15 



tlie crop of 1868 was insufficient, and where tlie corn production is be- 

 ginning to increase in a degree somewbat commensurate with its com- 

 parative importance. 



For prices of otlier crops reference is made to tlie tabulated returns. 



The yield per acre has been reported in accordance with former re- 

 turns of the principal crops, and may be studied in detail in the tables. 



The returns indicate a decrease in the average of wheat in Illinois, 

 Indiana, Michigan, New York, the Eastern States, and in the cotton 

 States ; about the same area in California, and a slight increase in other 

 States. Other winter grains show a slight reduction in average. 



The reports of condition of winter wheat are not generally favorable ; 

 the reduction in the Ohio valley, expressed as a percentage, ranging 

 from G to 20 per cent. The winter has thus far been unfavorable to fall 

 sown grain, but more will depend upon the remaining portion and the 

 character of the spring months as a prognostication of the harvest. In 

 Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, Texas, California, and South Carolina 

 an average condition of wheat is indicated; and all other States are 

 below the average. The probabilities at present are certainly opposed 

 to the i)rospect of another year of marked productiveness. 



An increased average of barley is reported from Kentucky, Missouri, 

 Indiana, Wisconsin, and Kansas. Its condition is little better than that 

 of wheat throughout the Ohio valley and the northwest. The reduction 

 is rejjresented to be 13 per cent, iu Missouri, 9 iu Indiana, 8 in Illinois, 

 7 iu Ohio, and 5 iu Michigan. 



