12 THE WORLD'S MEAT FUTURE 



to 2.369.358 head in 1917 ! but there is still no export of 

 mutton from ( lanada. 



"" South Africa.— As a promising new source of Empire meat 

 supply, the Union of South Africa continues to gain in im- 

 portance. The pastoral conditions of the country are emi- 

 nently suitable for beef production on a large scale, the exist- 

 ing herds of cattle totalling about 8.000,000 head. Farmers 

 throughout the Union are increasing their efforts to provide 

 beef of a quality suitable for export ; freezing accommodation 

 is being extended as rapidly as war conditions will allow ; 

 railway facilities are being improved ; and the British Govern- 

 ment, by providing freight space and purchasing full cargoes 

 at fair prices for Army requirements, is lending valuable aid 

 to the new industry. 



" Exports last year amounted to 22,400 tons, as compared 

 with 7928 tons in 1916, and 2324 tons in 1915. Of the 1917 

 total only about 3200 tons came to England, the balance being 

 shipped to other destinations. The restricted quantities which 

 reached the London market from time to time showed no real 

 improvement in quality or condition, as compared with arrivals 

 in 1916. In these respects good results are hoped for from the 

 Commission which the Union Government is reported to be 

 sending to Australia and New Zealand for the purpose of study- 

 ing the methods of meat production and preparation followed 

 in those countries. It should be realised by shippers that 

 although high prices were secured in this market for the small 

 consignments which came to hand, beef of the quality recently 

 shipped from South Africa would not be very acceptable here 

 under normal conditions. 



" South America. — The total export of frozen and chilled 

 meat from the various South American Republics in 1917 

 amounted to 540,000 tons, as compared with 528,500 tons in 

 1916, and 471,250 tons in 1915. With the exception of the 

 Argentine Republic, all the exporting countries increased their 

 output. 



" Argentine Republic. — The weather of 1917 was generally 

 favourable for live-stock, especially in the Province of Buenos 

 Aires, which produces 80/90 per cent of the beef exported ; 

 the animals improved greatly in condition, and were in plenti- 



