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IV. ANIMAL INDUSTRY AND POULTRY. 



The livestock farming, owing to the difference of the circumstances in Japan from those of the 

 European and American nations, makes but a very slow progress. At present, the number of 

 domestic animals is no more than i .400,000 heads of cattle, i .600,000 heads of horses, and 300,000 

 heads of swine. Sheep and goats are very small in number and not worthy of reference. But great 

 importance is attacked to this industry by the people and the Government is also encouraging with 

 every possible measure its development, so that in the future, there, it is expected, will be something 

 remarkable about this branch of agriculture. Even, to-day, though the number of the animals has 

 not shown any decided increase, breed has been greatly improved, owing to the introduction of 

 better species from abroad. Poultry- breeding is carried on chiefly as the subsidiary calling of farmer. 

 According to the statistics of 1912, the total number of the households, which are engaged in 

 chicken-raising, was 2,900,000 ; that of cocks and hens 12,000,000, tliat of young chickens 7,500,000, 

 and the output of eggs 800,000,000. which, when appraised in money, reached i6,coo,ooo^^« in 

 value. There is every appearance that the poultry business will further continue to grow. 



V. TRADE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS. 



The average annual amount of agricultural exports, for the three years preceding 19 13, amounted 

 to 2 34,390,000 7^//, while that of the imports 343,560,000 j^«. When the matters are considered 



