^44 ^^r. Curwen on the Means of 



The following Averages, computed at the Distance of g Years each, shew the 

 Number of Cattle and Sheep sold in Smithfield : 



Of Cattle. OfShfep. 



From the year 1732 to 1740, per ann. the average was 83,906 564,650 



1741 — 1749, - - 74.194 559.892 



1750—1758, - - 75.331 623,091 



1759 — 1767. - - 83,432 615,328 



1768 — 1776, - - 89,362 627,805 



1777 — 1785, - - 99,285 687,588 



1786—1794, - - 108,075 707,456 

 We are not informed of the average of the last seven years, but understand it 

 considerably exceeds that of any former period. 



The following is a Comparison between the average Weight of Bullocks or Oxen 

 (fee. 100 Years ago, and at the present Time : 



lbs. lbs. 



r Oxen, 100 years ago, weighed 



Calves, _ - - _ 



Sheep, _ _ - . 



Lambs, _ _ . - 



(Monthly Magazine, February, 1802, page 77.) 



Smithfield market has (taking the increased weight of the carcases into calcula- 

 tion), doubled the weight of flesh sold within fifty years. If such has been the 

 increase in the capital, where luxury ever predominated, what must be the increased 

 consumption of meat throughout the whole empire? 



The alteration of the corn laws in 1773 operated still further to decrease the 

 quantity of corn grown, by creating a competition of foreign grain in our markets; 

 and that at a time when the profits upon'grazing were already greater than on 

 growing corn. 



Every burden, (which the necessity of the state has imposed since that period,) 

 has been a direct tax upon the plough, and consequently operated as a bounty on 

 lurning land from tillage to grazing. The increasing demand for workmen, for our 



