Imports of the Cereal Year. 



155 



Among other articles which were imported in larger quan- 

 tities in the past cereal year than in 1896-97 were rabbits, 

 hops, potatoes, tallow and stearine, and lard. The increase 

 shown in the case of potatoes is remarkable, the total 

 importation in the twelve months ended August last being 

 the largest annual entry recorded for the past twenty years. 

 To this large supply Germany contributed 2,268,000 cwts., as 

 compared with only 11,800 cwts. in the previous year; 

 France furnished 1,633,000 cwts., against 942,000 cwts. 

 credited to her in 1896-97 ; the Channel Islandssent 1,196,000 

 cwts. ; and the consignments from other countries, not dis- 

 tinguished, amounted to 2,992,000 cwts., or 2,664,000 cwts. 

 in excess of the undistinguished receipts of the preceding 

 twelve months. 



Articles showing decreases are eggs, apples, pears, onions, 

 and w^ool. 



