20 



The following table (XI.) shows that during the thirty-two years, 

 1852-3, to 1883-4 inclusive, the area under wheat in the United King- 

 dom has been reduced by about one-third. The average yield per acre 

 is estimated at 28 bushels; but owing to recent bad seasons, the average 

 for the whole period of thirty-two years was only 27 bushels, that for 

 the first sixteen years having been 28^, but that for the second sixteen 

 years only 25^. Thus there has not only been a reduction in area 

 under cultivation, but in yield per acre, also; this, however, is probably 

 temporary, whilst the reduction in area will doubtless continue. 



TABLE XI. 



Particulars of Home Produce, Imports, and Consumption of Wheat, in 

 the United Kingdom 32 years, 1852-3 to 1883-4. 



