The end of October saw an end for the time being to the rising tendency of prices. European markets had apparently filled their requirements, and Tussah filatures underwent a decline of Tls. 20 owing to this lack of demand and to good crop news. The same condition marked November, and although while Europe took little interest, Amezica did a fair business in Steam and Tussah filatures. Following the drop Steam filatures remained steady, but Tussahs declined on the reports of large stocks, good crop news and depreciation of the Fengtien currency. On the news of lower prices buyers came into the market for Szechuan filatures, causing prices to harden, but this tendency did not continue for long, and prices again became easier at the close of the month.
Some more activity eventuated at the start of December, but by the middle. of the month the position had become quiet again and steady. Teatlee rereels were particularly neglected both on the part of the expert and native consumers, and prices conscyiiently reseistered a notable decline.
From the Chinese point of view the year has been a profitable one, except in the matter of Tsatlee re-reels and Tussah filatures. The latter were depressed on account of the large stock in hand end the small demand ex perienced from America, while in the case of Tsatlee re-reds it was seen that the inquiry for export is decreasing yearly. The native demand for this silk during the year was also greatly restricted, probably to some extent on account of the unsettled political conditions. At the same time all appearances give the idea that the Chinese demand is in the direction of more Steam filatures of the lower types to take the place of Tsatlees, and the probability would seem to be that the latter will finally disappear altogether from the market.
The following statistics are instructive, The first table deals with the silk year, June 1 to May 31, while the second show's the figures for the calendar years:
Exronr or RaW SILK ¥ROM SHANCIAL
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.