IMPORTATION OF BACON AND PORK. 221 



In 1842. New Tariff. 



*. d. s. d. 



On Bacon from Foreign Countries 14 Opercwt. 7 per cwt. 



British Possessions 36" 20" 



Ham from Foreign Countries 14 " 70 " 



British Possessions 36" 20" 



Salted Pork from Foreign Countries. 80" 00" 



British Possessions. 20" 00" 



Previous to 1842 the duty on bacon and ham amounted to 28s. 

 and 7s. per cwt., and that on pork to 16s. and 4s. ; swine were then 

 prohibited ; but when, by the Act 5 & 6 Viet. cap. 47, they became 

 admissible, there were imported, 



In 1842. In 1843. In 1844. In 1845. In 1846. 



415 361 269 1,598 3,443 



Here again we find the same wonderful increase. In 1845 seven 

 times the number are imported that were brought over in 1844 ; and 

 in 1846 the import of 1845 is doubled. Yet there is no diminution 

 created in the provision trade by this extraordinary increase in that 

 of live animals, but, on the contrary, it too increases in 1845, and is 

 again doubled in 1846. And the increase of demand is proportion- 

 ate with that of the supplies. 



The accounts of one branch of our imports will this present year, 

 however, in all probability, show a material defalcation in the amount; 

 we allude to those arising from Ireland, whence a large number of 

 the pigs which come to our markets are supplied, and where the pre- 

 sent state of dearth has caused numbers of these animals to be de- 

 stroyed. This fact ought to stimulate our native breeders to increased 

 exertions. In from 1820 to 1825 there was on the average from 

 204,380 to 338,218 cwts. of bacon and hams imported yearly into 

 England from the sister country. Since the last-named period there 

 has been no decrease ; but, the trade between Ireland and Great 

 Britain having been placed on the footing of a coasting-trade, and 

 these articles having been imported without specific duties, it is no* 

 so easy to ascertain .the precise amounts brought over ; they may 

 be, however, estimated at about 500,000 cwt. per annum. 



The keeping of swine is fast becoming something more than a 

 mere means of disposing of offal and matters which would otherwise 

 be wasted ; and we trust that the value and lucrativeness of this 

 branch of rural economy will soon be fully acknowledged, and that 

 swine will be duly estimated among farmers and breeders. The 

 next step must of necessity speedily follow : men of science will no 

 longer deem them beneath- their notice ; their habits, instincts, and 

 ailments will be properly studied ; individuals as well as the world 

 will be benefited ; and a new and important field of knowledge 

 thrown open. 



