( XIX ) 
The quantity of meat imported in 1878 was 1,307,954 cwts., 
against 1,277,68(3 in the previous year; in 1879 the quantity was 
1,524,725 cwts., being an increase over that of the previous year 
of 216,771 cwts.; in 1880 the quantity had still further increased 
to 1,812,477 cwts. 
The average price of beef per lb. by the carcass at the Metro- 
politan Meat Market was b-^d. in 1879 ; in 1878 it was 6|q'., show- 
ing a reduction in 1879 of 10 per cent. The average price of 
mutton per lb. was 6|c?. in 1879 ; in 1878 it was 7d., showing a 
reduction in 1879 of 5 per cent.; in 1880 the average price of 
beef per lb. was 6ld., of mutton per lb. 6|d., showing an increase 
over the previous year of 9 per cent, and 4 per cent respectively. 
The reduction in the price of beef and mutton since 1876 was 
equal to 8 and 8 per cent, respectively. 
In 1880 there was an increase, compared with the previous year, 
in the number of oxen, bulls, and cows of 142,230, and a decrease 
in swine and hogs of 1,237 ; there was a decrease also in the 
number of sheep and calves of 3,878 and 173 respectively. 
STATISTICS OF DAIEY PEODUCE. 
The following remarks relating to Butter and Cheese are ex- 
tracted from ' The Grocer ' : — 
Cork Butter Market. — Unlike its predecessor, the year 1880 
was rather a monotonous one in the Cork market. It was not 
marked by any of those spasmodic fluctuations in prices which 
rendered the previous season a very memorable one. In 1879 
prices fell from the end of April lill they touched 76s., 66s., 61s. 
for firsts, seconds, and thirds, on August 22nd. Last season (1880) 
the downward course of prices in the Cork market was arrested on 
May 19th, when quotations for firsts, seconds, and thirds were 102s., 
95s., 92s., or about an average of 30s. per cwt. over lowest prices 
of previous year. This early change in the tendency of prices was 
caused by the prospect of dry weather, and by its beginning to 
be recognised that the usual number of milking cattle were not 
in the country. The surmises in both cases proved correct. The 
rain was conspicuous by its absence, and the Irish Registrar- 
General's report soon proved to what an extent the milking stock 
of the country had been reduced by the severe distress prevailing 
amongst the farming classes. On July 10th, Cork prices were Ills., 
B 2 
