| In 1842. | New Tariff. | |||||
| s. | d. | s. | d. | |||
| On Bacon from Foreign Countries | 14 | 0 | per cwt. | 7 | 0 | per cwt. |
| British Possessions | 3 | 6 | " | 2 | 0 | " |
| Ham from Foreign Countries | 14 | 0 | " | 7 | 0 | " |
| British Possessions | 3 | 6 | " | 2 | 0 | " |
| Salted Pork from Foreign Countries. | 8 | 0 | " | 0 | 0 | " |
| British Possessions. | 2 | 0 | " | 0 | 0 | " |
Previous to 1842 the duty on bacon and ham amounted to 28s. and 7s. per cwt., and that on pork to 16s. and 4s.; swine were then prohibited; but when, by the Act 5 & 6 Vict. cap. 47, they became admissible, there were imported,—
| In 1842. | In 1843. | In 1844. | In 1845. | In 1846. | ||||
| 415 | 361 | 269 | 1,598 | 3,443 |
Here again we find the same wonderful increase. In 1845 seven times the number are imported that were brought over in 1844; and in 1846 the import of 1845 is doubled. Yet there is no diminution created in the provision trade by this extraordinary increase in that of live animals, but, on the contrary, it too increases in 1845, and is again doubled in 1846. And the increase of demand is proportionate with that of the supplies.
The accounts of one branch of our imports will this present year, however, in all probability, show a material defalcation in the amount; we allude to those arising from Ireland, whence a large number of the pigs which come to our markets are supplied, and where the present state of dearth has caused numbers of these animals to be destroyed. This fact ought to stimulate our native breeders to increased exertions. In from 1820 to 1825 there was on the average from 204,380 to 338,218 cwts. of bacon and hams imported yearly into England from the sister country. Since the last-named period there has been no decrease; but, the trade between Ireland and Great Britain having been placed on the footing of a coasting-trade, and these articles having been imported without specific duties, it is not so easy to ascertain the precise amounts brought over; they may be, however, estimated at about 500,000 cwt. per annum.
The keeping of swine is fast becoming something more than a mere means of disposing of offal and matters which would otherwise be wasted; and we trust that the value and lucrativeness of this branch of rural economy will soon be fully acknowledged, and that swine will be duly estimated among farmers and breeders. The next step must of necessity speedily follow: men of science will no longer deem them beneath their notice; their habits, instincts, and ailments will be properly studied; individuals as well as the world will be benefited; and a new and important field of knowledge thrown open.
