Mexican Demand for Cattle. 



399 



Mexican Demand for Pure-Bred Cattle. 



In Bulletin No. 41 of the Bureau of Animal Industry of the 

 United States Department of Agriculture, attention is called to 

 Mexico as a market for pure-bred beef cattle. 



It is pointed out that, previous to the passage of the United 

 States Tariff Act of 1897, a large number of the surplus cattle 

 from the ranches of the Mexican border States found a market 

 in the United States, whence they were taken for pasturage in 

 dry seasons and for feeding. The increased tariff on cattle 

 imposed by the 1897 Act considerably reduced these importa- 

 tions, and Mexican ranch owners are now looking to the 

 United Kingdom and other countries as an outlet for their 

 animals. The native breeds are, however, of too small a size 

 to compete in such markets, and breeders are, consequently, 

 importing bulls of the well-known beef breeds to build up the 

 native stock. In 1900 over 3,000 cattle were imported from the 

 United States, all of them being probably breeding animals, 

 while a number of animals were also imported from Switzerland. 

 The Mexican cattle raiser is not willing to give exorbitant 

 prices for breeding cattle, partly owing to the fact that so many 

 inferior animals have been imposed on him as pure-bred. It is, 

 therefore, suggested that it may be the best plan for breeders to 

 reduce the prices of animals for export to Mexico until such 

 time as the Mexicans may become convinced that the cattle 

 sent them are all that is claimed for them, and that such cattle 

 are indispensable to the success of the object which they have in 

 view. Cattle sent to the low-lying portions of Mexico are liable 

 to infection from the Texas fever, which is prevalent there, but 

 the more elevated portions of the Republic are apparently free 

 from infection. Mexican buyers desire to see the animals before 

 purchasing, and it is accordingly suggested that cattle should be 

 exhibited at all the principal fairs held in the Republic, and also 

 at the larger cities. All literature of an advertising character 

 which is sent to Mexico should be printed in Spanish. 



Egg Production in Norway. 

 The Board have received through the Foreign Office a copy 

 of a memorandum prepared by Mr. C. S. Dundas, H.M. Consul- 



