No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 49 



to look after the interests of this branch of ful•luinJ,^ but we have 

 had to depend for improved stock, upon the individual enterprise of 

 our citizens, unassisted by others similarly engaged, or by the State 

 itself, which is directly interested. The State can greatly assist or- 

 ganizations of this character by publishing the results of their meet- 

 ings for general information, and by meeting the comparatively small 

 expenses involved in securing the services of capable lecturers to give 

 instruction. 



The State Poultry Association. 



This is the last of the strictly State societies in the interest of 

 agriculture which are special in their character. What is true of 

 the Dairy Union and the Stock Breeders' Association, is also true of 

 this organization — it ought to be aided by the State to the extent of 

 securing lecturers and publishing reports. 



It is gratifying to know that all of these organizations are in 

 thorough sympathy with this Department and have co-operated with 

 it in its wider work of educating and assisting in the entire field of 

 agriculture. The Department, on the other hand, has done what it 

 could to aid all of these societies, and will continue to assist them 

 in the work of advancing the great agricultural industry of the State. 



FARM AND LIVE STOCK STATISTICS. 



The census returns for 1900 show that farm property in Pennsylva- 

 nia has diminished to the amount of $2,615,100 below the valuation of 

 1890. This shrinkage has been in the value of land, and the improve- 

 ments and buildings. The value of these items in 1890 was $922,210,- 

 233, and in 1900, |899,816,930, being a decrease of |22,423,803. On the 

 other hand, implements and machinery show a gain of $11,870,533; 

 their value being given at |39,016,855 in 1890, and |a0,917,390 in 1900. 



Live stock also shows a gain. Their value in 1890 was |101,652,758 

 and in 1900 |109,590,426, a difference of |7,937,668. These two items 

 of gain, deducted from the loss on farm land, buildings and improve- 

 ments, leaves a net shrinkage of $2,615,100. 



4— G— 1901 



