480 
EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
lowed, but all of us should carry from this place the con- 
viction that rapid improvements and incessant progress are 
being made. 
This conviction you have also received from the examina- 
tion of the auxilliary species of the bovine race, namely, sheep. 
You are convinced that if one would sacrifice to the 
claims of slaughtering the quality of the wool, excellent 
results would be obtained, either by increasing amongst us 
the best breeds of sheep, and in the place of the Merinos, 
having the Cotswold, and more particularly the Southdown, 
whose flesh is so firm, and of so fine a flavour ; or by crossing 
some of our breeds with the Disley, and especially by im- 
proving some of our good old breeds, such as the Ardennes, 
Sologne, and Berry. You have lastly seen the possibility of 
obtaining cheap provision for the poor, by giving attention 
to the porcine race. 
By encouraging especially the small English breed, which 
requires so little food, and yet are so rich in flesh, and are of 
such admirable precocity — by which each labourer’s family 
may be supplied with better food, and almost without expense. 
Thus one of the most important problems of our time would 
be solved — “ the production of good and cheap food.” 
At present, this question appears to be far from being 
settled ; but let us not make ourselves uneasy on account of 
temporary dearness ; these temporary sufferings must lead to 
permanent advantages. 
Increased prices encourage production ; from scarcity 
comes a day of abundance. After some fluctuations the 
level will be obtained, and the price fixed in such a manner 
as to satisfy the legitimate interests of the producer and the 
consumer. Then great benefits will be obtained. The food 
of the public will be improved. Agriculture will increase in 
power — the crops will be more abundant — she will gain that 
vital strength which multiplies of itself. The earth will 
become more fruitful ; the country more animated. 
I have said enough, gentlemen, on the characters and 
results of this meeting, which will in a few minutes receive 
the high honour of a visit from our sovereign. 
