ARGENTINA 97 



wheat may equal that of blood stock, stock-breeders on the Plate 

 coast enjoy many advantages, or, rather, a combination of 

 advantages, which are denied their competitors elsewhere. Few 

 artificial foods are needed, and these, consisting chiefly of maize 

 and alfalfa, are grown at a minimum cost. The grass which 

 springs up after the introduction of stock to a new pasture is 

 extremely rich, while its growth is practically unchecked through- 

 out the year. In winter, the degree of cold seldom produces 

 more than a slight hoar frost, but loss is common among thin 

 herds in the driving south-west storms that in early spring sweep 

 unchecked over the Pampas, lasting, sometimes, from three to 

 five days. 



' ' The natural fertility of their pastures has led many, I might 

 truthfully say the majority of farmers, to risk fully stocking 

 their paddocks. This, greatly profitable in a good year, is 

 nevertheless equivalent to overstocking, for a bad season must 

 at times be reckoned for. With no reserves to fall back upon, 

 the result to the farmer is then disastrous." 



The freezing companies are helping to improve Argentine 

 live-.stock ; take shipments of pure-bred pigs, for instance ; these 

 are distributed through the country to the estancieros and far- 

 mers, at cost price, so as to help to improve the present breed of 

 pigs. Export of frozen pork is shortly to be very large from the 

 country. Another way the companies help is in the prices they 

 pay for champion steers at the fat stock show. This is done to 

 encourage the breeders to go in for high quality. At a recent 

 show, the champion steer fetched £2190, and three other steers 

 £2270 each. The Swift Company bought 116 steers for £21,800, 

 and 333 wethers for £2164. This company has recently purchased 

 900,000 square metres of land in Saladillo, province of Buenos 

 Aires, and Work on a huge frigorifico is in hand. In fact, new 

 freezing M^orks are being erected in various parts of the country 

 and well up the River Plate. The Government assists companies 

 of all kinds to erect manufactories, by exemption from all import 

 duties and my making other concessions. 



The Sociedad Rural Argentina proposes that a National Con- 

 gress should be held in which would be represented all the cattle 

 Ijreeders of the whole country. The following points are sug- 

 gested as being suitable for consideration at such a Congress: 

 Interchange of live-stock with adjoining countries; study regard- 

 ing the sale of live-stock produce ; subsidiary industries ; inter- 



