COCA Y REPORT. 
WasuHINnGTON, D. C., March, 1867. 
The stock tables in the present number make an exhibit of the condition of 
the farm stock of the country at the beginning of the present year. The re- 
duction through the waste of war was very heavy in the south, and in almost 
every State in the country the diminution was more or less marked, except in 
the item of sheep. Indications of increased attention to the breeding of farm 
animals are now strong. The fact is daily becoming more apparent that stock- 
growing is a more profitable branch of agriculture than grain production, espe- 
cially in localities distant from market. It is plain that markets must either be 
brought to these remote agricultural sections, or farm products must be put in 
concentrated form, requiring light expenses for transportatioh in proportion te 
market value. 
The indications of a wheat crop are generally favorable. The snows of the 
past winter, and the general uniformity of cold weather, prevented winter-kill- 
ing in a great degree. The spring has been late, with less of alternate freezing 
and thawing than usual; and the young shoots, as a result, look green and 
vigorous. : 
An interesting statement, from extensive original data recently obtained, con- 
cerning the losses of wool growers from depredations of dogs, ,will surprise 
those who are unaware of the extent of the mischief, and will enforce strongly 
the propriety of a national tax on every individual of the canine race in the 
several States. Three dollars, the Engiish rate, would not be too high a tax. 
A report of the committee appointed to test California wines sent to the de 
partment, with analyses of soils, a list of the wines, and other details, will also 
be found in this number. 
European statistics, condensed from original translations of recent reports 
and other publications, will be found useful for reference. 
ISAAC NEWTON, Commissioner. 
