25 



The liogs are reported as a full average as to number and but a half-tenth or 5 

 per cent, below an average as to condition. Some correspondents state tbat the 

 hogs were put early on the frosted corn, and that many will be sent eastward as 

 soon as possible. In the Avest the chief part of the hogs are turned on the 

 cornfields to '■'hog doicn," as it is there called, and the quality of the corn is 

 determined by the rapidity of fattening, fin- but little of it is gathered in the 

 hog districts. It is this mode of fottening which keeps fertile the corn grounds 

 of the west, as nothing is taken off the ground but the additional fat accumu- 

 lated by the hogs. Having once been turned on, they will be fattened so that 

 the usual number of fattened hogs may be looked for. How they will compare 

 in weight with former years wall depend on the price and the quality of the corn. 

 Inquiries relative to fattening hogs and cattle will be made in the monthly 

 circulars until after the slaughtering season. 



The character (>f the tables. — The great utility of the manner in Avliich the 

 returns are made of the aminmt and condition of the crops to this department 

 will be more clearly seen from this monthly report. Having a basis in the 

 amount of the last year's crops, the tables cai\ be changed to actual amounts, 

 and the present crops be shown in biishels and pounds. Compare the clear 

 views presented by our tables so made with the vague impression left on the 

 mind by reading the usual newspaper accounts, and its superiority is at once 

 seen. The greater number of these accounts, the more indefiuite is the impres- 

 sion left on the mind. But the tables of this department reduce all injuries 

 to definite amounts. 



A friend sends us some estimates made by him of the injuries to the crops, 

 based .on our August returns. In examining them we see he has mistaken the 

 nature of the tables; and, therefore, it is now noticed that others may not fall 

 into a like error. In returning the amount of a crop as compared with 1S62, 

 or its "appearance," in one column, and the injuries it has sustained in another, 

 our corresjwndents state it in this -way. Supposing the crop is an average one, 

 represented by 10, and injured two-tenths, tben the amount or appearance is 

 put down 8 and the injury 2. Or if the crop is two-tenths above an average, 

 and injured: three-tenths, the amount or appearance would be 9 and the injury 

 3 ; nine and three being twelve, or two-tenths above the average. So that in 

 estimating the amount of the crop from such returns, it is to be made by the 

 first column of figures — the 8 and 9. But our friend, after having done this, 

 deducts also the amount of the figures in the second column — the 2 and 3 — as 

 above. It will be seen that our correspondents make this dedvxction in their 

 returns; to make it again is twice estimating the injury. Such calculation 

 would make the wheat crop of 1863 14,236,993 bushels less than that of 1862, 

 whereas it is 1,074,739 bushels greater. 



The manner in ichich the monthly report is rcceiretl. — In seeking to make 

 this department efficient in the accomplishment of the objects for which it was 

 created, the Commissioner of Agriculture soon perceived the necessity of making- 

 regular monthly publications, that he might have some mode of commimication 

 with the agriculturists of the country. Congress has required the collection 

 of agricultural statistics as an imperative duty of the department ; but to col- 

 lect them requires the aid of enterprising farmers, Avho must see that their efforts 

 are effecting a practical good as a condition of continuing their correspondence. 

 They see clearly what is accomplishing when their returns to the circulars are 

 immediately placed before the country ; and what practical good can statistics 

 accomplish if not applied to a practical purpose? To keep them in the depart- 

 ment, unknown and unused, is of no avail. 



The estimation placed on these reports by farmers and those dealing in agri- 

 cultural products is very gratifying to the Commissioner; and tlie practical 

 objects of the present report cannot tail to increase this estimation. 



The annual agricultural report of this department is now being bound, and 

 in two weeks will be distributed to our correspondents. 



