11,846. What is the retail price of meal just now in your shop?-It is 141/2d. per peck.
11,847. And of flour?-There are two kinds, one at 1s. and on at 13d. Meal is always 1/2d. peck dearer in Scalloway than in Lerwick, on account of the cartage.
11,848. Is there no meal brought here by sea?-Very little.
11,849. Have you many business transactions with the inhabitants of Burra?-Yes, some.
11,850. Do some of the men purchase at your shop the supplies they require for their families?-Yes, occasionally.
11,851. Do they do so for ready money, or upon credit?-Either for ready money or for eggs.
11,852. Do they sell all their eggs to you?-I don't know. I think they sell to all the grocers in the village.
11,853. In what way are their eggs paid for?-The eggs are generally paid for in barter at one price, and [Page 291] in cash at another price; but, for the last three months, I have bought them at the barter price for cash. The present price is 9d. per dozen, whether paid for in goods or cash, but they are very seldom sold for cash.
11,854. What is the kind of goods generally taken in exchange for eggs?-Everything we sell-tea, sugar, meal, bread, and soft goods.
11,855. Do you export a number of the eggs you buy?-Yes. They are sent south by the steamer.