22 



The metric system is used not only in France and her colonies, but several 

 other Euroj^ean nations have adopted it. It is legally establi.shed throughout 

 Italy, with the exception of Rome and Venice. Two errors have been com- 

 mitted in Europe, which it is hoped will be rectified and never repeated. In 

 one instance a decimal system has been adopted, founded upon the metric sys- 

 tem, but not identical with it, and in some instances the names have been, and 

 perhaps still are, entii-ely unlike the French names. It cannot be too firmly 

 impressed upon the public mind that, in order to reap the full benefit of a uni- 

 versal decimal system, there should be, in effect, but one measure of length, 

 one of area, one of capacity, and but one weight, and that the corresponding 

 names in all languages ishould be nearly alike. 



How can this system be made universal 1 Every nation should make it the 

 government standard. The gra?n should be the postal weight throughout the 

 world. Legislation should make the metric weights and measures much cheaper 

 than the old ones. Special privileges should be granted to those using the 

 metric system exclusively. It should be made a slubject of world-wide concern, 

 and nations should ofiicially inform others of their respective ])rogres3 in intro- 

 ducing the system. Other nations and States should follow the example of 

 Connecticut, and introduce the system into their schools. Let the steps taken 

 be energetic and efiicient, for while men buy and sell by different systems, in- 

 convenience will be experienced; but when the old system is abolished, the 

 inconvenience will cease. 



In conclusion, I appeal to the reader not to content himself with a simple 

 assent to the spirit of this article, but to use his influence, be it much or little, 

 towards the success of this cause. Unfortunately, as it appeals neither to the 

 selfishness, the passions, nor the prejudices of men, it can exert no " lobby in- 

 fluence," but must depend for success exclusively upon the enlightenment of 

 the public and the wisdom of our legislators. Let no man be discouraged 

 should the progress of the cause be slow. It may require time and persever- 

 ance to overcome the force of habit, and the indifference and prejudice of the 

 narrow-minded ; but with untiring exertion on the part of its friends, the pro- 

 ject will eventually succeed ; and, although its present advocates may not live 

 to see the fruition of their hopes, tl ey can enjoy the consciousness of aiding in 

 conferring upon the world a bh^ssing, the importance of which will be fully ap- 

 preciated and acknowledged only when the work is completed. 



R.E.JOHNSON. 



Baltimore, Dece7nber, 1864. 



AGRICULTUEAL STATISTICS. 

 OJiio Statistics for 1863. 



From time to time we have made known the details of the plan by which this 

 Department estimated the amount of the crops and farm stock. It is simple, and 

 does not go into the details of each farmer's annual production, for if it did, 

 it would fail in its very purpose, which is, to estimate the crops before they pass 

 from the hands of the producer. After giving this plan a year's trial, and for 

 years having examined the returns of those States which took them by their 

 township assessors, the declaration was made in one of the reports of the De- 

 partment that greater reliance was to be given to the estimates of the Depart- 

 ment than to most of the returns of the States. 



The State of Ohio had, however, given longer and better attention to its State 

 statistics, and to them a greater confidence was given than to those of other 

 States. The annual report of its able Commissioner of Statistics was one of the 



