The ranch. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1902-1914, 1908-04-15

apple market. A month ago there were
few fancy apples on display, the great
grades of the 1907 crop. These lower
grade anDles have not the keeping quail
tiles of the fancier grades, and must be
moved quickly, therefore they have been
offered at prices which precluded any
possibility of large sales in the fancier
grades from the irrigated districts.
Generally, these apples have been
cleaned up, however, until at the present
time the culls are virtually out of the
market and the fancier grades are com
ing to the fore. At the present time
Winter Bananas, Spitzenbergs, Arkansas
Blacks and Yellow Newtons and other
high grade apples on Western Avenue,
and dealers report a better demand for
this fruit as a result of the fact that
the poorer apples are now out of the
running. Dealers realize that the great
est sale of apples must come between
now and the opening of the strawberry
season, and they state that the apples
must be made to move, even If conces-
sions in price are necessary, as there
u.s. of course, a limit to keeping quail
ties. 1t is not likely, however, that there
will be any considerable cut under pres
ent prices
After many months of lax conditions,
there is a decided stiffening in the po-
tato market, which BODIES better prices.
Just what has caused this condition it
is difficult to estimate, for it is a we'll
known fact that the supply of potatoes
is ample ana IndC large SClll
remain unshipped in the Wenatchee,
Yakima and White River Valleys. New
ertheless, shipments are considerably
lighter, and the lessening of the avail
prices to stiffen considerably. There is
a possibility that the smaller shipments
result from the fact that the farmers
are now busy with preparations for the
coming season and are giving less at
tention to the marketing of last years
holdovers. Dealers report that there is
no change in the quality of potatoes
coming in, the general trade being poor.
well-graded potatoes, and growers will
realize a better price if they consider
this fact before making shipments.
The production of eggs in the local
field is dropping off to some extent as
the moulting and setting season ap-
proaches, but the price remains about
the same, as Oregon and Eastern ship
complement the supply. An advance
in price ma~ come later, however, if
the local shipments continue to shrink.
The butter market is in weak condi
ton owing to the fact that very large
quantities are arriving from Washing
ton and Oregon. These shipments are
ample to supply the demand at the pres
ent time, and Iowa butter has been
eliminated from the market for the
time being.
There is a downward tendency in the
veal market the supply being plentiful.
factory, however, and dealers report no
trouble in moving shipments rapidly:
The fruit demand is. being supplied
at present nv fancy apples and oranges,
the latter being shipped in from Cali
fornia in ample quantities at present to
warrant a popular selling price.
Florida tomatoes are in the market in
quantities. and a few California and
Mexican tomatoes are offered. Texas
onions are offered in small quantities.
but high prices have tendency to cut
is still in firm shape. Australian onions
are being relied upon largely to supply
the demand, Seattle dealers handling
consignments at present for San Fran
CISCO Bellingham. Spokane and other
points All varieties of onions are in
good demand and are bringing good
prices.
Fresh radishes and onions from the
local field are helping out the green
foods market. Local supply of carrots
has held out unusually well owing to
the mild weather.
Southeastern Alaska is at present a
considerable factor in the market taking
large quantities of eggs, poultry, apples
and onions A little later on. navigation
will open into Central Alaska and the
mining camps, and about the first of
July many steamers will set sail for
Nome, carrying laree quantities of all
kinds of high grade produce. Many
fancy apples will go into the Nome and
Tanana districts this spring.
Quality Apples Moving-There is
better demand for the higher grade
apples at present, according to William
Meister, of the California Commission
Company. Mr.. Meister says that the
entire cleaning up of the poorer grades
of apples has been effected, leaving
the way clear for sale of the fruit
of better quality. He states that the
supply of apples must be moved rap
idly between now and the opening of