It
is difficult to tabulate prices exactly, as they vary according to
conditions and the average quality of the lots. Though in a general way
prices at the fields follow the market, they do not adjust themselves
as quickly to the immediate demand throughout the scattered diggings
in the interior wilds, as at Bahia city. Nevertheless, as there is
competition among the field-buyers, and they are kept well informed by
the houses they represent, the diggers receive on an average, a good
share of the market value, though naturally they do not benefit as
fully from a sharp advance of price.
As
in Brazil, London sells chiefly in unassorted lots, but Germany has
established a profitable business in carbons, by assorting and selling
separately, according to individual requirements.
Though
the source of supply is comparatively near New York and a large
quantity of carbons is used in the United States, our supplies come
chiefly via Europe. There is a monthly steamer plying between Bahia and
New York, but several steamers leave Bahia each week
