, 1877-02-18
THE NEW TRADE IN MEATS.

we made Df1eI reference Lue QLQGr Qay
to the new opportunities opened up to the
American market in the shipment to En-
gland of freshly-killed hogs, sheep, and beef.
It seems that not only has largo trado
sprung up in this class of shipments in leo
boxes especially constructed for that pur-
pose, but that livestock is nkewiso sent in
large quantities and at good profits.
recent number Of the Mersey Pest (English)
contains the following important informa-
tion concerning this trade:
as to the quality OF the live cattle, their excel
lcncc may bc gathered from tho fact that sixty
head landed from the steamer Dominion at Liver
pool, on the 10th ult., were declared By compe~
tent authorities to be the finest animals ever i'm
ported into tho country, and their average weight
WIS over 2, 100 pounds. These cattle were bred In
Canada. and, in consequence OF the St. Lawrence
not being navi@abie, were forwarded by rail to
Portland, in Maine, and thence shipped By steam
CT. 4 fortnight previously the Dakotah brought
from Ncw York to the b1erscy 1856 carcasses pre-
served in the refrigerating chambers. On one day
since the commencement of the present year TOO
tons of the meat were landed from three Ameri-
can steamers at Liverpool. This has been dis
tribnted to some Of the principal towns in the
county. and has found u ready sale at remuuera-
tive prices, but considerably below the ruling rates
OF English meat. scveral Of our provincial con-
tcn,porascs have drawn attention to the excellent
quality OF the article. and to it's comparing not dis
advantageous1y with the greater portion Of our
home production. It has been sold at from 31zd
to 9Ed per pound the latter being the highest
amount charged for the primcst joints and cuts.
The trade during the past season and up to now
may be said to hare been tentative but the snccess
that it has met with will lead to large and increas
ing business.
The extent Of this trade in meats is already
very large, though only in its infancy. It is
not yet year since it was demonstrated that
the newly killed animals could be delivered
on the other side Of the Atlantic Ocean in
good, salable condition. Yet the receipts
of single week at Liverpool during January
included 1870 cases of fresh meats, equal
to as many sheep; 500 tons Of fresh beef,
equal to $50 beasts; 719 quarters, equal to
$50 beasts, in addition to the live sheep and
cattle, and the pressed meats, hams, ETC.,
which have heretofore constituted the
trade. OF course, the limits of this
trade cannot be determined. There is
practically no limit to the resources of the
United States and Canada, and the advan-
tages and facilities for stock raising are such
that there is no reason why any increase Of
demand in Great Britain, no matter how
great, should increase the price at the point
of delivery to such an extent as to enable
the English growers to compete. The excel
lent quality of the meats has already been
fully recognized, the process Of preservation
will be SO improved rs to render the trans-
portation entirely free from risk, and the
American meats can always be sold for less
than the English, including cost of trans
portation.
The importance Of this trade is manifold.
A new staple is added to the American mar
ket, for the handling Of which Chicago will
the centre, AS for breadstutfs, and lumber,
aud packed meats. The industry of stock
raising will be increased to an extent that
will virtually constitute now industry, and
afford occupation for an increasing popula-
ton. Immigration will receive an important
stimulant The advantages Of the United