There are some points in Iowa and Missouri to hear from, and these returns we will give hereafter, as soon as received in a reliable shape. As we remarked in a previous number of the Price Current, most of the above returns were received from our correspondents at the several points; and, while we do not claim for the figures entire accuracy, we believe the statements upon the whole to be as correct as it is possible to obtain. Since writing the above, we have received the following additional return: Chicago, Illinois, 1851-'52, 13,000; 1850-51, 20,000. THE OIL TRADE. The "New Bedford Shipping List" says the amount of tonnage employed in the trade has been considerably increased during the last year, in spite of numerous losses in the Arctic seas. The number of vessels employed in the service at present is as follows, viz: 558 ships and barques, 27 brigs, and 5 schooners; being an increase over last year of 56 ships, 3 brigs, and 8 schooners. This number is large, but it still falls below that of 1846, when there were 678 ships, 35 brigs, and 22 schooners in the trade. From the best estimate we can make, the amount during the present year will hardly exceed 100,000 barrels, and may fall considerably below that figure. In addition to this, the accounts from the sperm whale fishery are not encouraging, and there is a probable prospect that importations for a year to come will not exceed $5,000 barrels. Stock of Sperm and Whale Oil on hand, January 1, 1852. |