ICE OF THE PRAIRIE FARMER,
CHICAGO. Jan. 2, 1884.

FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL.

The general bank business of Chicago last week was rather dull. But few
new business contracts were made as everyone was waiting for the New
Year to begin before extending business.

In the loan market money was quoted throughout the week at 6@7 per cent
interest.

Eastern exchange opened Saturday at 25c off between banks, but
subsequently sales were made at 25c per $1,000 premium. The market
closed at 25@30c per $1,000 premium.

Railway stocks in New York with the exception of Northern Pacific were
firm on Saturday.

Government securities remain unchanged at last week's quotations.

4's coupons. 1907 Q. Apr. 123
4's reg., 1907 Q. Apr. 122
4-1/2's coupon, 1891 Q. Mar. 114
4-1/2's registered, 1891 Q. Mar. 114
3's registered Q. Mar. 100

GRAIN AND PROVISIONS.

More was done on the Board of Trade in corn and hog products at the
close of the week than in wheat and other grains. The bears had
decidedly the best of it on Saturday. Wheat receipts were liberal and
everybody seemed willing to sell. Outside orders to purchase were
exceedingly light. There were many transactions in corn but prices
showed a gradual decline.

FLOUR was quiet at about the following rates.

Choice to favorite white winters $5 25@5 50
Fair to good brands of white winters 4 75@5 00
Good to choice red winters 5 00@5 50
Prime to choice springs 4 75@5 00
Good to choice export stock, in sacks, extras 4 25@4 50
Good to choice export stock, double extras 4 50@4 65
Fair to good Minnesota springs 4 75@5 25
Choice to fancy Minnesota springs 5 50@5 75
Patent springs 6 50@7 00
Low grades 2 25@3 50

WHEAT.--Red winter, No. 2 99@95c: car lots of spring, No. 2, sold at
93-3/4@97-3/4c; No. 3, do, 77-1/2@81c.

CORN.--Fluctuating but active. Car lots No 2, 57-3/4@58c; rejected,
46-1/2; new mixed, 48@48-1/4c.

OATS.--No. 2 in store, closed 32@33.

RYE.--May, in store 54@59.

BARLEY.--No. 2, 66@67c; No. 3, 44c.

FLAX.--Closed at $1 41.

TIMOTHY.--$1 23 per bushel. Little doing.

CLOVER.--Quiet at $5 90@6 15 for prime.

PROVISIONS.--Mess pork, January $14 02-1/2 per bbl; May, $14 52. Green
hams, 8-3/8c. per lb. S