THE PROVISION TRADE. 



BY T. C. PETERS. 



It is becoming a very important question among the farmers of this 

 State, what shall be done with their products. The capacity of the 

 soil is not taxed a third, and yet we have a constantly increasing 

 surplus. 



Our location is peculiarly fitted for agriculture, having a good soil, 

 a genial climate, and unrivaled facilities for reaching market with 

 our heavy and bulky articles. We have but one draw back to our 

 prosperity, and that is in the competition which we experience from 

 the fertile fields of the Western States. Yet it is in our power to 

 overcome even that obstacle, and in certain branches to stand without 

 a rival. 



We cannot well compete perhaps with the west in the production 

 of wheat, possibly not in the growing of wool, though that is too re- 

 mote to calculate upon. But we can successfully compete with any 

 of the States in the quality of our dairy products, our beef, and par 

 ticularly our pork. Our soil and climate are peculiarly fitted for the 

 greatest perfection in butter and cheese, and pork, and it is our own 

 fault if we do not always hold the first plaice in the market and pro- 

 cure good prices and ready sales. 

 ■ Our home markets are already glutted, and we must look abroad 

 n outlet, that will carry off the excess of our products. 



Fortunately for us, the late revision of the English tariff, especially 

 upon provisions, has opened >as wide a field as we can possibly desire, 

 if we avail ourselves of the opportunity thus presented. While the 

 modification of the corn laws has been slight, and the duty may be 

 considered as prohibitory, the reduction of duty upon most kinds of 

 provisions has been such as to enable the^ farmers of this country to 

 supply almost the entire demand for salted meat, as well as cheese 

 and lard. 



Heretofore, Ireland has been the great storehouse from whence has 

 been drawn the vast supplies of salted beef and pork, which has 

 been required for the army, the navy, and the merchant service. 

 There is nothing of the kind put up in any part of the United King- 

 dom. Since the great increase of steam communication between 

 England and Ireland, the latter country has lost much of its insular 

 position, and the rapid increase of population requiring a large in- 

 crease of fresh provisions, it is no longer in the power of the Irish 



