1908.] Importation of Live Stock into Brazil. 



739 



to attach himself to such a commission firm who could advise 

 him in local matters. The care of the cattle when they arrived 

 and their transport would have to be considered, while charges 

 on the railways are high and accommodation is bad. 



At the present time the States Governments are buying: 

 cattle, but it remains to be seen whether they will be successful 

 or whether difficulties will arise in the treatment of the cattle. 

 Mr. Chapman is informed that the climatic conditions are not 

 trying to live stock, with the exception of some fever zones. 

 What is more likely to be prejudicial is the different pasture 

 and the absence of roots. The pastures in the States of Rio 

 Grande do Sul, Sao Paulo, Parana and Minas Geraes are, 

 speaking generally, good. The last named has excellent 

 grazing ground for cattle and sheep on the west of Minas 

 Railway above the town of S. Joao d'El Rey. The grass is 

 said to equal that of Australia, and is not subject to drought 

 owing to the heavy dew and the large quantities of water in 

 the neighbourhood. The town of Juiz de Fora on the Central 

 of Brazil Railway is the principal agricultural centre of Minas 

 Geraes, and owing to the establishment of a cattle market in. 

 the vicinity, more care has lately been taken with the pastures. 

 Dairy farming is a considerable industry. 



The State of Sao Paulo is generally supposed to be more in 

 favour of British stock than is Minas Geraes, but it is possible 

 that successful experiments would overcome the prejudice 

 of the latter. The importation of sheep would be likely to< 

 be profitable, if it was found that they became acclimatized^ 

 as Brazilian mutton is poor and there is little wool. 



Something is being done to promote agriculture in Brazil ;; 

 model farms have been started, and an immigration scheme 

 developed, but whether the energy displayed will last or not,, 

 depends partly on the success of the experiments, as the back- 

 ward state of the industry, the cost of living, and the lack of 

 markets for produce (due to heavy freights and taxation) will 

 not allow of repeated failure. Government representatives 

 have been buying in India and the cattle are reported as 

 arriving in good condition. 



The names of certain commission firms and some further 

 information on the subject can be obtained by those interested 

 on application at the offices of the Board. 



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