Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1865-07-06


their cattle to market as the bestway to dispose
of them. This has not yet been counteracted by
efforts to restore the loss by greater prodactio
though the high prices Of cattle and the reduction
in the cost Of their feed must eventually make the
raising Of animals source of considerable profit
to the farmer. That the causes we have alluded
- have produced the effects indicated, we find
confirmed by the efforts made by the Pennsylys.
MIA Agricultural Society to get farmers to devote
more attention 10 the raising of cattle. The Pres.
dent of the Society, in letter to the Commission.
er of Agriculture, writes as follows
sit cannot be overlooked by the most casua
observer, that from the immense slaughter and
waste consequent upon the supply of animal food
for the army aud navy, while importing and breed.
ing are al and-still, the most strenuous efforts
will be necessary, on the part of the farmer TO
prevent an absolute scarcity, particularly In the
product OF beefcate, and that beef must soon
be sold at rates that few will be able to afford
The high prices at present offered by butchers
have tempted farmers to part with their lar.
gest and best formed cows, which under difs
ferent circumstances, would have been retained
for breeding, and the most healthy and vigorous
heifer calves have been sold 10 them. From this
cause most farms exhibit poor, unganly stock
of cattle compared to what it formerly was
OnlO, lnulhud, heutuchy, ullnOs- missouri, and
West Virginia on which we used TO rely for SUP.
plies present limited resources. Some of these,
by arrangements caused by war; have almost
ceased 10 breed; Others do not import owing to
the condition OF the currency; whilst Others Il "a
stated to me- have nearly exhausted the splendid
herds which formerly rolmed their pasIures-
From my position as President of the Pennsylvs.
MIA Agricultural Society, deem il duty to or.
peal TO you, with the hope that you will urge
farmers, through your excellent monthly reports,
to use fresh, vigorous and prompt efforts TO pre-.
serve and increase the most profitable breeds OF
cattle within their reach, so that the scarcity of
beef may be averted."
This, while it explains clearly the cause Of the
high prices Of butchers meats points out the
only proper method for their reduction-the rails.
ing of more cattle by the farmers. The condition
of prices OF cattle and feed is now favorable 10
the farmer, and consequently his own interests
will prompt him to supplya want which tends 80
largely to his own profit.
There was decided fall in the price of live
stock, in New York, on Monday. The Times
says: .
Tie better grades Of cattle sold at prices equiv
aent to l4cal6c. per pound for the dressed weight
OF the fore quarters-the lowest wholesale prices
reported for ttis grade of cattle since March, 1864
or fifteen months ago. Common and poorer
grades sold yesterday at from l2c. down to Sc.
net weight. The receipts of beef cattle at oil the
city markets for the past week vera 5,4l4 head,
against weekly average for all OF last year of
5,l36 while the bad weather and the agitation
of the subject have greatly diminished the de.
msnd.