198 Belgian Competition in the Iron Manufacture. [April, 



Thus the average annual ratio of increase of production has 

 been as nearly as possible the same (6-J- per cent.) in each country. 



But the increase alone on the two years in this country, is 

 equivalent to the entire production of Belgium. 



The production of Iron in Belgium was — 



In 1865 455,035 tons 



In 1861 311,838 „ 



Increase in four years 143,897 tons ; 



or about 11 per cent, per annum on 1861. 



The production of Iron in the United Kingdom was 



In 1865 4,819,254 tons 



In 1861 3,712,390 „ 



1,106,864 tons ; 

 or about 7 per cent, per annum on 1861. 



But it will be seen from the preceding figures that the average 

 increase alone of the production of Iron in this country in two 

 years is, like that of coal, in excess of the entire production of 

 Belgium. 



Of the 455,035 tons of Pig Iron produced in Belgium in 1865, 

 about 370,000 tons were destined to be converted into manufactured 

 Iron (the remainder being of a quality suitable for the foundry), and 

 276,277 tons of Wrought Iron were actually produced. 



The wages of the Ironworkers are about equal to those of South 

 "Wales, but lower than those of any other part of the United 

 Kingdom. 



I am unable to compare this production usefully with that of 

 the United Kingdom, as I do not consider the statistics of the 

 production of Wrought Iron in England reliable, but it is possible 

 to compare the Exports from the two countries. 



Exports from Belgium of Iron and Iron-manufactures : — 



1864. 1865. Ten months of 1866. 



Total . . . 180,870 136,360 87,771 



Showing a gradual decline in the Export of Iron from Belgium. 

 Taking the Exportation of rails, bars, &c, exclusive of Pig Iron 

 or Castings, the result is similar. 



Exports from Belgium of Malleable Iron : — 



1864. 1865. Ten months of 1866. 



Tons .... 148,530 125,649 74,693 



And it may here be remarked, with reference to a contract for 

 40,000 tons of rails which it was reported would be given to 

 the Belgian works, that the greater portion, if not the whole, has 

 been actually taken by British manufacturers. 



