any special comment, but the quality and condition were
better than last year. _ _

As regards ouiforeign supply, it was as usual limited, the,
bulk being retained at Deptford. America appears to hare
made the anticipated progress, and there are no sip.'s of a
relaxation of her efforts. Denmark and Spain arq attlt sending
moderate numbers.

--The-sheep market was also a great improvement over last
rear. The increase in number was not very marked, but as•.
with beasts, the gain in quality and condition was very
decided; prime choice bred stock being very conspicuous.
A want of animation has characterised the trade. Beasts
have moved off slowly, and have not fetched so much money
as last year. A fem very choice breeds may have made
higher prices, but the general top quotation for the best
Scots did not exceed 6s. per 81h.
In sheep busizess progressed slowly, but at steady prices
for flue breeds. The best Downs and hall-breds made Os. led.
to 7s: per 81b.

Calves and pigs were quiet but steady.
Coarse and inferior beasts 4s. to ss. ; second qnality do. ss.
to ss. 6d. ; prime large oxen, ss. Bd. to ss. 10d. ; prime Scots
(tc., ss. 10d. to 6s. • coarse and inferior sheep, ss. to Sc. ed. ;
second quality do. is. 6d. to es. ; prime coarse woolled sheep 6s.
to 6s. Bd. ; prime south downs, es. 10d. to 7s ; large coarse
calves, ss. to ss. 6d.; prime small do,, Sc. ed. to Cs. ; large
hogs, 4s. 6d. to Sm.; neat small porkers ss. to ss. Sd, ; per 81b.
to sink the offal.

MARK LANE.-MONDAY.

At Mark-lane much quietness prevails. Supplies of Eu,g-
lish produce are short, but there was an average show of
foreign. English wheat sold slowly and if not actually lower
was certainly cheaper to sell. Foreign wheat also was diffi-
cult to move except at some reduction from late quotations.
Rather better prices are reported from New York, but
freights are higher. In barley, business was very quiet.
The prices realised showed a decline of 6d. per qr. Oats
met with but little attention, and showed a decline of (Id.
per qr, Maize also was dull, and 6d. per qr. easier, with not
Much passing at the decline. Beans and peas were in slow
request, on former terms. The flour market was dull and
weak.

METROPOLITAN MEAT MARKET.—MoNDAY.
A moderate supply of meat was offered. The trade was
quiet, but firm. Inferior beef, 3s. 4€l. to 4s. 4d.; middling
ditto, 45. 4d. to 4s. 6d.; prime large ditto, 4s. 6d. to ss. Od.;
prime small ditto, 4s. 10cl. to ss. 4d. ' • veal, 6s. 4d. to es.:
inferior mutton, 38. Bd. to es. Od. ; middling ditto, ss. to
ss. 3d.; prime ditto, ss. 4cL to 65. ; large pork, 4s. to 4s. Sl;
small pork, 6s. to 55. 6d. per 81b by the carcase.
GAME AND PGUITRY.

Pheasants, 3s. to 4s. ; hares, 2s. 10d. to 3s. 10d. ; white
ditto, is. 6d. to 2s. 3d. ; rabbits, is. to 2s. Gd. ; wood pigeons,
Gd. to 10d. ; French ditto, is. 2d. to is. Gd.; blackcock, 28.
to 2s. 6d. ; wild ducks,. 2s. to 2.5. 9d. ; woodcock, 3s. to 4e. ;
widgeon, is. to is. 4d.; Pintail, is. 24. to is. ; roedeer,
15s. to 21s. each; larks, ls. 3d. to 2s. per dozen; Ayle§pury
butter, is. 44. to Is. 74. per lb, ; hen eggs, 138 64-1, tir 20s. per
120.

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