for Consumption in the Bletropolia. 



197 



prices ralcd unusually high, although 81)0,100 head were brought 

 forward, as against 769,814 head in 1864. The additional number, 

 however, was composed of foreigners, which are still defective in 

 weight, though in their quality there was a marked improvement ; 

 most of the Dutch, German, and French sheep Avere crosses with 

 our South Downs. At one time, the best quality of mutton was 

 worth 75. per 8 lbs. ; whilst the general range was 6^. 8^. In 

 1864, the quotation did not exceed, 5^. 10^. per 8 lbs. The 

 great abundance of winter food in most countries brought forward 

 tlie sheep rapidly; and the supply was of really good quality, 

 which yielded rather a large quantity of internal fat. There was 

 a good consumptive inquiry for calves, at steady currencies. 

 Nearly the whole of the supply disposed of in the London 

 market was composed of foreign importations. Pigs were very 

 dear ; but the high prices, coupled with the fall in the price of 

 inferior beef, checked consumption considerably. The result 

 was that, at the close of the year, the advance was not sup- 

 ported. 



The following return shows the total supplies of stock exhibited 

 in the last six months of 1865 : — 



Head. 



Beasts 181,400 



Cows 2,177 



Sheep and Lambs S90,1G0 



Calves 21,532 



Pigs 10,151 



The total supplies of stock brought forward in the five pre- 

 vious seasons were : — 



Total Supplies of Stoch Exhibited. 



Last half of year. 



18G0 

 18GI 

 1862 

 1863 

 1864 



Beasts. 



145,420 

 149,750 

 159,450 

 168,232 

 177,944 



Cows. : Sheep and Lambs.' Calves. 



762,740 

 774,260 

 759,671 

 761,070 

 769,814 



15,766 

 12,441 

 12,579 

 14,822 

 17,967 



Pigs 



15,470 

 20,116 

 18,220 

 1 7 , 550 

 19,300 



Average Prices of Beef and Mutton. 



Per 8 lbs., to sink the Offal. 



Beef, 



