ITALY. 



355 



PRICES OF ITALIAN CATTLE. 



In regard to the quantity of cattle at present in the country and their 

 price, they are reported to be scarce and dear in all parts of Italy and 

 Venice, as well on account of the recent inundations as of the increasing 

 demand, foreign and home. France and Germany require a constant 

 supply, and for several years the Parisian market has been largely 

 supplied with Italian beef. 



Beeves of superior quality, live weight, cost from $15 to $1G the 

 quintal, and this price is general throughout the region. The animal 

 generally averages six quintals, and yields 50 per cent, net of meat. 

 Cows bring about the same price, and never less than $14; at half-flesh 

 the price is 55 to 00 francs, which equals $11 to $12. 



TRANSPORTATION OF ITALIAN CATTLE TO THE UNITED STATES. 



It is difficult to obtain data as to the cost and facilities of transport 

 to the United States, the case never having before occurred. The best 

 route would be by sea altogether, as I am assured that animals suffer 

 more in the railway journey to Havre than in crossing the Atlantic. 

 The General Navigation Company (Italian), with a line to New York 

 and transshipment at Palermo, make their voyage from here to New 

 York in twenty-five days, and state a price (approximate) of 480 francs 

 ($96) per head, but better terms could be made according to number of 

 animals. Each animal would require about 22 pounds of hay per day, 

 and for the passage 550, which, at 71 cents per quintal, equals $3,50, 

 which with $96 for transport, equals $99.50. The passage of the neces- 

 sary keepers would be gratuitous. 



McWALTEE B. NOYES, 



Consul. 



UNITED STATES CONSULATE, 



Venice, November 24, 1883. 



Size, weight, and product of horned cattle in the Venetian territory. 



