In 1890 Mr. B. Lorenzo Hill presented certain estimates on the wool interests of Uruguay to U. S. Consul Hill at Montevideo. The number of sheep in October, 1889, was estimated at 12,000,000, or 30 per cent less than 1888. The wool clip was estimated at 42,000,000 pounds, of the qualities of Merino and English, and their cross called Mestizo. The value of the clip was 17 cents a pound on the average. It was exported to France, Germany, England, and a small quantity to the United States. The average yield of wool per sheep is about 31⁄2 pounds. The percentage of dirt and grease in wool is from 25 to 30 per cent. The grade of wool has been improving very considerably the last few years. Foreign sheep are being introduced, not extensively, but steadily. The wool inclines to Merino, English, or Lincoln, and the Downs, and their cross.

Molendo:

Alpaca wool, first class..

Alpaca wool, inferior

Wool, vicuna

Wool, sheep's...

Valparaiso..

Rio Grande do Sol

1877

1878.

1879..

1880.

1881.

IMPORTS FOR HOME CONSUMPTION OF WOOLEN MANUFACTURES, 1892. a

a From 1877 to 1884, imports for consumption; from 1885 to 1892, total imports; from 1877 to 1890-'91, the year ended September 30; from 1890-'91 to 1891-92, March 31.

a The returns for these colonies, except Queensland, are for the twelve months ended in March of the years subsequent to those stated.

b Census of 1878.

e Census of 1881.

d Figures for March, 1881.

e Figures are for May in each year.

f Census of 1886.

g South Australia included northern territory until 1892.

h New Zealand, exclusive of sheep owned by Maoris, numbering 262,763, according to census of

1891.

i Census of 1891.

j Figures for April, 1892.

k No returns.