The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1857-05-23

Scarcity or Foop.-Occasionally in this
land of plenty, we are startled by the cry of
approaching scarcity of brcadstuns. ifnot with
very famine Itself. These alarms arisA some
times with the spectators in -four and grain
who, by holding in store large quantities Of
these staples leave the market without Il suf-
ticicnt supply; this leads to an advance in
prices; then they sell and make large profits.
But unless other circumstances. such as for
cign demand, the carly closing OF rivers and
canals, unrropitious appearance ofcrops, &C.,
favor them, they run imminent risks and often
lose by their operations.
We have at present a very considerable adj
vance in prices of grain and provisions: this
upward tendency is no doubt accelerated by
the dealers, but it seems to us there is now
more real cause to expect high prices and
positive scarcity, Gf such thing be possible
in this country.) than at any time during Il
number of years. There is but light supply
of old grain on hand; the wheat fields. in wide
districts of the country, are unpromsing and
the yield must fall much below an average
crop; the corn planting season is now far adj
vAnced, but owing to the bad weather great
deal of that crop has not been put in the
ground. I'd the chances, when the planting is
thus late, are against anything like an usual
crop on poor land Thus the case stands in
regard to breadstufis.
In regard to meat the prospect is, also, that
there will be scarcity and high prices. In the
West immense numbers ofhogs have died ola
disease called, from its fatality the s:hog cfol-
era" In SOME sections almost the whole
stock has been swept off; this disease is now
extending eastward and is likely to bring much
additional loss. In many parts of the North
west thousands of cattle have died from star
walton, and owing to the GOODNESS ofthc spring
the pastures are still insufficient to afford them
support, hence they are still dying Off. the
hay and fodder being exhausted. In those
sections large quantity of corn has been fed
to cattle, in the hope of keeping them alive
TIL the pastures grow, and this will decrease
the amount to be shipped to the eastern mar
ket. 1t may be added here, also. that the fish
cries of North Carolina and Virginia have
generally failed this Spring. and that those of
the Chesapeake have only been partially sue
ccssful.
These facts lead to the conclusion that there
Is good reason for the present high prices, and
surer prospect Of scarcity of provisions than
at any late day heretofore.
Admitting this to be the case, it would seem
to be to the interest of our farmers to profit
by the signs Of the times, and thus, while help
ing themselves help, also. the consumers of
their products The best means of profting
by the emergency will suggest themselves to
those engaged in agricultural pursuits. 1t is
not yet too late to plant corn on good ground,
and by the assistance of manures thin lands
may still bring fair crops; we would therefore
recommend that every acre possiblelbc plant
cd, and, also, that every farmer extend the
limits of his intended potato patch; this article
of food now commands high price, and there
is little doubt that the crop of the present year
will pay handsomely.
Besides these staple products, there are
large variety of vegetables, &C., which can be
made to add much to the supply offood. Our
country housewives, even, can, by doubling
their production ofpoutry do much in making
up for the deficiency in meats. Poultry al
ways pays well, nowadays, and is matter
worthy of attention.
There is another matter bearing on the
supply Of food in the country, which may be
properly mentioned here, in regard to which
we lately printed an article from our contem-
porary Of The Delaware Republicans the slaugh-
tering ofyeal calves. Probably there is no sin