20 THE WORLD'S MEAT FUTURE 



year's shipments of frozen and cliilled meat, amounting to 

 377,480 tons, fell short of the previous year's total of 436,400 

 tons by 13.5 per cent. Four-fifths of the exports were sold to 

 the Allied Governments for Army consumption, the remainder 

 being reserved for the civilian trade in the United Kingdom. 



"Pastoral prospects are now brighter than they have been for 

 several years past ; and, apart from any deficiency in refriger- 

 ated tonnage, a much increased export in 1918 should be assured. 

 An export tax, which comes into operation as from 1st January, 

 1918, introduces a new element of uncertainty into the market ; 

 but the tax is likely, to be borne by the seller and not by the 

 ultimate buyer, so long as prices are controlled on this side of the 

 world. 



"Uruguai). — The number of cattle in 1916 was estimated at 

 7,802,000, as against 8,192,600 in 1908, while sheep declined 

 from 26,286,000 to about 11,473,000 head. These decreases are 

 attributed to climatic conditions, the severe drought of 1915/16 

 causing many deaths. Some recovery was, however, effected 

 last year as a result of the more favourable season. 



"Shipments from the two freezing works at ]\Ionte Video 

 amounted to 72,250 tons, as compared with 43,900 tons in 1916. 

 AVith the important new freezing works erected by The Morris 

 Beef Co. at Monte Video in operation, some further increase in 

 exports is looked for in 1918. 



"Brazil. — The export trade from Brazil has expanded in a 

 remarkable manner, and that country bids fair soon tn become 

 one of the most important sources of meat supply. In 1915, 

 the first year of trading, the exports were 8,000 tons ; in the 

 following year they increased to 33,130 tons; while last year 

 66,450 tons of beef were shipped — chiefly to the Continent, for 

 the Italian and French Armies. The beef is small and very 

 suitable for these countries, though it would hardly be big 

 enough for the best trade in this market. There are now four 

 freezing establishments in Brazil, with several others in course 

 of construction or in contemplation ; and everything points to 

 there being a further expansion in exports during the coming 

 year. The number of cattle in Brazil is estimated at 30,000,000 

 head, the bulk of which, however, are still of somewhat poor 

 quality. 



"Patagonia. — The whole output of mutton and lamb from 

 the Patagonian freezing works in 1917 was purchased by the 

 British Government. The quality proved to be quite satisfac- 

 tory. The mutton was reserved for Army use, but small quan- 



