It is almost impossible to ascertain the prices of cattle at different periods; fluctuating with the quality, demand, the prospect of peace or war, plenty or scarcity of grass, and many other circumstances. The war which has recently closed, contributed chiefly to keep up the prices for several years; peace has lowered them considerably, (1816,) and probably they may be lower, but not in the degree apprehended; for the prices of fered for calves were so very low, that many fattened

and killed those, which at a former period they would have sold to graziers for stock: that this conjecture has some foundation, may be proved by the great plenty and cheapness of fat veal in all the different markets. In 1807 cattle were uncommonly cheap, and an universal slaughter of calves and young cattle took place; the consequence was, that in three years the prices rose, and I have little doubt the same effect will take place, though not I hope to a war price. The graziers, however, have no right to complain; they have generally become purchasers of land, and it is now high time they should share a little of their incomes with their neighbours; those who speculated in land as if the war was! to be eternal, have been justly rewarded for their unfeeling folly. There has not been any fall in the price of sheep, but rather a rise, and wool sells now (1815) for 26s. per stone. In 1819 it rose to 32s. per stone, but in 1820 it fell to 20s. Horses have had a rapid fall in price, and probably may be lower for a short period. The high prices given for cavalry horses helped greatly to improve the breed; from the general neglect of most farmers to breed, it is highly probable, in a few years there will be a considerable demand for horses. Swine till keep up their price (1819); chiefly caused by a brisk demand from jobbers from Waterford and other places, and also for exportation to many parts of England, chiefly the neighbourhood of Manchester. In 1820 they have experienced a very sudden and great fall in price. The great fall in the price of cattle and sheep at Ballinasloe, in October 1820, spread a general gloom over the province of Connaught; the prices for cattle were from three to five pounds each less than last year, and sheep from ten to fifteen shillings under the last year's price; to those who had bred their own stock this was not quite so disastrous as to the

jobbers who purchased in spring; many of those gentlemen sold their stock at Ballinasloe for less than they paid for them, consequently such as could not draw on their banker were nearly ruined. Towards the end of 1820, and the beginning of 1821, the prices for stock improved greatly. The demand for pigs in February and March was extraordinary, consequently the prices kept pace with it. The multitudes that have left this province are astonishing, insomuch, that I am inclined to the opinion of some author, (whose name I do not recollect,)" that there are more pigs than sheep in Ireland." In October 1821 the prices fell again, even still lower than before, but were something better in November. It is generally agreed, however, that though the prices were low, the demand was still brisk. Notwithstanding the former losses, many were induced, from an idea that things could not be worse, to give prices for stock in 1822 far above their value; the consequence has been, that many who were much injured in their property before, are now entirely ruined; even an abatement in the rent has been a very partial relief, as the capital has vanished.

In 1823 the prices for sheep at Ballinasloe improved much from the former year, but such as were kept over from that fair have been since sold at a loss. Cattle at that fair were rather better than it was expected they would be, but paying very little for their feeding. Many have been induced to send their fat cattle to Leicester and other parts of England, which I understand has succeeded well. Probably if there was sufficient feeding, they would go to a better market in spring, but few, if any, are prepared to feed in winter, consequently they must sell. I imagine a few acres of early sown rape or turnips would prevent this necessity, but I am aware the great graziers in this province will join their wise

man in a laugh at this proposal; and yet in Scotland such things are common. There has been a considerable demand from England for horses fit for hunting and carriages, and high prices given, which is likely to improve the breed much.

SECTION IV.

MODES OF Feeding, anD HOW FAR HOUSED IN WINTER.

THE mode of feeding is chiefly confined to what the bounty of Providence furnishes; few cultivate green food for winter, and as to soiling in the house in summer, the most beneficial practice that ever was followed, the person who proposed it would be laughed at by the graziers: the answer of ignorance and prejudice is always ready; "have not Mr. A. and Mr. B. &c. made fine fortunes by the present practice?" the fact is well known to be, that Mr. A, and Mr. B, and multitudes of others, on the death of their fathers, jumped into a large tract of rich grazing land, at a few shillings an acre, and a large stock of cattle laid in at low prices; a sudden rise in every article produced by land elevated many, from being middle men (without an acre of estate) paying £800. or £1000. a year rent, to 4, 5, or 6000. a year; but the question here is, what they might have made by better practices: let any of those gentlemen begin at the present prices of land and stock, and see what would become of them, especially after the October fairs of Ballinasloe in 1820, 1821, and 1822. We have seen lately great tracts of land given up, at a rent which would formerly have created a fortune. In general hay is the only winter

feeding, except where winterage is kept; a beneficial practice much followed: there are some rich lands on which the herbage will not stand the severity of winter, but there are extensive tracts of dry ground, possessed by almost every extensive grazier, that preserves the grass until the rich feeding lands are ready in May: where they do not possess any of this description of ground, they are obliged to use hay, as few, if any, of those who may be called graziers, ever think of green winter food. Cattle and sheep are seldom housed even in the severest weather, and range about the land, poking it full of holes; for not a grazier in a thousand drains his land; even if he did, it would be by shallow, open, surface drains. Cottiers always house their cattle at night in winter, and frequently give them potatoes, hay, or straw, in small quantities. On the 1st of June 1810, upwards of 6000 sheep were destroyed in this county alone, by a severe storm of hail, snow, and rain. The mornings of the end of May were frosty; many lost upwards of 60, mostly ewes, that had been shorn two days before: how highly beneficial would a sheep house have been at this time? I imagine ewes with lambs should not be sheared until the lambs are weaned. Near Galway, and any town possessing a brewery, grains are very much used; they usually sell for 1s. 8d. per barrel, and they carry them on their backs into the mountains, west of Galway, upwards of two miles; a barrel gives about eight feeds to a cow.

Under the article "use of green food in winter," the names of the few who cultivate green winter food

* A sheep house is a useful appendage to any farm for many purposes; as dressing, sheering, branding, or examining, &c.; it might be made highly ornamental, by being placed in the centre of a group of trees, with the shepherd's house attached, and communicating with four fields, &c. &c.