Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-04-14
No. Of cattle Additional To
2Os7,lbs

~~' ~~~Ny @tVoffiOo
/" From these tables 1t will be seen that in
New England there is a deficiency, falling
short Of the use and consumption of its in
habitants, of 594,67 neat cattle to be fur
nished from other quarters. In Massachu-
sests l66, 1862; icing more than one fifth Of
the total deficiency. In the Middle States
there Is deficiency of 1864 1926; in Mary
land, 2l2,9s5, and which added to the de-
fciency in New England. gives total deficit
Of 2,372.l87 neat cattle in the States east Of
Ohio.
From the tDo great facts: LIST, that the
number Of neat cattle required for every one
hundred Of the population has not varied
single per cent for the last thirty years and
I'd, that the movement OF cattle has constant
ly been westward, and that the deficit east Of
Ohio has been constantly increasing, it is
plainly to be seen that Massachusetts, with a
deficit Of over half million. has deep and
vital interest in the practical questions in
volved in these astounding revelations.
In peace As in war, the farther we are from
our base OF supplies the more they will cost.
As the supply Of neat cattle travels westward
the cost will be increased by the increased
charges OF transportation and the extra profits
paid to the middle-men. The prime cost for
some years TO come at least, will also be large
ly increased by the short supply conseq uent
upon the rsvages of war, and the interruption
Of agricultural operations in rebel States. At
the opening of the rebellion the south western
States were overstocked, but at the present
time. we cannot doubt that those States now
fall far below the average number required for
every 100 Of its inhabitants, and consequent
ly we're there no interruption TO transp orta-
ton, would have none to export. For years
to come, beef, butter, cheese and milk will
command high prices, and especially in those
sections where there is the greatest deficiency
Of these products.
What will the farmers of Massachusetts
do! They must make up their minds to do
one OF two things. Either to cit down under
the high prices that will rule for 40 indefinite
period, or, by increasing their stock, enter
into competition with the Western stock
raiser for the home market. No one we think
can doubt that, while our State lacks as neat
cattle to supply the wants Of every 100 of her
inhabitants, il cannot be otherwise than profit
able to enter into the business Of cattle rails.
ing. II will be long lime. we fear, before
beef ana the products OF the dairy will come
down to the quotations OF the prices current
Of three yesrs ago.
There is breadth enough of unclaimed
swsmps and abused pasture in Massachusetts,
We believe, to support, and without deiriment
TO its broad acres Of tillage and grass land,
eli the cattle necessary to supply the wants OF
all its inhabitants. To accomplish thi. de.
sirable, and, without any manner of doubt,
profitable result, there must be more labor and
more manure. With tbs great and increas-
ing Influx OF vigorous aud hardy immi. rs-
ton the farmer can supply himself with al
the lsbor he needs. aud BY rene~sd and IN
selligsnt b isbAndry iocsea.r the quantity aud