Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-04
OF EDIBLES
BERRIES FROM Is CENTS TO so
CENTS A BASKET.
Roe Shad and Herring in Demand
Poultry Quoted at High
Figures.

benches in the markets and the large guam
titles of wild flowers and early spring vege-
tables along the country lines gave the local
markets a decided spring appearance this
morning. Especially bright and attractive
was the scene at the Center market be-
cause of the large amount of material on
exhibition. Men in business in the markets
say the early opening of spring is partly
responsible for the abundant supply of flow
ers and green vegetables. Later on, when
the demand for blooms will be much great
er than it IS now, the supply will naturally
be more limited. Besides the products Of
this section, the early fruits and vegetables
from the south were observed to be album
dant, greatly adding to the attractiveness
Of the interior of the markets. Bermuda
and Florida have been depended upon for
certain supplies for the early season, but
two days-ago shipments of asparagus came
from Norfolk and the stock was regarded
as unusually fine. While Florida has fur
nished most Of the strawberries during the
past three months, Georgia has rendered
some little assistance, and North Carolina
has now come to the rescue to help out
until the Norfolk berry season opens.
The Prevailing Prices.
Berries were selling at from Is to so
cents a basket this morning, according to
from 80 to 90 cents. Tomatoes were not as
plentiful as they had been during the past
ten days, and dealers were asking from 10
to % cents a pound for them. Potatoes
from Bermuda-genuine new petatoes-have
appeared. and prices ranged from 60 to 50
cents a peck. Florida cucumbers, as fine
as ever came from that state, 1t is declared,
were to be had for 10 cents each, while the
dollhouse stock from Boston brought double
the price. String beans, egg plants, beets
and early York cabbage from Florida, as
well as other vegeta bleS, were plentiful and
sold at reasonable prices.
The Supply of Fish.
Many deNcacies in the fish line were to
be found. Big roe shad and herring from
the Potomac were to be obtained from deal
ers in marine products. These fish were in
demand. but the supply was much smaller
than it was a few days ago. Last Sundays
storm affected the catch down the river,
and until the high water recedes local deal
ers do not expect big hauls. So many peO-
pie complain that shad have too many
bones for them, said one dealer, but they
will change their mi1-As If they will have
the dealer dress the fish properly. Have
the backbone cut out, he said, and very few
bones are left. Then, too he said, people
should consult cook books the house,
hold hints in The Star. and learn the differ
ent ways of cooking the fish. They would
son if they would learn the different ways
of preparing it. Shad were selling at from
80 to 60 cents each this morning, while her
ring were bringing 70 cents hundred.
Crisheld Crabs.
Soft crabs from Crisfield and frogs from
along the Potomac were in fine condition,
and there was a big demand for them.
The smaller crabs sold as low as 80 cents
a dozen, the larger and more select stock
bringing IS cents. Frogs were considered
cheap at 81 a dozen. Crab meat, with
shells for deviled crabs, sold at 81 a gal
Ion. This meat is also used for salads,
and has been in demand ever since its ap-
pearance in market. Very few restaurant
keepers pick their own crabs so early in the
season. They depend entirely upon the
picked meat from points along the Chesa-
river.
Shad roe is considered a delicacy and
dealers find no trouble during the Lenten
season in disposing Of all they can get.
Thirty cents pair was the price asked for
them this morning. Spanish mackerel, blue
fish, striped bass. fresh cod. halibut, perch.
shrimp and scallops furnished list of fish
from which buyers could make their selec-
tons. Smoked fish were also plentiful.
Herring from the Potomac sold at rs cents
dozen, and other fish that had been
changed by smoke sold at moderately cheap
prices Finnan haddie was the speciality in
the smoked fish line. This fish sold at u
cents a pound.
Quoted at High Figure.
Poultry is simply out of sight," Star
reporter was informed by dealer today.
Turkeys and chickens are scarce and high
and the cold storage stock has had to come
to the rescue"
Turkeys were bringing from 20 to 25 cents
a pound, and were scarce at those prices.
They are not in great demand ust now,
however, and some dealers are anxious to
know what they are going to do for their
Easter stock when the demand will be
much greater. Chickens also brought high
prices and were not plentiful. The prices
for them ranged from Is to IS cents a
pound.
Dealers are depending almost wholly upon
the Virginia and Maryland farmers for
their chickens. The farmers are not killing
off their hens to any extent and the spring
stock is not large enough for the market.
There is practically nothing in the line
of game to be had now. Almost every bird
is "outlawed," and squads have to be SUBJ
stituted for them.
Moderate Prices for Beef.
The meat market was firm this morning.
Beef made slight advance this week. but
not enough to interfere with the retail
market to any serious extent. Beef is
cheap enough for everybody" dealer re-
marked to Star reporter. The great trou-
BILE with many buyers. he said, is that they
do not know how to buy Most of them
think prime rib or a porterhouse steak
are the only parts of a beef worth having.
This is mistaken idea, he said, and If
nousekeepers would do a little experiment.
ing with meats they will find their mistake
and save money.
Inc pork market was stiff. Pork today.
said dealer, is about in the condition of
tne Deer market year ago. He said pork
ana P1ttsburg, he added, consume pork in
large quantities.
Quality is what makes price II Rurno++,s