The Sun.
London, England, 1867-04-02 00:00:00

Agricultural Prospects.

Last week opened with a fine dry day, at times
sunny, with the wind from the south-west. Monday
morning was fine, and it continued dry up to
noon, when rain was experienced, with a wet after-
noon, but a starlight night ; wind S.S.W. to S. ;
thermometer 52 deg., barometer, 29.30. No field
work of any description could be accomplished on this
day, not even on the lightest soils. Tuesday was a
fine bright and breezy day, after a heavy gale of
wind in the night, which was favourable for drying
the land, although this was still too wet to get on.
' Our advices are—from Norfolk—" Since Saturday
last we have had a much higher temperature, with
the wind from the ,S.W." From Northumberland—
" The weather continued cold, with snow and sleet
' up to Saturday, when it became a little milder, and
much rain fell. Since Sunday it has been fine and
spring-like ; the weather has veered from N.E. to
S.E. and S.IV. Weather unsettled to-day." From
Lancashire—" The heavy fall of snow on Friday
last was followed on the succeeding day by a com-
plete thaw, and we have since had open weather and
a mild temperature, betokening the commencement
of a long protracted spring. Much agricultural
work has to be done, and the character of the season
during the month of April will be of the highest im-
portance to the agricultural interest, not only in
these kingdoms, but on the continent of Europe,
where the same severity of weather and protraction
of field work have prevailed as we have experienced
here. As regards the future course of the trade,
however, the more interesting question is involved
in the prospect of wheat supply for the half year
which must elapse before next harvest becomes avail-
able. The past six months have furnished us with
equal to three-and-a-half millions of wheat and
flour, and it is generally admitted that an importa-
tion of five and a half millions more will be required
to provide for our necessities up to the close of the
cereal year ; it is therefore a matter of some import-
ance to consider whence this large quantity can be
furnished, and, if obtained, whether it can be forced
from abroad except by a considerable advance in the
range of prices. So many important sources of our
usual reliable supply have been in a situation similar
to our own as to exhausted stocks at the last harvest
time,' deficient production, and a more or less preju-
diced quality, that it may be doubtful whether even
advanced prices will serve the purpose of effectu-
ally filling up the void." If these views should
prove correct, the farmers need not be afraid
of obtaining remunerating prices for the small stock
of what they are still supposed to hold. The condi-
tion of the samples will not have been improved dur-
ing the last week of March, and it is to be feared
that many soft lots will now be brought forward if
recently thrashed, and such a circumstance for the
moment is against " agricultural prospects ;" but
there will be a change with finer and drier weather.
Wednesday morning was thick and threatening, but
the day was sunny and cloudy at intervals, with
occasionally slight showers. Field work might be
proceeded with on light soils. The accounts from
the east coast of Scotland stated : " Since Saturday
we have had a fine change in the weather, and vege-
tation will now push on." From the west coast the
remarks were to the same purport, stating : " Since
Saturday last the weather has changed to mild." On
Thursday morning a slight white frost was experi-
enced, with the wind from the W. to W.S.W. ;
thermometer at 41 deg. at 9 a.m., and 53 at mid-
day ; barometer down to 29.35 in. A good deal of
field work would be done. Our advices from Suffolk
ran : " Since our last we have had a decided change
in the weather, which is now mild and favourable
for the growing crops. The land, however, is still
too wet for much progress with spring tillage."
From Warwickshire our advices stated : " The
severe weather noted last week was followed on Fri-
day by a deep snow, which caused serious obstruc-
tion to traffic. On Satvrday a rapid thaw set in, with
a heavy fall of rain, causing the greatest flood which
has been known for years, and doing very consider-
able damage to property, as well as to the wheat '
plant. Spring sowing is quite at a standstill for the
present, but the weather is now much milder, with
the wind S. and S.W." Friday was a favourable
day for field work on the light sails, and a good
deal was accomplished. Our advices from the \Vest
Riding:of Yorkshire says : " Since our last week's
report we have had some rain and frosty nights,
but the weather has been much milder than dur-
ing the previous week ; drier, however, is needed
for spring tillage." Saturday morning was fine,
but there were slight showers during the day,
and the evening had a rough appearance, with the
wind from the IV.N.W., and some thunder was
experienced. On the whole, during this week, rather
more progress has been made with spring tillage,
particularly on the light lands, but much finer
weather is needed to give a nice finish. In some
counties provender is reported to be getting scarce
and dear; at the leading ports there are, however,
good supplies, and whether for pigs or cattle there
is plenty. Brank is about as cheap as any other ar-
ticle, and can be bought at 28s. per qr., weight
501 b. per bushel. Grinding barley at 325., same
weight. Other articles in proportion. Malting ,
qualities of barley appear to be nearly exhausted,
and seed samples command high prices.—Mark-
lane Express of yesterday.

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