, 1877-09-02
HARVEST PROSPECTS.

(By Ca1te to Ihe Chicago Tribunal
LONDON OFFICE or TIE CHICAGO TRIBUNE,
6 PALaRAvg PLACE, STRAND, Sept. Is p. m.
james Cai1d in his annual letter to the
Times on the harvest prospects says: <*The
extent OF the wheat is greater by nearly 200,
600 acres than last yeAr, but 400, 900 acres,
or one-ninth, below the average at the ten
preceding years. On careful analysis Of
returns from farmers in various parts Of the
country, I find that in twelve Of the principal
wheat counties, which represent one-half" Of
the wheat growth Of the Kingdom, three
quarters Of the returns show that the crop il
below the average, while one-quarter give an
average crop. For the remainder Of the
country, the deficiency is
SOMEWHAT LESS
in proportion. Returns show very general
deficiency. They ara below an average crop,
but not greatly below. The general yield is
better than that Of 1858, 1867, or 1875, the
three worst crops in thirty-four years, but I
fear that it will not be equal even to the de-
fective crop Of last year, and that, notwith-
standing the increased acreage, we shall not
have more than between 5000, 900 and
100000 Of the home crop. The reduction
Of consumption consequent on the enhanced
price may reduce the years requirements to
2o,5oo,ooo quarters. On the two conditions,
of strict economy in consumption and an
early harvest next year,
THE FOREIGN SUPPLY
We should in these circumstances require
might be limited to 11,0o0, 900 quarters.
This takes most favorable view of our po-
sition, for north Of the Trent most of tho crop
is still unharvested, and is subject to riaks Of
late season and very unsettled weather: If
we were the only country that required help,
aud if We could rely on continuance Of
the large scale Of foreign imports which has
marked the last four years, there would be
little cause for apprehension, but with the
exception Of some parts Of Spain all Western
Europe is deficient, and tho ports Of the
Black Sen are closed, while the renewal of
fnmine in India can hardly admit Of IN il.
crease of supplies from that quarter during
the present year. We must, Therefore,
1ooK TO AMERICA
f.. 1e~<
exports of the Inst four years, and, if the
war in Turkey continues, the vast resources
of the United States and Canada Will indeed
be severely taxed to make good the wants Of
this country aud Western Europe. The
small home crop Of 1875 supplemented by
the largest import we have ever Jet received,
afforded five and one-ha1f bushels per head.
The deficient crop Of 1876, with an import
which somewhat exceeds twelve million
quarters, has afforded very little over five
bushels. If the Rlack Sea ports continue
closed for the coming harvest year, We may
have to restrict consumption to considerable
less than five bushels head
ssThe other homegrown crops
PROMISE LITTLE AID,
barley being deficient, and oats not above An
average, whife potatoes are much decreased
In 1866 and 1867, when, from too deficient
crops and comparatively small imports, the
quantity Of wheat for consumption fell be-
low five bushels head, the price was 64
shilings. In the past twenty-five years the
quantity has on several occasions fallen be-
low that mark, and the price OF these years
has averaged 60 shillings- #, therefore, the
Black Sea ports continue closed during the
coming harvest year, We may be thankful if
it goes no higher"
ESKI-SAGHRA.