THE FARMER'S OUTLOOK 



CHAPTER I 



THE RISE IN FOOD PRICES 



Accepting price as a measure of demand, the 

 higher cost of foodstuffs so widespread, affecting 

 so many articles, suggests a common underlying 

 cause. Our concern is not with fluctuations ; 

 they are common in periods both of high and low 

 prices. The well-established rise in values, which 

 we are considering, cannot be mistaken for 

 a temporary movement. An essential preliminary 

 is to fix the scope of the enquiry, here confined to 

 wheat, meat, and dairy produce, and to block 

 in as a perspective some general considerations. 

 Our point of view is world-wide. Modern 

 means of communication have gone far to 

 annihilate distance and equalise prices. High 

 grade food-products have found their way into 

 every market, and set a standard of quality. 

 The success attained during a period of low 

 prices, has eliminated competition against the 

 interests of consumers. Thus the development 

 of the dairy industry, especially where butter 



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