328 



An interesting feature in the present report is the assumption of statistical 

 relations with the suuth. The returns may not be sufficiently numerous to 

 afford entirely accurate bases for estimates, but it is believed that fair approxi- 

 mations have been made. They make estimates of farm stock, as compared 

 with the numbers of 1860, as follows : horses, 68 per cent.; mules, 70; cattle, 

 65 ; sheep, 80 ; hogs, 56 per cent. A table of estimated numbers of farm 

 stock of each of these States will be found interesting. It shows an actual in- 

 crease in the skeejj of Texas amounting to 20 per cent. 



The county estimates of the probable cotton crop (on the first of September) 

 were less confident, for many reasons, and especially owing to the dangers to 

 which the crop is liable in the future. A fair analysis, however, at that date of 

 the elementary estimates, will make up a grand estimate of about 1,800,000 

 bales. 



The estimates of the various farm crops warrant the assertion that the year 

 has been one of remarkable fruitfulness. The promise of my last report, as to 

 wheat, is fully sustained. Of corn there will be more than a thousand millions 

 of bushels. Although late, fears of killing frosts have been realized only to a 

 small extent; yet recently deluging rains have overflowed large areas of ripen- 

 ing corn in the west, and retarded its maturing generally, arousing some appre- 

 hensions of inferior quality in that which is not fully matured. For particulars 

 of the several crops reference is respectfully made to the body of the report. 



ISAAC NEWTON, Coinmissioner. 



