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XXXII. — Statistics of Live Stock for Consumption in the 

 Metropolis. ^ By Robert Herbeet. 



The heavy losses sustained by disease in most parts of England, 

 the restrictive measures taken by the Government and local 

 authorities to prevent contagion, and the non-arrival of our usual 

 supplies from Holland — in which country the rinderpest has 

 been somewhat prevalent — produced great fluctuations in the 

 value of beasts during the first six months of the present year. 

 Prices fluctuated so rapidly that, at one period, it was difficult 

 to put a market price upon particular breeds. On the whole, 

 however, the Norfolk " season " has passed off well. The general 

 quality of the stock received from the eastern counties has been 

 remarkably good, and they carried a full average quantity of 

 internal fat. As yet the stock from Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, 

 and Northamptonshire has been in good condition ; but a falling 

 off is apprehended at the end of the "season," owing to the 

 large numbers of half-fat beasts disposed of during the early part 

 of the year. Some remarkably fine beasts have arrived in 

 London from France, Austria, and Prussia, and have made first- 

 class prices, 5^. to, in some instances, 5^. 4(/. per 8 lbs. The 

 supply from Scotland has not been to say large, but the quality 

 was first-rate. From their superior condition, Scots were at one 

 time worth 65. ^d. per 8 lbs. 



The supplies of sheep have been rather extensive, nevertheless 

 the demand for all breeds has ruled active at extreme rates. With 

 very few exceptions, the various breeds were free from disease. 



The demand for lambs was not very active; nevertheless. 

 Downs have produced fully 10s. per 8 lbs. June closed at 65. 8c?. 

 to 85. per 8 lbs. The supply was not equal to that of the last 

 two years. 



Calves, from the small number imported, have realised extrava- 

 gantly high figures. Of late, however, the quotations have declined 

 considerably, as the imports have been largely on the increase. 



Pigs have been in fair and steady demand. 



When a free entry is permitted from Holland, we may antici- 

 pate a very large influx from that country. The supplies ready for 

 shipment are represented as very large and of improved quality. 

 We are not likely to import either beasts or sheep for grazinr) 

 purposes, past experience having shown that much danger is to be 

 apprehended from contamination. Besides, foreign stock cannot 

 be successfully grazed in any part of the United Kingdom. We 

 therefore anticipate the arrival of an increased quantity of foreign 

 meat fit for general consumption. 



The great abundance of grass in our pastures has brought 

 forward native stock with some rapidity ; whilst the prospect of a 



