The Sun.
London, England, 1858-12-21 00:00:00

COLONIAL.

TEA.—There has been very little business transacted by
private contract, buyers awaiting the result of the public
sales, which commence this day. Common Congou is quoted
lid per lb.
SUGAR.—The market continues very inactive, and no
sales of any importance have been reported. In the refined
market the dealings have been to a moderate extent, and
late quotations are fully supported.
COFFEE.—There has been very little inquiry in the private
market, but prices continue steady. Public sales of Plan-
tation Ceylon are advertised during the present week, and
prices are expected to rule rather higher.
RICE.—A fair demand has been experienced for the com-
mon qualities at slightly advanced rates. Other descrip.
tions meet with very little attention.
SALTPETRE.—The market continues steady, but few
dealings have been reported, and former rates are current.
TALLOW.—Rather more firmness has been apparent, but
there is very little variation to report in prices. P.Y.C. on
the spot 50s. 9d., all the year 50s. 6d. January to March
50s. 6d , April to June 50s. 6d.2 and last three months 51s.
per cwt. . . .

FRUlT.—Messrs. Houghton and Levy, of Liverpool, state
that the arrivals of currants this week consist of about 1,000
tons per Rhone and Corinthian, the principal part of which
is of medium quality, and our dealers having imports of
their own by these vessels, not much has been done in the
market: at auction, yesterday, forced sales were made of
about 30 tons of good fair fruit, from 33s to 42s 6d ; pri-
vately there is a steady demand for export, and several
parcels of good fruit have been taken at 45s to 48s. A large
business continues to be done in the lower qualities of last
year's fruit at 22s to 265, and our market is nearly
clear of this description. The clearances for home
consumption are again favourable, and reach two
hundred tons for the week ; the exports about thirty tons.
Raisins have been quiet. Valencias—ln consequence of
the sudden alteration in the London market, our dealers
have refrained from operating ; our stock is, however, only
light, and sound parcels being scarce, our holders are not
willing to submit to any reduction in late rates. Some sales
of good old fruit have been made at 20s. Muscatelles have
been taken pretty freely at fully last week's prices. Layers,
common, 50s to 53s ; medium, 62s 6d to 70s ; good, 85s ;
market quite bare of fine quality ; bunch more slowly at
42s to 435. Sultanas continue in good demand. Turkey
Red—A small parcel of common quality sold at 345.
The duty-paid clearances reach 140 tons. Almonds
—Good Jordan are wanted, and command about £9 ;
other qualities in retail demand at former rates.
'Prunes—Our dealers are well supplied with their own im-
ports, prices firm at 27s to 28s. Figs—Turkey continue
scarce ; at public sale various parcels of common and me-
dium qualitieg found buyers at 55s to 60s. Malaga in good
demand at 28s. Nuts—The demand for Barcelona con-
tinues unusually limited, but holders firm at 35s 6d. Bra-
zils, steady demand at 15s. Chesnuts—Some small par-
cels of French, out of condition, sold at lOs 6d to 11s.
Green Fruit—Our market is largely supplied with oranges,
but, with the near approach of Christmas, prices are well
maintained. Lisbon, 20s to 22s ; Palermo, 9s to Ils ;
Lemons—Messina have improved in value, market nearly
clear. Grapes of good quality command high rates.