1850-1870

Patterns in the demand for commodities changed during the second half of the nineteenth century as iron steamships replaced sailing ships and the tallow trade reduced with the introduction of gas lamps and eventually electric lighting. Demand for foodstuffs throughout the empire rose exponentially with a particular demand for wheat. The Baltic grain merchants were at the heart of the trade and the Baltic became the hub for grain trading. Despite the reservations of the Baltic Committee, the Magnetic Telegraph Company established a station at the Baltic in 1858 which was widely used by members.