INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS DURING THE YEAR 1875. ccxxxiii 



in the vast number of machine-shops, locomotive works, 

 marine-engine works, and similar establishments throughout 

 the country. 



The total production of all rolled iron in 1874, Bessemer 

 rails included, was 1,839,560 net tons, against 1,966,445 net 

 tons in 1873, a decrease of only 126,885 net tons. This de- 

 crease was all in rails. In the following table is presented 

 a summary of the production of all forms of rolled iron in the 

 United States from 1864 to 1874 inclusive. 



The total production of rails of all kinds in the United 

 States in 1874 was 729,413 net tons, against 890,077 tons in 

 1873, 1,000,000 in 1872, and 775,733 tons in 1871. About 

 one half of the total rail product of 1874 was made up of old 

 rails re-rolled. The total importation of new rails in 1874 

 was as follows: Of iron, 7796 net tons; of steel, 100,486 net 

 tons : total, 108,282 tons. The probable consumption of rails 

 during the year was therefore 837,695 net tons, against 

 1,148,850 tons in 1873, and 1,530,850 tons in 1872. 



The eight completed Bessemer works in this country, al- 

 though not fully occupied during the year 1874, turned out, 

 according to the figures of the association, a greater prod- 

 uct than that of 1873. The production of Bessemer steel 

 rails in 1874 was 144,944 net tons, against 129,015 in 1873 

 a gain of 15,929 tons. The production of Bessemer steel 

 rails in this country since 1867, when they were first made 

 upon orders, has been as follows in net tons : 



Year. Tons. 



1867 2,550 



1868 7,225 



1869 9,650 



1870 34,000 



Year. Tons. 



1871 38,250 



1872 94,070 



1873 129,015 



1874 144,944 



