( XX ) 
The quantity of meat imported in 1878 was 1,307,95-i cwts., 
against 1,277,686 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. 
The average price of beef per lb. by the carcass at the Metro- 
politan Meat Market was 5gd. in 1879 ; in 1878 it was 65c?., show- 
ing a reduction in 1879 of 10 per cent. The average price of 
mutton per lb. was 6gc?. in 1879 ; in 1878 it was Id., showing a 
reduction in 1879 of 5 per cent. 
The reduction in the price of beef and mutton since 1876 was 
equal to 15 and 12 per cent, respectively; it appears therefore 
that the increased importation of meat has had the effect of 
reducing the price of butchers' meat at the wholesale market. 
In 1879 there was a decrease, compared with the previous year, 
in the number of oxen, bulls, and cows of 17,735, and in swine 
and hogs of 3,644 ; but there was an increase in the number of 
sheep and calves of 52,743 and 12,164 respectively. 
STATISTICS OF DAIEY PRODUCE. 
The following remarks relating to Butter and Cheese are ex- 
tracted from ' The Grocer ' : — 
•The provision trade in the year 1879 was marked by some 
almost unprecedented characteristics. Prices of cheese and butter, 
during some months, were lower than were ever previously known, 
whilst in others they have reached quite a maximum point. During 
Jiily and August, American cheese of the best grades sold as 
low as 32s. and 33s., whilst low and secondary descriptions were 
all but given away at prices ranging as low as from 13s. fo 15s. 
In November and December best descriptions realised 72s. per 
cwt. English Cheddars sold at the earlier period as low as 30s. and 
32s. ; the same grades at the end of the year brought 75s. and 
76s., whilst extra prime qualities sold at 86s. and 88s. The same 
as to butters. In the early summer months values ruled lower 
than had ever been known. The make was small, but the neces- 
sities of the Irish dairy farmers compelled them to throw their 
stocks upon the market, and the result was great cheapness. The 
shortness of the make, however, soon afterwards began to tell 
its tale. Values moved rapidly upward, and in December they 
were as high as they have generally been at the close of the season 
in February. 
