Statistics of Live Stock and Dead Meat, Sfc. 



577 



breeds has shown considerable improvement ; hence the weight 

 of meat disposed of has exceeded 1866. This, together with 

 the ample supplies exhibited and disposed of in Newgate and 

 Leadenhall, accounts for the moderate prices current during the 

 last six months. The average top quotation for mutton has not 

 exceeded 5s. per 8 lbs. against 6s. in the corresponding period in 

 18GG, and 5s. lOd. in 1865. 



Of lambs there has been a full average. Sales, therefore, have 

 been rather inactive ; at one period, the best Down lambs sold at 

 ds. per 8 lbs, ; but the price soon fell to 8s., and at the close of 

 June was at Qs. Sd. per 8 lbs. In 1866 prices ranged from 6^. 8f/. 

 to 10s. per 8 lbs. 



Although the importations of foreign calves have been only 

 moderate, the veal trade has not improved. The best calves 

 have realised over 6s. per 8 lbs. ; but, as the number of English 

 lias been on the increase, there has been rather more competition 

 in the market. 



The supplies of pigs having been extensive, both English and 

 foreign breeds have sold slowly, at prices ranging from 3^. Qd. 

 to 45. 6d. per 8 lbs. 



Grass-fed stock has thriven well, and we believe that it was 

 never in a more healthy state than at present. A very large 

 crop of hay has been secured, and the prospect of root crops is 

 fully equal that of last season. The outlay for artificial food, 

 therefore, will certainly not increase. 



The following return shows the total supplies of stock exhi- 

 bited in the Metropolitan Cattle Market in the six months : — 



Total Supplies of Stock exJiibited. 



The supply from our northern districts was small — from the 

 eastern counties on the increase. Other parts of England fur- 



