The Sun.
London, England, 1862-12-15 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 15, 1862.

THE GREAT CHRISTMSS

MARKETS-THIS DAY.

CATTLE MARKET.

MARK-LANE.

The continued firmness in the value of all prime stock,
and the fineness of the past season for the rearing and feed-
ing of both beasts and sheep, together with the great abun-
dance of natural food in the whole of our leading districts,
brought forward a w, uderful sujiply of beasts in to-day's
market for ChrLtlatas consumption. Wo do not assert that
it was the finebt collection of animals we have ever wit-
nessed, but we may observe that at least three-fourths of
them—leaving out of the calculation the foreign stock ex-
hibited—were above average merit, and that to fully one.
fourth of them prizes would have been awarded at more
than one cattle show, had their owners been disposed to
enter the lists of competition, And not only were the pure
breeds—such as the shorthorns, Herefords, Devons, runts,
and Susses—fully represented, but the number of crosses
was, if anything, superior to last year, both as to weight
and quality. All must admit the importance and necessity
of purity of blood for breeding purposes; but, with some
few exceptions, the groat secret of successfully crossing dis-
tinct breeds is not understood. Where it is, however, the
results, as shown here this morning, are astonishing. They
prove beyond a doubt that the great consuming classes
owe much to the system, and that hitherto the grazing
community have carefully avoided a second or third cross,
which too frequently produces a mongrel breed. So far
we have succeeded in producing an abundant supply of
roast beef ; nevertheless, we are perfectly satisfied that an
injudicious system of crossing would lead to heavy and
irreparable losses.

But let us more minutely examine this splendid show of
stock. As Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Northampton-
shire forwarded the greatest number of animals, wo will
first consider the shorthorns, together with the crosses de-
rived from those counties, which latter breed continue to

increase year by year. The shorthorns, taken as a whole,
were of a good type, and fully equal to former shows ; but
we should have been more pleased to find some addition to
their hind quarters. This slight deficiency, which some
persons may consider a characteristic of this extraordinary
breed, was fully compensated by the splendid symmetry of
the crosses, some of which realised £lO each. Let it bo
understood that there was nothing indicative of a falling off
in the weight,- quality, or condition of the shorthorns ; but
our impression is, that had the graziers aimed at less fat,
and more consumable meat, the sales effected to-day would
have been more profitable to them.

moderate.

CURRENCY PER IMPERIAL MEASURE,
Wheat—Essex and Kent, red, new
Ditto, old 47s 52s
Ditto, white, new 46s 52s
Ditto, old 4Bs 54s
Norfolk and Lincoln, red, old —s a
Ditto, new
Talavera,
Rye—
Barley—Grinding 26s 35s
Malting, new
Malt—Suffolk and Norfolk 5OB 66s
Brown
Kingstown and Ware 568 70a
Chevalier 665 25s
Oats —Yorkshire and Lincoinsh., Feeding. 208 25s
Potato
Youghal and Cork, black .. 18s 25s
Cork, white
Scotch, Feeding 22s 26s
Beans—Tick
Pigeons,
Peas—Grey, new
Maple
White, new lOs 41s
Boilers
Flour—Town-made
Suffolk 34a 380
Stockton and Norfolk..

There was one feature in this great exhibition worthy of
special notice—we allude to the very moderate number of
Herefords, pure breeds be it understood, exhibited. We
regret this comparative deficiency, because we have always
regarded the Herefords in a most important light. Although
the number was far from extensive, the beasts have been
seldom if ever excelled in quality. Their weight, condi-
tion, and symmetry were all that could be desired. Those
forwarded by Mr. Senior, of Broughton, near Aylesbury,
but not consigned to any particular salesman, were quite
equal to any previously exhibited here; and from the tact
that some of them carried off all the prizes for stock offered
by the Bucks Agricultural Society it must be regretted—
because the show of Herefords in the Smithfield Club Ex-
hibition at the New Agricultural Hall was of a limited cha-
racter—that these noble animals did not compete with simi-
lar stock in London, But £4O each and upwards is a tempt-
ing sum to realise by a grazier, without the usual expenses,
and by one who is so well known amongst the butchers.
Except in numbers, then, the Herefords made their appear-
ance in first-rate condition.

CATTLE MARKET.
;ink the offal.

The show of Devon stock was certainly a very prime one,
but, compared with some corresponding
markets, the num-
ber was only moderate. Mr, Senior showed some remark-
ably prime animals, and, taken as a whole, the supply, as
regards the pure Devonshire breed, was extremely good,
but we really cannot afford to lose either Herefords or
Devons, whilst consumption is increasing; even though the
crosses may be supplying any deficiency in those particular
breeds. Full average prices for really prime stock, how-
ever, may do much for the consumers in future years.
The consideration of the Sussex beasts proves conclu-
sively that the breeders have made great exertions to in-
crease the number and quality of their stock, the show in
this respect being far superior to any former year. There
were more young animals amongst it—a proof that
Sussex is aiming at early maturity, and a proof, too, of
considerable success in this direction—but we may remark
that some of the beasts had the appearance of crossing
with the Devotes. We will not here discuss the
merits of the Sussex beasts exhibited in the
Agricultural Hall, but we are perfectly satisfied
—although Sussex itself is not a large bullock pro-
ducing county—that a mixed breed might be produced
which should equal any of the crosses hitherto exhibited,
except probably those derived from Scotland.
There was a good sprinkling of Welsh runts in the mar-
ket, but the show of long horns was very limited. Why
have the former,,breed—once so celebrated in this country
gradually deserted us ? Have they given way before the
shorthorns and crosses ? Or are they more largely con-
sumed in the provinnpa than heretofore ?

There was rather a large number of Irish beasts on sale.
Some few of them were in gcod condition, but the remainder
were of a very middling character.

The show from Scotland and Norfolk—embracing as it
did remarkably prime horned and polled Scots, as well as
crosses—was unusually prime; indeed, we may observe
that there was scarcely a second rate bullock amongst it.
Those most admired, however, were the 50 Scots belong-
ing to Mr. M,Combie, of Tillyfour, some of which
were consigned to Messrs. Maidwell and Hoyland—
the remainder to Messrs, Giblett and Son. They were dis-
posed of at very high prices—equal to fully ss. 4d. per
Sibs., whilst the general run of Scots was in request, at, we
should imagine, remunerative quotations. Great credit is
certainly due to the Norfolk and Scotch breeders and feeders
for the very prime condition in which they exhibited their
stock this morning.

The beasts exhibited by Mr. George Dickson, and for •
warded by Messrs. Martin, Knowles, Thomson, Wishart,
Stodart, Kidd, Longraore, Bruce, Murray, Shinner, Reed,
Frost, and other breeders and feeders in Scotland were re-
markably prime in quality, and were readily disposed of at
gooa prices.

Mr. Vorley had a very good show of beasts. Some of the
stock was the property of Mr. Cartwright, of Lincolnshire,
Mr. Booth, of Norfolk, Mr. Martin, of Aberdeen, and Mr.
Conglass, of Invorary. Messrs. Giblett and Son had a very
fine show of beasts. A portion was forwarded by Mr.
Martin, of Aberdeen, Mr. Mennie, of Huntley, Mr.
Wortley, of Norfolk, and Mr. Carwardine, of Leominster.
At the stand of Messrs. Morgan and Allday there were
some very good Scots, Devons, shorthorns, &c. Those be-
longing to Mr. Gillett, of Halvergate, Mr. M'Carnock, of
Birmingham, and Mr. John Towers, of Ludlow, were much
admired for their symmetry.
Mr. Collins' stand was well filled with good beasts.
Other salesmen, had, likewise, a good show of stock.
Ott the whole, the supply of sheep was
good. Mr. Gur-
reer showed some extraordinary Cotswolds from the flocks
of Mr. Hewer, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Craddock; also, some
Downs belonging to Lord Radnor and Mr. Thomas Throck-
morton.

Mr. John Weall had some prime Downs and Glouces-
ters sent by Mr. Rowland, Mr. White, and Mr. Oakley,
chiefly from Hertfordshire.

Some remarkably good Hampshire Downs, bred by Mr.
Canning, of Devizes, and the Earl of Darnley, were exhibited
by Mr. Charles Burrell, who had also some very prime
Norfolk half-breds.

Mr. Eland disposed of several heavy Lincolns, at and
over £5 each. They were forwarded by Mr. Chatterton,
Ms. North, and Mr. Heanley—the latter of Croft.
Messrs. Lintott and Son brought forward some very good
Hampshire Downs, belonging to Mr. Paull, Mr. Pokes,
and Mr. Tory; likewise, several good sheep, forwarded by
Mr. Cox, near St. Albans, Mr. Sandars, of Watercombe,
Dorset, and Mr. Franks, of Bromley, near Guildford.
_ _ _ _ _

Mr. Dodd exhibited a fair number of Hampshire Downs,
in good condition.

Mr. Ben. Weall had some good sheep from Berkshire
and Oxfordshire. lle likewise offered some remarkably
good pigs, the property of Mr. Vale, of Slough,

The leading country markets held on Saturday Were

moderately supplied with wheat. Good dry samples sold
sldwly, but at full prices; inferior kinds were a dull in-
quiry, and rather cheaper. Barley and all other kinds of
spring Corn barely supported previous rates. Flour, how-
ever, was steady in price.
The continental markets continue in a depressed state for
all kinds of produce. Advices from New York state that
the shipments of breadstuffs to England were on a mode-
rate scale.

The arrivals of English grain up to market last week
were again limited. The imports from abroad amounted to
39,868 qrs. of wheat, 8,023 barley, 43,328 oats, 4,711 beans,
115 peas, 3,143 tares, 5,327 linseed, 2,101 rapeseed, 3,100
maize, 111 sundry seeds ; 377 sacks and 14,182 barrels of
flour.

The supply of home-grown wheat received fresh up to
this morning's market was small. The condition of the
samples, owing to the prevailing damp weather, was much
inferior to last week. For good and fine dry qualities the
demand ruled inac.ive ; neverthless, they were mostly dis-
posed of at prices without change from Monday last. Damp
produce was very dull, and remained unsold at the close of
business. The general currency is without material alte-
ratien from this day se'nnight.

The show of samples of foreign wheat on the stands was
largo. In all descriptions sales progressed slowly, yet a
fair average business was transacted, and prices were
steadily supported, certainly as regards all good and fine
descriptions,

Floating cargoes of grain were in moderate request, at
late rates.

We were very moderately supplied with barley, both
English and foreign. Most kinds met with a fair inquiry,
and the currencies ruled firm.

In malt a limited business was transacted, on former
terms.

Tho supply of oats was large, and tho trade ruled heavy,
at a decline of Gd to Is per quarter compared with Monday
last.

In the value of beans no change took place, and the de-
mand for them was steady. The supply on offer was only

Peas met with a slow sale, yet the quotations were with.
out alteration from Monday haat.

The flour trade was inactive; nevertheless, prices were
fairly maintained.

METROPOLITAN
Per Sib. to s
8. d. s. d. s. d. s. d.
Crse. &inf. beasts 3 4 3 61Primecrs-wool d 0.4 10 5 4
Second quality do. 3 8 4 0 Pane. S' thdown d 0.5 6 5 8
Prime large oxen 4 2 4 8 Large orse. calves 3 6 4 2
Prime Scots, &c. 4 10 5 0 Prime small do 4 4 4 6
Crse. & inf. sheep 3 8 4 0 Large hogs 3 4 3 10
Second quality do. 4 2 4 8 Small porkers ... 4 0 4 4
Suckling calves, 108 to 21s ; and quarter-old store pigs,
20s to 295.
TOTAL SUPPLY.

Beasts
Cows —
Sheep ..
Calves
Pigs. 420
A. statement and comparison of the supplies and prices of
fat stock exhibited and sold in the great metropolitan
cattle market, on Monday, Dec. 16, 1861, and this day,
M onday, Dee. 15, 1862.

FOREIGN SITPFLY,
Boasts
Sheep
Calves
Pigs ....