No. 199.J 153 



In 1782 the price paid was 10 cents per pound. 



1790 it had gradually advanced to 13 " " 



1806 a 111. re r; pid advance to 23 " " 



' 3812 still advancing, 31 « " 



1817 declined to 18 " " 



1823 a further decline to 15 " " 



1827 16^ " " 



1832 171 « « 



The quantity of butter consumed is immense. We have no data 

 from which to deduce an accurate estimate. Assuming, however, the 

 population ( f the United Slates to be twenty millions, and that each 

 person consumes half a pound per week, it requires 520,000,000 

 pounds to supply the consumption for one year ; the cost of which, 

 at 14 cents per pound, would amount to $72,800,000. Assuming, 

 also, that each cow will yield 168 pounds per annum, the milk of 

 3,095,278 cows would be required to produce the butter. 



The specimens of butter exhibited at our twenty-second Annual 

 Fair, were numerous, and the quality pronounced to be very superior. 

 Butter making, like many otht-r products of agricultural labor, does 

 not, as a general thing, bring a very profitable return to the producer. 

 Fn close proximity to our largest cities, we have heard farmers say 

 that it was more profitable for them to sell their milk at one and a 

 half cents per quart at their own doors, than to put it into butter and 

 take the chance of the market. We apprehend this product may 

 be made more lucrative, by proper care and attention in the manufac- 

 ture of it, and also to the best method of putting it up for transpor- 

 tation, so as to preserve its sweetness. Pure sweet butter is generally 

 in demand, and in some countries it always commands a price that 

 will justify the expense of very costly methods for preserving it 

 during the necessary time required foi' its transportation. In China, 

 for instances, sweet butter brings from 75 cents to $2 per lb. Cali- 

 fornia, for seme time to come, will undoubtedly be one of the most 

 profitable markets for good butter, ever known. The vast prairies 

 of the west may be made to produce immense quantities of butter ; 

 and transportation, through the agency of canals and railroads, con- 

 stantly augmenting, will shortly afford all possible facilities. 



