For

vation, and in that case, many of the vines will be abandoned. The prodution, in consequence, will diminish, and prices will go up again. the former emergency, a company has been formed lately in Patras, for the promulgation of the consumption of currants, by imperting them to every possible place where there is a probability of consumption; and another company is already in operation for the manufacture of wine out of currants which are not in condition to be shipped abroad, and of which a pretty heavy quantity is always left on the spot every year.

PRICES.

Although Greece has the monopoly of the production of currants, prices are, generally speaking, very irregular, based on the quantity of the crop and the general demand. During the Greek revolution, (18211827,) currants, being exported with difficulty, and paying irregular duties, were sold at prices varying from $60 to $100 per 1,000 lbs. In 1829-1833 prices were between $25 and $35, owing to the poor quality of the crop, and the injury it sustained by the rains. Since 1834, when the import duties in England were reduced, up to the year 1841, prices were varying between $50 and $80 per 1,000 lbs. About that time the vines planted in the years 1836-1837 began to give fruit, and the production having thus increased, prices declined considerably, the fruit being sold in 1842-1843 as low as $30 per 1,000 lbs.

In the year 1844, the import duty in England being again reduced, the crop of currants in 1844 sold at $40, that of 1845 sold at $45, and that of 1846 and 1847 a trifle above $50 per 1,000 lbs. The production now having reached a high figure, and the consumption not being in proportion, prices fell considerably, the fruit selling in 1851 as low as $10 per 1,000 lbs.

About the year 1851 the sickness of the vines made its appearance, and prices went up, in 1852-1855, between $80 and $110. In 1856, the crop being more abundant, prices were in the neighborhood of $70 to $80. In 1857 prices were about $63, and in 1858, 62,000,000 lbs., exported from Greece, were valued at 11,800,922 drachmas, or $32 per 1,000 lbs.

It is calculated that the price of $25 per 1,000 lbs. covers all the expenses of the cultivators, and even leaves them a small benefit.

EXPORT.

The principal market for currants is England, where all classes eat them. Up to 1844 the importations were not above 30,000,000 lbs. a year. Since then, on account of the reduced duties and the cheapness of the article, the importation increased, so that, at the present day, the annual importation to England is, on an average, 50,000,000 lbs.

Germany comes next to England in the consumption of currants, taking, on an average, ten to fifteen millions of pounds annually, according to the cheapness of prices. The United States come after Germany for the consumption of currants, having imported, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1859, 7,149,363 lbs., the largest amount ever imported in this country in one year, as it will be seen by the tables we publish below.

DUTIES.

Up to the year 1834 the import duty on currants in England was 44 shillings and 4 pence per 112 lbs. From 1834 to 1844 it was reduced to 22 shillings and 2 pence per 112 lbs., and on the latter year was reduced again to 15 shillings and 9 pence. According to the report of Mr. GLADSTONE, in the English House of Commons, we may shortly expect another important reduction in the duty in England.

In Austria, the duty on currants is five florins per quintal, (say 120 lbs.,) or $23 per 1,000 lbs.

In the countries of Zollverein, it is four thalers the quintal, or $27 per 1,000 lbs.

In Holland, where two to three millions pounds of currants are imported annually, the duty is only $1 83 cents per 1,000 lbs.

În Belgium, the duty is, since 1856, $21 78 cents per 1,000 lbs.

In France, a very small quantity is imported. The duty is 20 cents per 1,000 lbs. if imported by French vessels, and $1 60 cents if by foreign.

In Russia, currants are imported free of duty in her ports in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azoff, but are submitted to a duty of $15 per 1,000 lbs., if imported through her ports in the Baltic Sea.

In resuming the above, we find the following per centage, ad valorem, of the duties of currants:

As it will be seen by these figures, the import duty on currants in England and Germany, the two greatest markets for its consumption, amounts to more than the original cost, and in some instances is twice. higher than that. This large disproportion shows that the good qualities of this fruit are not yet duly appreciated, and that it continues to be considered as an article of luxury, although in the cold climates it is indispensable, replacing sometimes, by its heating qualities, the use of liquors.

The export duty on currants was, up to 1857, $2 per 1,000 lbs.; but, in 1858, it was reduced to five drachmas, or 83 cents per 1,000 lbs. ; and, according to the report of the Greek Minister of Finances, it will be shortly abolished altogether, by reducing it gradually every year.

IMPORTATION OF CURRANTS IN THE UNITED STATES.

About twenty years ago currants began to be imported into the United States, and the cheap prices prevailing for a long time, made this fruit to be within the reach of all classes, and between 10,000 and 12,000 bbls. were annually consumed; the price in that time being between 4 and 5 cents per pound. But since 1851, when the sickness of the vines and the short crops pushed the prices up from 5 cents to 25 cents per pound, the importation into this country was very much reduced; so that, in the

year 1854, we find that the whole importations amounted only to 219,118 lbs., which were sold at an average price of 20 cents per pound; when, as we stated above, the importations in the United States in 1859, when the average price was about 6 cents, amounted to over seven millions of pounds.

From official sources we have compiled the following table of the quantity of currants imported into the United States from 1851 to 1859, and of their value in the port of exportation:

IMPORTATION OF CURRANTS INTO THE UNITED STATES FOR THE LAST NINE YEARS.

The following table will show the ordinary prices of currants in NewYork for the last nine years:

REVIEW OF THE WINE AND LIQUOR TRADE FOR 1859.

Reported by J. A. SCHMIDT, Broker, 8 Old Slip, N. Y.

- With importations of Wines, Brandy, Gin, Rum, Champagne, Porter, Ale, Cordials, Whiskey, Vinegar, Oil, Plums and Prunes, Cherries, Mustard, Sardines, Herrings, Anchovy Sauce, Pickles, Capers, Pressed Fruit.

THE wine and liquor trade was unusually healthy throughout the year, and business in nearly every branch was very favorable, principally on account of the superior quality of the bulk of the importations, particularly those from France and Germany. A good deal of confidence was apparent in the continuance of a steady trade, and sales on speculation were effected during the whole year. There were unmistakable proofs of an increasing consumption, in the larger demands for the different articles, than had existed for a long time previously. Clarets, in cases, were sold during the Summer to a greater extent than for many seasons; the 1858 Cognacs have already gained general favor; Rum and Whiskey met with a ready sale; and the consumption of German Wines was treble that of 1858. These symptoms of a steadily increasing consumption are most encouraging, particularly as very many of those districts which were the heaviest buyers in former years have not as yet participated in the general demand. Should the great West be able to work itself up again to the position it had attained previous to the crisis of 1857, the consumption will be of great magnitude, and, in spite of the most extensive importations, stocks cannot materially accumulate.

BRANDIES.-At the beginning of the year, with a limited stock, the market was quiet, but as heavy importations were expected, a decline in prices was generally anticipated. The quotations of 1857 Cognac, then the newest vintage in market, were $2 @ $2 30 for the better brands, and $1 20 @ $1 35 for favorite brands of Rochelle; but about the middle of January, 1858, Cognac was offered at $1 60 @ $1.80 to arrive, and when at the same time the question of increasing the rate of duty was agitated, the first symptoms of that speculation, which was to rule our market for nearly the whole year, began to show themselves. The highly satisfactory quality of the new Brandy not only caused an active speculative inquiry, but also a lively demand from the trade, which continued till May, when prices reached $1. 90 @ $2 10 for 1858, and $2 25 @ $2 50 for 1857 Cognac, and $1 25 @ $1 60 for Rochelle Brandies. At these rates the demand was moderate throughout May and June, with an abundant stock and frequent arrivals. In July advices from France were received that the crop would be a small one, and perhaps a failure; businesss took a fresh start, and the well assorted stock found ready speculative buyers at $1 80 @ $2 for Cognac and $1 25 @ $1 40 for Rochelle. From the trade there was also a brisk demand, and even when the market

became a little more quiet, prices steadily advanced. The advices from abroad, relative to the incoming crops, became more and more unfavorable, and at the same rate the eagerness of buyers to operate increased. In the beginning of September the lowest price for 1858 Cognac was $2.10 to arrive, and the market was very buoyant and much excited until the first of October, comprising all descriptions of French Brandies, and quotations were $2 25 @ $2 60 for 1858 Cognac, and $1 30 @ $1 60 for Rochelle. After a pause of a few weeks, during which prices slowly advanced, speculators took the field again. The unfavorable news previously received relative to the new crop were now being confirmed from all parts of the wine-growing districts of France, and there being no doubt left that it would be a failure, the market became again very much excited. Standard brands of Cognac were offered at $2 40 @ $2 75, and Rochelle Brandies at $1 40 @ $1 80, and immense quantities changed hands. There was also an active request for older vintages, and many lots, even of brandies less known, which had been laying here untouched for years, found ready market at very full prices. The older vintages of favorite brands were also in good request, and, as the stock was limited, prices rapidly advanced. About the middle of November the speculative inquiry subsided, and the market has since been quiet, but all kinds are held firm at prices given below, and lots offered below these prices would find ready buyers. Prices are high, but they are not yet up to the ruling rates in France. The stock is heavy, but only a small importation for the year 1860 is looked for; the general opinion, therefore, is, that prices will still further advance as soon as the Spring business shall have fairly commenced. The current prices of the favorite brands of Cognac, on the first of January in the years named, are as follows:

GIN. The market for Gin is influenced to a greater or less extent by the inquiry for Brandy, and there usually prevails a good demand at times when prices of Brandy rule high; its consumption at such times increases, and it becomes a favorite article to speculators. In 1857 the quotation for Gin was $1 60 @ $1 75, while at other times the highest prices were from 60 to 75 cents, a few brands excepted.

There was done a fair business in the month of January and February, at prices ranging from 65 to 75 cents; after that time, however, when the excellent quality and low prices of new Brandies occupied general