64 



is obvious, and by a still greater importation of foreign woollen goods. Still 

 it is clear that there were other autagouistical agents, and the statistics of 

 cotton production and its prices show that the great production of cotton was 

 bearing down all other clothing material. To show this important fact is the 

 purpose of an article in this report. No one can lament this antagonism more 

 than myself ; yet it is a, fact, and one we should not blindly disregard. 



The statistical tables of this report are interesting. They embrace the ex- 

 hibit that this Department makes every year, of the amount, the acreage, the 

 prices, and the value of the principal crops. Whilst the bushels of grain raised 

 in 1865 have exceeded those of 1864 by 215,541,988, their value is $359,301,854 

 less. The decrease in the value of the hay crop is $91,894,457, and that of 

 the tobacco crop $5,989,614. 



In a previous niifcber of these reports I have mentioned the fact that the 

 government of France designs to hold a universal exhibition of the industry of 

 the nations, at Paris, in 1867. Everywhere an unusual interest is had in this 

 Exposition. There is little doubt but that it will be the greatest yet held. 

 This country is taking an interest in it not before manifested in any exhibition. 



I have sent to a number of State and county agricultural societies copies of a 

 publication prepared by the Department of State, intended to show what is 

 doing to have our country properly represented at this exhibition. The publi- 

 cation comprises — 



1. The message of the President of the United States to Congress on the 

 subject of this exhibition, with accompanying documents. 



2. Proceedings of the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York on 

 the same subject. 



3. An address to the agriculturists, mechanics, &c., of the United States, 

 explaining the objects and aims of the exhibition, by J. 0. Derby, United 

 States agent. 



4. Instructions to applicants who have articles of any kind whatsoever 

 which they maj desire to exhibit. 



5. Duplicate forms of application, to be filled up and signed by applicants. 

 To this publication I desire the careful attention of those receiving them, and 



hope they will take timely action in regard to having its objects understood by 

 _^ the members of their respective associations, and by all others who might be- 

 come exhibitors. 



There is one matter not mentioned in these documents, to which I par- 

 ticularly call the attention of agricultural societies, more especially the State 

 Boar.ds of agriculture. It is this : 



N. M. Beckwith, United States commissioner at Paris, is desirous of present- 

 ing plans of the best farms in our country, such as is generally known as model 

 farms. The State societies have, from year to year, offered premiums for such, 

 and therefore can readily obtain plans of the best of them. It is desired that 

 the plans should embrace every variety of farms, as grain-producing, grazing, 

 dairy, garden or vegetable, as well as those of mixed husbandry. They should 



