64:0 CATTLE AND DAIRY FARMING 



REMARKS. 



The annual average production of milk per cow is 2,920 pounds. No butter or 

 cheese is made. The cattle arrive at maturity when three years old. The live weight 



The average weight 

 is unknown ; they feed 

 " handling products. 

 Cultivated grasses : Guinea grass. 

 The mean temperature is 81 j summer, 91 ; winter, 72. 



CATTLE AND CATTLE PRODUCTS IN SAINT THOMAS. 



REPORT J!?r CONSUL SMITH. 



I am just in receipt of the cattle circular of July 18, 1883. 



There is no information relative to the cattle of Saint Thomas that can 

 be given which will be of any value to the stock-breeders of the United 

 States. There being no fresh water on the island, and but little grass, 

 stock is not bred for any purpose. 



There are not to exceed two or three hundred head of cattle on the 

 island. Of this number perhaps one hundred are ordinary Spanish 

 milch cows. 



IMPORTS OF CATTLE. 



The supply of cattle for the butcher is drawn from the neighboring 

 islands. During the fiscal year ending March 31 , 1883, the importations 

 were as follows : 



A few head are imported at a time in small sloops engaged in that 

 trade. 



MEAT IMPORTS FROM THE UNITED STATES. 



The expense which would be incurred by keeping a large supply on 

 hand precludes the butchers from negotiating with stock-breeders in 

 the United States for the delivery of such cargoes as would be profit- 

 able for them to ship. 



The salt and canned meats necessary to supply the demand of the 

 shipping is imported from the United States. 



BUTTER AND CHEESE IMPORTS. 



Butter is chiefly imported from Denmark, and cheese from Germany 

 and France. 



