December 4, 18^8





The  Record  and Guide.





u^i





THE WEST.

Saginaw Vallky.

Lumberman's Gazette, )
Bay City, Mich.    (

The lumber business, so far as manufacturing and
water shipments are concerned, mav be announced
as practically closed, and the few milk still running
will cease operations in a few days at the farthest.

Tht re are still quite extensive inquiries for the pine
product, and the ra'l shipments for the winter are
undoubtedly destined to exceed those of any previous
year. Owing to the fact that holders of lumber here
are in a condition to remain firm in their demands as
regards prices, the outlook is encouraging, and prices
during the winter months are destined, fi-om the
two causes named, to rule high. The prospects are
that the lumber in pil'^ on the Saginaw river will be
greatly diminished before the opening of navigation
in 18S7; and that it will have changed hands on
exceedingly satisfactory terms to present holders.

Editorially the Timberman of Chicago discusses the

situation as follows:

Were it not for one thing, the outlook for the lumber
trade next season would seem almost without a cloud.
If it could be insured that there would not be more
logs put in and more lumber cut than there should be,
one could hardly ask for a better prospect. But this
is an unfavorable condition that always threatens the
trade to a greater or less degree, and it is unfortunate¬
ly now a disturbing possibility. The season in the
woods has begun early and vigorously. Millions of
feet of logs are already on skidways, or even in
streams, and the winter can hardly be said to have
begun. Men are going into the woods by hundreds,
and in some places it is hard to find all the help the
loegers think.hey need to accomplish the results at
whioh they are aiming. Occasionally there is a dis¬
trict in which it is said that logging oj^erations will be
reduced, but in the majority of them It is admitted
that the input will not fall short of, if it does not
greatly exceed, that of any year since lumbering in
the Northwest flrst began. Lumbermen are not
apt to overrate their intentions. They are more
likely to underrate them, for very obvious rea¬
sons. Hence it is not unfair to infer from all the
reports and indications now observable that the log
crop of l880-'87 will be one that will keep the avail¬
able mill capacity pretty busy next season turning it
into lumber. It would be an unfortunate thing if the
wjpply should prove to be in excess of the demand,
but it must be granted that this is a re=ult to be
feared, and it is not one that the men most interested
are likely to avert by taking thought of it. That they
might do so is plain enough, but that any modification
of their inclinations and their determinations will fol¬
low even the conviction of the danger is not so easily
demonstrated. Most members of the lumber trade
whose interests lie wholly or mainly in the pine branch
of it under.'itand why this is so, and how fruitless is
the attempt to change the course of the business by
lengthy and tedious preachments. It is easy to advise
loggers to reduce their cut and to point out to them
the risk they are running in neglecting to be guided
by what is so clearly the perfection of reason and
common sense. All this is simple; bnt, as in the case
of Humpty Dumpty, all the king's horses and men.
and all his newspapers, too, are as powerless as a child
to make a tliousand feet difference in the quantity
of work done. As the Timberman has before
punted out, the exceedingly high cost of stump-
asre to many present owners compels its cutting
with as little d lay as circumstances will permit, and
even the heavier holders who may have bought
their pine when prices were low. are staggered at the
accumulating interest on the basis of even a moderate
valuation. The rush to cut timber, though it may
crowd the market, seems to be one of the features of
the business which must be looked forward to every
year. Until the stock is much smaller than it is now,
there will be great haste made by many, if not most,
owners to turn their pine into money with least delay,
and the consequence, as a matter of course, will be
I nai ket s supplied with a lavish liberality that must
imperil va.hu s to no small degree. True, consumption
will mcrease also, and there is hope that it will at
least keep pace with the feverish haste to meet its
wants. If it were not for this, the prospect of busi¬
ness nexr, season would be alarming; for that the mill
cut will, in all probability, greatly oversupply a slow,
re-itricted trade, such as we have had this season,
there i-<sm ill room to doubt. The salvation of the
lumber business is not to < ome from a decreased pro¬
duction—at all events not at present. It must be
sought and found in the opposite direction—in an en¬
larged consumption. This will come naturally, and
every v/ise seller of lumber will see to it that no means
are neglected to foster and develop it wherever there
seems to be a chance to put two boards where he has
been accustomed to put but one.





And upon the yard trade as follows:





Prices have not materially changed from last week.
In is alleged that some yards are selling certain sizes
of piece stuff and small timbers at $11.50, and that a
few are offering the list in the country at that price.
While this course is considered very unwise, and en¬
tirely exceptional, it has a tendency to create a feel¬
ing of uneasiness in the minds of dealers who are con-
scienti>usly holding fora twelve-dollar basis; It is
said th It 4x4 and 6.x:6, as well as 2x6 stuff, is not
wor h a i much as other sizes. But the feeling about
pariicuUr sorts greatly varies between yards. Some
are not well stocked with any kind of dimension,
while others are so well supplied that they feel easy,
and are wdling to cut a little on the less salablei sizes.
Still it can be reasonably claimed that the price of
the more de,irable sizes and lengths is $12 a thousand
and there is no reason why any holder should cut
below that flgure, in view of the present condition of
stocks and the prospects of trade. The jobber begins
alreadv to speculate in his mind on the big log crop
that is !to^ be put Un this season, and fears that it is
possible to hold piece stufl a little too tightly. But he
should be willing to maintain a flrm attitude until the
spring trade begins at least, for trade can be stimu¬
lated but little through December and January by
the offering of inducements.

There continues to be much talk about common and
cull boards. The dry stocks of these de'^criptions are
pronounced really scarce. Late purchases of inch
lumber on the cargo market have had special refer¬
ence to boards. The 12 and. 10-inch stocks are wanted
most, but all widths of 12-foot boards, and even other
lengths, are wanted. First quality 16-foot fencing Is
in active demaud between yards at $14 a thousand,
and No. 2 is strong at $11.50 to $12, according to
length.

Qoo4 lumber Is 8(1)1 ri^tUer lumpish,   Priges are





certainly not on the rise, and some think they tend to
a sag. The strong demand seems to be for common
and cull lumber, of which there is no overstock, and
no prospect of any.

The Northwestern Lumberman reports the Chicago
cargo market as follows:

This week receipts have been very light, and market
business has fallen to the minimum. The commission
men know that there will be very little more lumber
on the market this year, and that many yards are
short of piece stuff and boards; consequeotly the lum¬
ber that will be offered hereafter will be held for stiff
prices, with some advance on piece stuff. This dispo
sition was evinc-d ou Thursday, when a cirgo of
short and long that was yet to come in was offered at
$9.75 for the short. The would he buyer agreed to
give$9.62i4forthe short and $12.50 for the long, but
the sellers would not yield the shilling. Some houses
claim that they will get $10 a thou?and for short,
greenpiecestuff before the incoming fleet is worked
off. One cargo of all short Norway was sold for $9 50.
The range on short stuff can be placed this week at
$9.50 to $9.75, with a strong tendency.

The Timberman, reporting upon the Chicago hard¬
ware market, says:

There is but little variation in the call for lumber
Dry walnut of the cull quality is still wanted in moder¬
ate amounts, and quartered oak both red and white
is in sharp demand. This is such a favorite stock that
dealers do not seera to be able to get quite ah they want.
Sycamore is noted as having been selling to some
extent of late, but there is no call for it in the market
in a wholesale way. Some dealers say they are sel¬
ling considerable cherry, but they do not r-port such
a brisk movement as to make large consignments
from mills desirable. It is still a favorite material
with the desk makers, and furnitu.e men use it a
little, but for flnish it is getting to be too expensive,
though sometimes used in houses of the better grades
Gum holds ils own, and is one of the things which can
be sold in this market, if well manufactured. The
good qualities of gum are those that are wanted.
Some ash is called for, and the demand for thick stock
of good quality, heretofore noted, is not yet fully
supplied. Plain oak plank, would sell to some extent,
and there is a good inquiry for railway timber. Hard¬
wood price.^ are steady upon the basis which has ruled
for some time back. The quotations cover the market
fabout as nearly as a list can, but the quality and con¬
dition of offerings govern actual flgures made in sell¬
ing to a degree that make'^ it difficult to accurately
represent values in a list of prices.

The Lumbennan and Manufacturer, Minneapolis,
Minn., as follows;

The early opening of winter assures what the log¬
gers will call a splendid winter; that is, they will all
cut a great many more logs than they started in to
get, making it sure that a man can get logs cheap
next spring. The histsry of logging for twenty years
past affords no parallel to the craze which seems to
have struck the fraternity. Stumpage for Western
consumption has run up to $5@7 in Northeast Wiscon¬
sin and upper peninsula of Michigan, with common
lumber at $11 at Chicago. Jee whelikens! Where is
the profit?

The trouble about cars continues everywhere, al¬
though the Wisconsin line, under the pressure, have
been doing much better during the last week, but
there is uo hope of making up for lost time this
winter.

The thirty-four mill men who can saw bill stuff this
winter in the Northwest are bucking each other heav¬
ily on prices, although they are all loaded down with
orders. We hope to be able to issue to each of them
a large and elaborate leather medal before sprm!;
They each and all deserve one.                           »-    k-

ENGLAND.
The Timber Trades Journal as follows:

A rather sudden abatement in the rate of importa¬
tion of timber goods all round the coast, with few ex¬
ceptions, was noticeable in our last week's issue, and
it was calculated to inspire the trade with renewed
confldence, as in October there was a kind of rally in
the import business, which looked like the prelude to
an increasing supply for the remainding open weeks
of the season.

Liverpool was out of spirits at the suspensions and
rumors of difficulties which have lately taken place
there, but at the public sales goods of mercantile di¬
mensions and fair quality maintained their ground
though the Miramiehi birch plank, did not flnd a bid¬
der outside of the reserve set upon them. Neverthe¬
less, Liverpool complains that the small improvement
in trade previously noticed had evaporated from the
wholesale division.

Hull announced that the importation was sensibly
falling off, and that it was agreeably disappointed
thereby.

Hartlepool also was somewhat surprised to find that
latterlythe timber cargoes arising had not averaged
one per diem, and it was very cheerful on account of
its inland trade assuming a brisker appearance and
buyers coming forward who had latterly been shy of
giving their orders.

Grimsby also seemed to have almost done importing
and so on of the east coast generally as far as Leiih'

Westward, both Bristol and Cardiff seemed to be
doing but little in that line, but they complain of trade
being dull still, though the latter port makes the very
unusual admission that it is open for a further supply
of mining wood, which, by implication, would seein to
denote .considerable activity in coal and iron districts

These few facts put together tell favorably for the
trade on the whole, and some more obvious improve
ment may be expected to reveal itself very shortly

American Black Walnut—Fresh supplies have been
coming in lately, but not to so large an extent as to
interfere with the recent incUnation towards higher
prices. Old imports seems to be moving off and on
Wednesday next, some further lots are, we see to be
cleared without reserve, which, we think is a wise
step on the part of the brokers, as there is' no doubt
that this mode of selling induces buyers to examine
and bid for wood which otherwise they might not
trouble to look after. Several parcels of cut stuff
have come in lately and seem to be going off prettv
well, as there is no doubt a growing inclination on
the part of many consumers to buy wood in this form
when they can get it in fair condition in preference
to logs. The trade m this wood continues good, and
thereisnodoubtthatitis making its way as we can
see it is now bemg largely consumed by builders as
well as by cabinet makers.                      "'

American Whit^-"-"-!-Tn this there Is nothing much
new; trftde is steady but Rot quitp go active agit





naight be; but still this too is a wood the use of which
IS extending, and which has undoubtedly an impor¬
tant future before it.

Sequoia—We hear that there is rather mere moving
in this wood, although the stock in the docks does not
decrease very rapidly. There is again an assortment
m the coming sale, and apart from that now here we
understand that no further supplies can arrive for
many months.

An auction sale of mahogany took place at Queen's
Dock, Glasgow, on 16th inst., when there was sold the
entire cargo just landed ex Excelsior from Tonala,
VIZ., 333 logs Tabasco mahogany, 124.677 pale feet, at
2>^d. to 8d. per foot, averaging 4 3-32d.; 174 mahogany
curls, 11.000 f«>et, at 3d. to SJ^d.; 3 loss cedar at 25^d
and 7 logs and 1 curl cedar at Zy^d.; 32 mahogany los
ends at 2i.^d. and 2i4d.                                     e    > "K

Some old remainder lots of small-sized Mexican
mahogany and cedar were put up after the above, but
did not flnd purchasers.





NAILS.—Demand continues more or less uncertain
from all quarters. Claims are made for increa ed
activity but they do not hold good any length of
time, and buyers evidently cannot be led away from
the course of action planned out by themselves.
Prospective lower prices did not hurry them and the
chances for an increase of cost is quite as much a
failure as a stimulant for investment. At the moment
the tone is somewhat unsettled, but general quotations
rangrt at about $2 00@2.U5 per keg for lOd. to 6d from
store, according to size of invoice or slight advance.

PAINTS, OILS, ETC. — Business moves along in
about the former moderate and uncertain volume and
there is really nothing new to suggest at the moment.
Buyers invest onlv to the extent of immediate wants
but will handle nothing beyond, and they flnd stocks
offered in sufflcient quantity to satisfy all calls, w ith
cost generally kept upon an attractive level though
making no positive changes of late. Linseed Oil re¬
tains about the usual outlet and a steady price at 37(a,
@38c. for Western and 39@40c. for^City. Spirits Tur¬
pentine has been selling slowly and while offered at
lower rates does not appear to move beyond job¬
bing parcels. Quoted at 36@3rc. per gallon, ac¬
cording to quantity, delivery, etc.

TAR AND PITCH.—About an ordinary trade de¬
mand prevailed, which was fair'.y met with quantity
and assortment of stock to suit, and sellers generally
willing to accept former rates. No tendency to shade
cost, however, could he noted. We quote Pitch $1 40
@1.70per bbl.: Tar $1.9t@2.40, according to quantity,
quality and delivery.





BALES OF THE WEEK.

The following a^e the sales at the Real Estate Ex¬
change and Auction Room for the week ending
December 3.

* Indicates that the property described has been IM
in for plaintiff's account:

B. H. LUDLOW & CO.

7th av. No. bOO, n w cor 40th st 84.9x100, three-

storv brick building.   Charles G. Ross   ...    28,500

7th av. No. 562, w s, 26 8x100, two-story frame

building.   C.G.Ross.....................    18,000

7th av. No. 564, 22.8x100, similar building.   C.

G. Boss................................    15,600

Tth av. No. 566, 24 7x100, similar building.   M.

Rinaldo.........................    17,200

7th  av.  No. 563, 24.7x100, similar  building.

Same.....................................    17,700

7th av. No. 574, s w cor 41st st, 21.8x100, three¬
story brick building.   Wm. Bankia......    27.300

7th av. No. 572, w s, adj, 22x100, similar build¬
ing.   John Boyd.......  ..................    14,100

7th av, No. 570, adj, 26.1x100, similar building.

Same ..........................'......     i ;• ,soo

4Cth st, No. 207, n s, 100 w 7th av, 25x98.9, two¬
story frame dwe'l'g.   Wm. Rankin........    14,000

41st st. No. 206, s s, 100 w 7th av, 25x98.9, two¬
story frame dweirg.   M. "Rinaldo .........    14,200

RICHARD V.  HARNETT   &  CO.

Greenwich st. No. 422, s w cor Laight st, £0 7x
58, flve-story brick tenem't with store.
Dye & Castree..........................$28,300

Slst st. No. 307. n s, 150 e 2d av, 25x1.12.2, flve-
story brick tenem't. Louisa M. Stein.
(Amt due $15,9S5)........................    21,800

Slst st. No. 309, adj, 25xin2.2, similar tenem't.

A. Ganzenmuiler.   (Amt due $i5,9S5) .....    21,700

115th st, No. 337, n s, 150 w 1st av, 25x:n0.10,
flve story brick tenem't. W. .7. Kane.
(Amt due $1,790; prior mort. $11,276)......    13,751

♦Riverside av, 6 s, 1,025 n 122d st. 5Cxl00, va¬
cant. Frederick A. Post. (Amt due
$7,983).....................................     8,00ft

JAMES L. WELLS.

103dst, nw cor Munbattan av, 25x100.11, va¬
cant.   E. H. Lecour........................      9,roo

103d St. adj, 25x100.11, vacant.   E. H. Lecour..     6,600
103d st,  n  s.  adj,   25x100.11,  vacant.   G. S.

Adrian..........................;.........      6,600

103d st, adj, 25x100.11, vacant. J. D. Alex¬
ander ................................      6 300

inSdst, adj, 25x100.11, vacant. Geo. Marschand     6,300
Tinton av, w s, 126.2 s 168th st, 25x134.9x31.Ix

135.11.   P.Daly..............................        900

Tinton av, adj, 25x134.9.   Same...............        900

Tinton av, adj, 50x131.9.   H. MillT........      1,800

Tmton av, adj, 50.4x135.1x43.6x134.9.    N.  D.

Lawton.........................^...........      j 840

Tinton av, e s, 126.7 s 168th st, 75.1x132.4x69.7x

135.5.   Same...............................      2,491

Tinton av, adj, 50x132.4.   William Walsh.....       i.Hno

Tinton av, adj, 25x132.5x31.7x132.4.   E. Krom..        820
Union av, w s, 128.7 s 168th st, 50x141.4x56.4

X141.5.   N. D. Lawton....................      ],.3fi0

Union av, adj, 50x141.4.   Same................      1,;^40

Union av, adj, 50x151.6x45x141.4.   Same........      1,36J

A. B. MUIxLER & SON.

43d st. No 135, n s, 141.8 e Lexington av. 16.8x
100.5. three-story brown stone dwell'g. J.
H. Brown. (Leased to Oct., 1888; rent
$1,200 per annum.)   (Bid in).............    13 850

103d st, Nos. 159 and 161, n s, 180 w 3d av, 6O2
100.11, two four-story brick tenem'ts. Peter
A. Cassidy......................:...........    81,SOO

147th st, n a, 175 e Southern Boulevard, 25x100.    '
T.C, Rigging............ ,....,,.......,..,