474 Statistics of Live Stock and Dead Meat 
of at 635., and even 725., per head. Those from Germany, how- 
ever, which consist wholly of merinos, and which at one time 
arrived in wretchedly bad condition — in fact, completely rotten, 
— have shown very little improvement ; and surprise has been 
expressed that they can be sent here at a profit, considering that 
they are now worth only from 155. to I85. each, out of which 
25. 6(f. per head must be deducted for shipping and other 
expenses ; besides which there are frequently heavy losses at 
sea, which are never covered by insurance. But whilst there is 
no actual increase in the supply of meat from the Continent, any 
deficiency is made up by the steady receipts from Ireland. 
That portion of the United Kingdom is still supplying London 
with a description of live stock — both beasts and sheep, including 
lambs — which finds a ready market at fair quotations. When 
we consider that the old Irish breeds are now nearly extinct, and 
that a number of valuable animals are imported from time to 
time from England for breeding purposes, we may rest satisfied . 
that the breeders in Ireland are now in a position to exercise 
considerable influence upon the value of meat in this country. 
Many of the Irish beasts lately exhibited in the great metro- 
politan market have sold at from 21/. to 25/., and the sheep at 
from 5O5. to 635. each. 
Much discussion has sprung up on the subject of the difference 
in the present dead weights of each kind of stock, more particu- 
larly of beasts and sheep, when compared with twenty years since. 
Considering the great changes which have taken place in the 
system of producing cattle — viz. the near extinction of some 
breeds, and the extensive crossing in nearly all parts of the United 
Kingdom — this is a question of more than usual importance. In 
the endeavour to elucidate this matter, we cannot avoid expressing 
our astonishment at the wonderfully fine animals — chiefly crosses 
— which are now disposed of at an age at which, some years since, 
they would have been scarcely half-fat. We have crosses, chiefly 
between the Scots and short-horns, and almost wholly heifers, 
weighing: over 100 stones of 8 lbs. We have them too in the 
primest possible condition, and with a full average quantity of 
internal and well-mixed fat. The quality of these animals is 
frequently superior to many of our primest Scots, and their 
general symmetry reflects the highest credit upon the skill and 
enterprise of the breeders. Notwithstanding this early maturity 
and the splendid weights, together with the high prices realized, 
there are not a few opponents to the new system ; but who at 
the present time would keep their beasts upon the land, even for 
working purposes, longer than is necessary to secure a good profit ? 
True, we frequently see large-framed and pure Sussex beasts in 
the London market 5, 6, and even 7 years old ; but the prices 
