FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS. 
749 
gross number six months old and over, on the 1st day of April, 
at 1,720,113, against 1,435,943 on the corresponding date of 
1869, or an increase in round numbers of 275,000. There 
is, however, a slight decrease as compared with 1868, a defi- 
ciency of over 300,000 as compared with 1867, and a still 
greater falling-off as compared with the crop of previous 
years, which reached the maximum of 2,765,900 in 1863. 
It is evident that the same causes which led to the large 
product of 1863 — high price of the packed product and 
consequent profit to breeders — have stimulated the produc- 
tion this year in Ohio, as it has probably in Illinois ; but it 
is questionable if the increase is equal in other Western 
States. Upon the subject of possible values the Cincinnati 
Gazette , from which we have extracted the above figures, 
says : — “ The returns to the Auditor include only those over 
six months old on the 1st of April. Large numbers, there- 
fore, not included in our figures, may be made ready for 
market by January next. A good corn-crop and high prices 
for hogs usually insure a large surplus of the latter. Hogs 
are commanding high prices, and, while it is not likely that 
packers will be able to pay as much as was realised last 
winter, still, if corn yields as well as it promises, farmers 
will find hogs more profitable than any other product. They 
cannot get so many hogs ready for market as to put the 
price below a paying point. Those who buy stock hogs at 
high prices to fatten well run the risk of losing money, of 
course, but farmers who raise hogs and fatten them cannot 
fail to come out ahead. Packers now think they can afford 
to pay 8 dols. per 100 lb. net, as the average for hogs next 
winter. Upon this it will, we think, be safe for feeders to 
figure ; and 16 dols. to 20 dols. per head for hogs as matters 
now stand, and are likely to stand, should insure a good 
profit ** 
Foreign Cattle Market and the Trade in Meat. — 
The Times says that it is understood that the City Markets* 
Committee has entered into an agreement to purchase twenty- 
two acres of the site of the Deptford Dockyard for the pro- 
posed Foreign Cattle Market. Other reports are to the effect 
that the market will be established on the north side of the 
Thames, where greater facilities will be afforded for properly 
carrying on the trade. 
It is also said that an association of butchers has been 
formed at Sheffield, in connection with the Lancashire and 
Yorkshire Butchers* Union, to endeavour to have the restrictions 
upon the importation of cattle removed. It is stated that meat 
is 15 per cent, cheaper in London than in the north. 
