147 



It is obvious, that, were the Corn Trade tree every where, the 

 prices would be higher, at least they were so in former years, 

 when the accumulation of Corn was probably five times as large 

 as it is now. But many years may still elapse before such an 

 involuntary emancipation will take place, and it is therefore 

 incumbent on us to take every means for averting our present 

 distress w ith the least possible delay. Whether and how far the 

 following plan might promote the end proposed, I leave to an 

 enlightened public to judge. 



From the system of erecting granaries, as proposed some 

 time ago, we can expect no radical benefit, for motives that 

 have already undergone a sufficient examination. Such gra- 

 naries would besides contribute to strengthen still more the 

 prejudice entertained by foreign countries, of having accu- 

 mulated large quantities of Corn, prejudices which prove at 

 this time so detrimental to us. The exportation of Flour to 

 South America, tried here and there, is as yet too inconsiderable 

 to affect beneficially the prices. It is therefore the opinion of 

 the Author of this Sketch, that it is only by a thorough annihi- 

 lation of very considerable quantities of Grain that the prices 

 can be raised ; and which, situated as we are, can be effected in 

 no other way than by an increased consumption in our agricul- 

 tural branches. 



It was only now and then that an agriculturist found it pro- 

 fitable to himself to feed his finest flocks with part of his Corn : 

 in general it did not answer. Since, however, the price of Wool 

 began to rise considerably, the advantage of feeding with Corn 

 has become obvious, and this system has become remunerating 

 since Wool has risen from 30 to 33 per cent. This state of 

 things allows now the feeding with Corn on a very extensive 

 scale, and surely deserves much consideration, as being an 

 effectual means of raising the price of Corn. 



The well-known political causes which have given birth to 

 a greater consumption of Wool, lead us to expect that the pre- 

 sent high prices will maintain themselves still longer. It is true, 

 that the same causes will effect an increase in the production of 

 Wool ; this, however, can be done, from the steps of nature 

 itself, but gradually ; and as it is a general known rule, founded 

 on experience in rural economy, that a sheep, when allowed 

 during the winter season, besides its ordinary food of hay, straw, 

 &c. an extra supply of 85 to 96 pounds weight (English) of 

 Corn, will yield from half to three quarters of a pound, and 

 sometimes more Wool; the feeding of 100 sheep with lo~> 

 bushels of Rye would by this means yield an increase in the 

 produce of Wool, of 71 pounds weight at least. 



By this system the bushel of Rye will realise the following 

 prices ; namelv, 



