Dairy Industry in Normandy. 



67 



dealers and exporters to find in London a larger market, and 

 gadually extend their trade to the principal provincial towns 

 of England. In the year 1869 the export of butter amounted 

 to 1,850 tons, and this increased to nearly 3,000 tons in 1872. 

 From that time the trade rapidly increased, reaching 5,000 

 tons in 1875; 8,000 tons in 1880; 12,000 tons in 1885 ; over 

 14,000 tons during 1890 ; and a total of 18,000 tons 

 in 1895. 



The year 1896 does not show any very great expansion of 

 this trade, the increase not exceeding 250 tons. This may 

 perhaps be attributed to the competition of Denmark and 

 Australia. 



The explanation of these rapid strides made by the West 

 Normandy export trade is that they are due to the remarkable 

 and special qualities of the butter produced in a small area 

 surrounding the township of Isigny, near Carentan, on the 

 Paris-Cherbourg main line. The reputation earned by the 

 Isigny mark in Paris, and subsequently in London, was 

 extended to butter obtained from this neighbourhood, the 

 area of supply being gradually extended through the entire 

 *< Cotentin," the west of Cab/ados, and the north of La 

 Manche, viz., north-west Normandy. 



Some Brittany butter of good quality is bought-up and 

 blended in the district, and the Consul has also heard of 

 consignments of Australian butter arriving at Cherbourg, 

 destined for the West Normandy blending mills. The 

 reputation of the butter does not appear to have suffered, as 

 great care is taken in the proper selection, blending, and 

 packing, so as to ensure uniformity of flavour, colour, and 

 unlimited supply. 



The district enjoys considerable facilities for the despatch 

 of dairy produce to England. The carrying trade for dairy 

 and farm produce is principally in the hands of the London 

 and South- Western Railway Company's steamers, which sail 

 five times a week from Cherbourg for Southampton at 11.30 

 p.m. The Western Railway Company of France sends the 

 so-called " butter-train " down to the London and South- 

 western Railway wharf towards 5 p.m. This train collects 

 the butter, eggs, and poultry at Valognes, Carentan, Isigny, 



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