214 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



for each year since 1857, that being as far back as any sep- 

 arate record had been made of the article of willows. Only 

 a portion of the returns are given, as follows : — 



The importations of unmanufactured willow into this 

 country for the year ending June 30, 1858, was 855,141, 

 manufactured wdllow-ware, 8112,725; for the year 1865, 

 luimanufuctured willows, 828,028, manufactured, 888,843; 

 1870, unmanufactured, 850,715, manufactured, 8204,409; 

 1875, unmanufactured, 834,440, manufactured, 81G2,785; 

 1878, unmanufactured, 815,966, manufactured, 891,445. In 

 1879 (the last returns that could be obtained) the amount 

 of unmanufactured willow imported was 89,142. The larg-est 

 amount imported in any one year was the year ending June 

 30, 1866, when the amount of unmanufactured willow was 

 857,907, manufactured, 8229,104 ; a total amount for the 

 year, of 8287,011. . 



By the official figures it would seem, that, if the entire 

 importation of willows should cease, it would create an 

 additional demand for only 89,142 worth : if this be correct, 

 it is evident that an increase of production would overstock 

 the market, and greatly reduce prices. 



The demand for hoop-poles is large, and in some sections 

 large quantities of binders for square boxes are required. For 

 the latter purpose the willow is admirably adapted, being 

 very tough, and free from knots. There are undoubtedly 

 many localities in the State where the willow could be grown 

 at a very large profit for this purpose. 



These papers were ordered to be printed in the Annual 

 Report. 



The secretary presented a proof-copy of the statutes 

 governing the agricultural societies, as revised by the 

 commission ; and a committee was appointed to examine 

 them, consisting of Messrs. Hersey, Taft, Wheeler, and 

 Grinnell. 



The Board then adjourned to ten o'clock a.m., Thursday. 



