United States Butter Legislation. 



251 



ordered an investigation with a view to ascertaining what steps 

 should be taken to ensure a more uniform or improved yield of 

 the various classes of grain cultivated. 



The scarcity of reliable imformation and the contradictory 

 statements made as to the real extent of the damage caused 

 by the drought make it difficult to estimate the probable amount 

 of grain which will be available for export during the year 

 1902, but the following forecast may be given. The Table 

 also gives the exports from Rosario during the previous two 

 years, and indicates the estimated extent of the damage 

 sustained by the 1901-02 crops through prolonged periods of 

 drought. 



Crops. 



Estimated Total Exports. 



Exports from Rosario. 



1902. 



1902. 

 Estimated. 



1901. 



1900. 





Tons. 



Tons. 



Tons. 



Tons. 



Wheat ... 



400,000 



50,000 



421,009 



809,000 



Linseed... 



280,000 to 300,000 



80,000 



153,857 



64,000 



Maize . . . 



1,000,000 to 1,200,000 



180,000 to 200,000 



273,549 



202,000 



[Foreign Office Report, Annual Series, No. 2,793.] 



United States Imitation Butter Legislation. 



An Act which has recently come into operation in the 

 United States of America makes important alterations in the 

 law regarding imitation dairy products in that country. 

 Hitherto all manufacturers of oleomargarine were required to 

 pay a tax of £125 yearly, while wholesale dealers in this 

 substance paid ;£ioo, and retail dealers £10. On and after 

 July 1st last, however, wholesale and retail dealers, who sell no 

 other oleomargarine or butterine except that which is free 

 from artificial colouration causing it to resemble butter of any 

 shade of yellow, are only to be taxed to the extent of ^42 

 and 25s. respectively. Dealers who do not come under this 

 description are taxed on the old scale. A further tax of $d. 

 per lb. is to be paid by manufacturers of oleomargarine 



