126 



in tlie south. This is just wliat I predicted eighteen and twenty -four months ago, 

 when we were urging a greater attention to stock-raising. 



In the next report the amount of this stock in numbers will be given, the prices » 

 and the value of each kind and for each State, in the tables similar to those pub- 

 lished last year in the April and May number. 



Tlie backwardness of the spring will delay the issuing of the first circular 

 relative to the crops of 1S66. It is usually a month after the fall-sown crops 

 have grown enough in the spring to determine their appearance and the injuries 

 received during the winter in the more southern counties of the western States, 

 before that growth is sufficient to determine the condition of these crops in the 

 northern counties and northern States. 



The statements relative to the present condition of these crops are, as usual 

 at this time of the year, very conflicting ; but it is believed that whilst the severe 

 cold has killed the tops of the wheat, unprotected generally by snow, the roots 

 have not been killed or subjected to heaving out to the extent usual in severe 

 winters, or as apprehended by many persons. 



With the approach of the warm weather, a greater activity begins to manifest 

 itself to lessen the fatality of the cholera should it come into the United States, 

 and the suggestions relative to it, in this report, for the protection of the farmer 

 and his household, should be heeded by him. 



ISAAC NEWTON, 



Commissioner. 



