12 



the wheat. The most marked difference in favor of drill sowing was in the 

 first of these caut^es. But these returns, too, so connect themselves with the 

 information communicated by letter, that we reserve further comment until the 

 next report. 



Spring wheat. — This crop is looking unusually well, but it will be seen from 

 the table that an average amount is not sown. The lateness of the spring and 

 the great scarcity of labor prevented; but it is so nearly an average crop that, 

 with no further drawback upon it, it will be excellent. 



Barley. — This is one of the most favorable crops, both in amount and its 

 growing condition. It is above an average in both, and not a single complaint 

 has been made about it. 



Corn. — The lateness of the spring retarded the planting of this crop, but the 

 subsequent favorable weather brought it forward rapidly. In some northern 

 localities it had to be replanted where put in early, but generally the crop never 

 came up more favorably. The only State which returns a much lessened plant- 

 ing is Missouri, showing the effects of the war. In many places there are 

 neither laborers nor fencing. In some States, as Wisconsin and Minnesota, l^he 

 crop is not in good growing condition. This is occasioned by drought; but 

 generally our correspondents speak in most satisfactory terms of the prospect 

 when their returns were made on the first of June. 



Oats. — A few words suffice for this crop. It was never as good as now, 

 either in amount or growing condition. 



Clover. — This crop is highly favorable, both for pasture and hay. 



Sheep. — The condition and increase of these continue as heretofore reported, 

 and the avooI crop will be excellent. The next report will show the amount of 

 wool clipped, and whatever else in our foreign imports and domestic consumption 

 that will be of interest to the farmer. 



Weather. — The table exhibits a large proportion of "wet weeks." It was 

 this state that so much favored the crops, especially of the fall-sown kinds. 



Since the fowgoing was prepared for press, personal observation, and numer- 

 ous reports from others, enable us to say that the hay crop of Pennsylvania, 

 Delaware, Maryland, and probably all the eastern States, has seldom, if ever, 

 been excelled in quantity and quality, and is being secured in the best condi- 

 tion. The crops of wheat, oats and corn, in the same sections, are also as prom- 

 ising as ever seen at this season. 



