THE WORLD'S MEAT TRADE 95 



explained by the negligible amount of American 

 chilled beef now exported. In view of the high 

 point of excellence to which Argentine cattle have 

 been graded up, it appears anomalous that North 

 American chilled beef has commanded consider- 

 ably higher prices than Argentine beef. The 

 explanation is to be found partly in the more 

 favourable conditions under which the compara- 

 tively short transportation is conducted, and 

 partly to the fact that the American stockbreeder, 

 with a twenty years' start has produced a more 

 perfectly developed steer. The second explana- 

 tion is the complete cessation of imports on the 

 hoof from North America. " Port Killed " beef 

 was the most formidable competitor of " Home 

 grown." The possibility of this trade being 

 reopened is so remote that the sale of the site 

 occupied by Foreign Cattle Wharfs at Deptford, 

 belonging to the City Corporation has been 

 proposed. 



Reverting to meat prices, it is doubtful whether 

 the consumer, at home has felt the full effect of 

 the increased wholesale price now ruling. A 

 confirmation of this statement may be given. A 

 company engaged in importing beef, and selling 

 wholesale, is able to show increased profits while 

 one exclusively engaged in distribution was 

 unfavourably affected. 



It may be objected that the present rise in the 



