New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-23

STRAWBERRIES SCARCE AND HIGH
BUTTER GOES DOWN TWO CENTS
EGGS HOLD THEIR OWN.

The markets this spring as variable as the
proverbial April weather. Rumors are in the cir
that beef will rise two cents a pound yes
terday butter dropped from So cents to 30 cents
pound eggs are holding their own to every mousse
wifes satisfaction at q cents dozen. While but
ter was soaring cheese got into a sympathetic
mood, and advanced cent a pound
Just now the interest is somewhat detracted
from the pyrotechnical displays in which meat has
been INDUCING the strawberries, which should
he selling at prices available the average pur-
chaser but which still bringing 40 and 90 cents
a box Charleston S c. from which present ship
ments of berries are coming has evidently had
some cold rainy weather for not only are Its
strawberries and asparagus inferior in quality, but
yesterday they Were drenched with sand
'One cold day" said dealer yesterday. rs
enough TO shut off the strawberries and aspara-
gus
Then because eggs have been bringing good
price the farmers are prolonging the lives OF the
dentzens of their henhouses. and there has been
a scarcity of poultry. and Philadelphia fowls that
usually sell at this for II cents pound, are
bringing l6 cents. Even the wild ducks are not as
plentiful as they sometimes. because OF early
storms. Redheads sell for 81 80 q pair.
The high price of beef has produced noticeanie
effect On the trade In green groceries. and more
fowery prospect never opened before dealers IN
such products. The best asparagus at present
comes California. and sells for from 40 cents
to rs cents a bunch. Mushrooms are % cents a
pound: string beans and beans each .
cents quart: spinach. 20 cents halfpeck; cauii-
flower from . cents to so cents each. and egg
plants from 10 cents to % cents each
For salads there is practically no END or crisp
delicious vegetables There escaroe. lettuce,
field salad and dandelions, and as adjuncts celery
cucumbers artichokes and tomatoes.
With the exception Of bueflsh. which are ABOUT
two weeks behind the times and still small. hsh
are 80 cents each: Long Island brook trout are
70 cents pound. Soft shell crabs are g a dozen;
Southern terrapin, S24 dozen; diamond pacKS' ESQ
a dozen HOLSTERS IS cents a pound.
Heavier beautiful grapefruit than Is
now to had never seen In this CITY Inc
largest sell for from 80 cents to 30 cents apiece
Oregon pirpins are about the best favored apples
to be had at this They sell for 81 Dozen
There are Missouri pippins. Newtown pippins, RED
cheek pippins and SpitzenberGs. all ranging from
rs cents to 81 The Spitzenbergs, although before
Christmas the choicest and most popular VARIETY.
the poorest now because OF tileL
wthered condition and loss OF favor. The SpitZef,
berg does not hold it's in cold storage as wen
as the other varieties mentioned Big plums, ,he
size small apples, which came from south AIrica,
were among the seasons novelties. A few peaches
imported from England have been seen this spring
bananas are 81 dozen Hothouse grapes tiat
usually sell for 81 20 pound. bring 50 % a pound
Steamer baskets of fruit show a greater tendency
70 elaboration than ever before. and Zesldes the
usual contents there added bonbons. preserVed
ginger bottles of guava jelly and knicknacks OF an
sorts There is growing popularity 1or basketS
of fruit for holiday gifts and the fruiterer ana
florist are wing with each other to make thelr
reerectfve products attractive.