196 



Statistics of Live Stock and Dead Meat 



imports of foreign dried and cured provisions have seriously 

 declined during- the last twelve months, and prices have, as a 

 consequence, risen enormously. Our American advices give us 

 very little hope of a change in this respect; for in all their 

 leading ports, pork,' bacon, hams, &c., are considerably dearer 

 than in England, so as to preclude shipments. 



The price of beasts during the six months, has been decidedly 

 easier than in 1864 — inferior stock having given way 4r/., and 

 prime, 2d. per 8 lbs. Middling beasts may be considered about 

 stationary. In December, the market was much depressed, and 

 the prices realised were very unsatisfactorv, owing, in a great 

 measure, to the large supplies brought forward. 



Scotland forwarded 4512 Scots and crosses in admirable con- 

 dition ; but the supply from Ireland exhibited no improve- 

 ment whatever, being about 2000 head less than last year. 

 From Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire, the 

 receipts are on the decline. In 1862, over 74,000 beasts Avere 

 reported from those districts ; but last season the number did not 

 exceed 52,270 head. The Eastern counties fell off; but, from 

 other parts of England, in consequence of the closing of various 

 local markets, the numbers were a full average. Very few really 

 pure Scots, Devons, or Herefords made their appearance, and Ave 

 should estimate the proportion of crosses and mongrel breeds to 

 pure stock as three to one. 



In the last six months, the supplies of native beasts exhibited 

 in the London market were as under : — 



District Bulloch Arrivals. 



At one time, in January, this year, the orders issued pro- 

 hibiting the removal of stock without the range of Charing Cross 

 had at first a most depressing effect, and prices declined con- 

 siderably, as country buyers refused to purchase ; but, eventually, 

 they advanced 4:d. to 6d. per lb., as the supplies from all quarters 

 fell off considerably. 



We may safely assume that all kinds of meat Avill be high in 

 price for some time to come whatever may be the extent of our 

 importations of live stock. 



The demand for sheep was very activ^e in the six months, and 



