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and a free use of manures and fertilizers, in favorable years a bale of cotton per 
acre could be made even on what are called the poor pine lands of' the Caro- 
linas and Georgia. For the want, however, of skilfal cultivators, millions of 
acres will remain waste, worse even than the native forest. They have no 
longer the labor which has been so long and so foolishly turned to wasteful and 
improvident farming. 
Bef ore entering into detail as to the several States it may be well to say that 
the testimony of the planters over all parts of the south has been that by reason 
of the severity of the winter the earth was in finer condition for spring labor; 
that the crops were seeded in finer beds, and had been better worked, and had 
a better stand than had been known for years. Up to this time there has been 
little destruction from insects, and great confidence is felt that they will realize 
abundant crops for the breadth of land cultivated, which, probably, will not ex- 
ceed in the aggregate one-half the amount before the war. 
Having given a brief summary of the South as it appeared in early spring, 
and observations upon facts then brought to my mind, I shall now give in de- 
tail, by States and crops, the appearance up to this 1st of June—an important 
period of seed time and early cultivation having passed. 
VIRGINIA. 
But a small part of the cotton belt is found in Virginia. A few counties in 
the southeastern corner, south of the James river, and along the North Caro- 
lina line, embrace all the available cotton lands in the State. Only 12,727 
bales are reported for 1860. These lands have been worked to a much larger 
extent than last year. The seed has been bedded in better order; more manure 
and fertilizers have been used; the plant has generally been well worked out, 
and presents a most promising stand. As compared with last year, the breadth 
seeded is nearly double, but as compared with the year before the war it is not 
one-half. 
The want of means both for paying hands and supporting the working force 
of the plantation in food and forage has been the great drawback. 
Tobacco is the great commercial staple of this State, 123,968,312 pounds 
being reported by the United States census of 1860. The breadth of land 
planted has been largely increased this year. Labor has become more reliable, 
the price of the product makes it profitable to cultivate, and it has long been a 
favorite staple. Its successful cultivation is practically better understood than 
in any other State except, perhaps, Kentucky ; and there the Virginia method 
is more or less followed. 
While the quantity of land planted is still very much below that of the year 
before the war, yet, compared with last year it must be more than double. 
The season thus far has been favorable, and the plant has a good stand. 
Wheat.—Owing to the scarcity of seed only a moderate breadth was seeded 
last fall. But it is now looking uncommonly fine. It has escaped nearly all 
accidents of insects and weather, and promises one of the largest acreable yields 
for years. ‘The crop will be unusually good both in quantity and quality. 
Corn.—T he continued high price of this grain, of which there was quite a 
surplus in the State, has stimulated the planting of a larger breadth than last 
spring. Much of the districted lands have been fenced and planted, and this 
State is rapidly getting back to her condition before the war. ‘The plant is 
being well worked out, and presents a thrifty stand. 
Oats.—The breadth of land seeded is much in advance of last year, and the 
crop looks well. 
The other crops grown are more or less exceptional, but generally look and 
promise well. 
Grass and clover will be largely in excess of the wants of all their stock, 
