The Sun.
London, England, 1845-02-06 00:00:00

AGRICULTURAL REPORT FOR
JANUARY.

(From the Farmer's Magazine.)
In noticing the weather experienced during this
month, we may observe that, notwithstanding the fluc-
tuations (numerous in the extreme) which have been
experienced, it has proved extremely mild. Whether,
however, it has been seasonable is another matter to
consider. True it is, there has not been a long con-
tinuance of cold easterly winds, yet we have had
scarcely a sufficient number of sharp frosts, which are
generally so much required at this period. However,
our accounts respecting the young wheat plants are
extremely favourable. Scarcely a single instance has
come under our observation in which they have ap-
peared winter-proud, or displayed in other respects
an unfavourable appearance. It cannot be denied
that they have greatly- stood in need of a heavy fall of
snow to protect them, as well as to form a good tilth
for the Lenten crops. Although thus early, every
progress appears to have been completed for the
sowing of barley and oats.
As may be readily understood, complaints are
more general of the scarcity of winter keep ; indeed,
in some parts of the country, nearly the whole of the
hay is already consumed. Fortunately, the turnip
crop turned out better that many persons were pre-
pared to expect, or the consequences might have been
even more serious than they have occurred. The
great demand for oil-cake, consequent upon the
scarcity of dry fodder, has produced a further rise in
the value of that article—as much as 131. ss. having
been realised per 1,000. Comparatively speaking,
the stock, both beasts and sheep, has fared tolerably
athroughout
the beasts
nearly
e ,
raal appears
pe
thers
a
well, yet an unusually large number has been re-
ceived up to our various markets in less than a hall
fi at state.htas
extended
x t e
nTheded epidemic i
ts
ravages
ag es amongst
to have pretty well subsided in this country, though
ngorrtehaterh increaseeonn counties,
n
owholesse s have
but likewise in
of theh
,eh continent
sustained
by the graziers. Strange
of Europe, where very great
l
as it may appear, in the face of a dry spring year, we
the rot in sheep,
nothav eontoly ninotice a
the
those lying south of the Humber. This we consider
to have been principally caused by the heavy rains,
and the rapid growth of rank vegetation in August
and the beginning of September, which period,
our
readers will recollect, was a most fluctuating
one.
From the fact of most of the shi •
shipping ports in
i
Holland being blocked up withce, a readyin-
ference was d 1 awn in the early part of the win-
ter, that the imports of live stock into this coun-
try from the above quarter, under the new tariff,
would have been very trifling, But •in this par-
ticular persons have been disappointed, for we
find the arrivals thence in the course of this
month to have amounted to 142 beasts and 200
sheep. About a moiety of those supplies have
reached us in fair saleable condition; but the re-
mainder has proved extremely inferior. The prices
realised for the former have varied from 141. to 191.,
and for the latter 275. to 435. per head. At the out-
ports no arrivals have taken place, neither are any ex-
pected fur somelime hence. Speaking prospectively, we
may intimate that great exertions are being made in
Germany and Ilolland, especially in the latter coun-
try, to improve their stock, so as to render k a profit-
able venture in our markets. That they will succeed
in their endeavours we entertain very little doubt ;
hence we are looking forward to very large imports
during the present year.
Hitherto the lambing season has gone on well, and
very few losses have resulted from the severity of the
weather.
Mark-lane, as well as nearly the whole of the
principal local markets, has been again well sup-
plied with wheat of home produce. O wing to the
extreme caution manifested on the part of the
dealers in effecting purchases, the demand for that
article has been, on the whole, dull; yet the value of
the finest qualities has been steadily supported—that
of most other kinds having had a downward tendency.
Barley, both of home and foreign growth, having come
very freely to hand, has sold heavily, at a reduction of
from 2s. to 3s. per quarter. Superfine malt may be con-
sidered as having supported previous currencies; but the
middling and inferior kinds have been almost unsale-
able. Oats and beans have ruled about stationary;
but peas and flour have again declined.
Our advices from Scotland are to the effect
that the winter wheats are looking remarkably
strong and healthy. The various markets have
been rather more steady than with us, yet some diffi-
culty has been experienced in obtaining the quotations
ruling in December.
The shipments of oats from Ireland during this
month have been by no means large, in conse-
quence of the extremely low prices at which
that article has been selling here. Prime qualities of
that description of grain, as well as those of wheat,
have met a fair inquiry at full quotations. Other-
wise the trade has ruled dull. All agricultural la-
bours appear to be forward.

The sixth anniversary of the marriage of her
Majesty, on Monday next, will be celebrated by public
dinners at Windsor, Egham, &c. ; and a ball in honour
of the event will take place at the latter town.
THE UNITED SERVICE MAGAZINE FOR FEBRUARY.
—Marshal Marmont, Duke of Ragusa, one of the most
distinguished of Napoleon's celebrated commanders, has
written an essay on " The Spirit of Military Institu-
tions," which has attracted great attention on the Con-
tinent, and can scarcely fail of being regarded with at
least equal interest in this country—it being the result,
as the author declares, of the recollection of twenty
campaigns,
Every officer in the British army should at once make
and more than half a century of experience.
himself acquainted with the ideas of this veteran, as they
will enable him to gain a knowledge of his profession
which it is impossible he could acquire in any other way.
The Marshal has written different chapters, oa Defini-
tions—General Principles— Strategy—Tactics—Mancau-
vres—On the Organisation, Formation, and Mainte-
nance of Armies—On Infantry—and On Cavalry : and
writes in a spirit of impartiality which is amongst the
greatest recommendations of his essay-. A well-executed
translation of this valuable work will be found in The
United Service Magazine for February.
TURN-our OF MESSRS. BLAIR AND BURTON'S
POWER-LOOM WEAVERS.—A fortnight since we noticed
the turn-out of the power-loom weavers in the employ-
ment of the above firm. We have much satisfaction in
announcing that it is at an end, and that the hands have
returned to work at an advance of ten per cent. on all
fabrics, and an understanding that if any kinds are not
paid as well as those of other employers in the town,
they are to be advanced to the same terms.—Bolton Free
Pres&