54 



are low, tlie breed inferior, and where the need of more and better stock 

 is beginning to be felt. Lower prices prevail in the Ohio Valley, but in 

 Wisconsin and Minnesota, where cattle are gradually assuming their 

 X)lace in the farm economy, as wheat culture becomes unprofitable, rates 

 are very well sustained. In the Missouri Valley the depreciation is even 

 heavier than in the Ohio Valley. It is hoped that the bottom has been 

 reached, and that the prices of farm-stock may not continue to sufier a 

 greater depreciation than that which affects other branches of produc- 

 tive industry. 



Sheep are the only animals of the farm that command higher rates. 

 The advance in i^riCe, with the enhancing value of wool, is greatest in 

 the i^rincipal wool-growing States. In Vermont the average price of a 

 sheep not less than one year old, has advanced since February of last 

 year from $2 75 to $4 56 ; in New York, from $3 37 to $4 32 ; in Penn- 

 sylvania, from $3 45 to $3 70 ; in Ohio, from $2 49 to $3 37 ; in Mich- 

 igan, from $2 45 to $3 14; in Illinois, from $2 15 to $2 90; in Iowa, 

 from $1 88 to $2 41; in California, from $2 84 to $3 08; in Texas, from 

 $1 59 to $1 73. The Southern States have few sheep, and have not felt 

 the appreciation materially. 



The decline in the value of hogs is very marked, as will be seen from 

 a comparison of our returns for the past four years in the principal pork- 

 l^roducing States. Something of the difference noted in the average 

 prices of the different States is due to degrees of improvement in quality, 

 and difference in average weight, relative amount of feed, care, &c. 



states. 



Kentncky 



Ohio 



Michigan . 



Indiana 



Illinois 



Wisconsin 

 Minnesota 



Iowa 



Missouri . . 

 Kansas . . . 



$5 71 

 9 07 

 8 06 



6 79 



7 48 



7 14 



8 64 

 7 94 

 4 78 



9 25 



1870. 



$3 65 

 6 20 

 5 39 



4 72 



5 79 



6 28 

 5 05 



5 28 

 3 37 



6 93 



18 30 



12 97 



13 34 



10 01 

 12 71 

 12 91 



11 29 



12 79 

 7 28 



14 73 



$4 26 

 6 95 

 5 27 



5 09 



6 32 

 6 41 



5 78 



6 47 

 3 53 

 5 16 



$10 86 

 16 76 

 12 97 



12 37 



13 65 



14 35 

 12 13 

 14 90 



8 60 

 12 73 



910 35 

 15 S3 



12 40 



11 56 

 15 23 



13 45 



12 91 



14 41 

 7 03 



12 46 



