320 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 
ally. In view of that basis it is interesting to note the production in the 
most important countries in comparison with their population. Among 
those which raise more than the amount “per capita” needed Russia 
stands first, and in an average year has 23 bushels for each person; 
Prussia produces 22.7; France, 19.5; Hungary, 19.3. On the other 
hand, of those which produce too small an amount, Belgium has 14; 
Spain, 14; Ireland, 13; Great Britain, 11.9; Holland, 9; Italy, 8. 
CONCLUSION. 
In conclusion, allow me to add that the demands from members of Con- 
gress, State institutions, and persons interested in special statistics 
have been larger than usual this year. 
It is the province of agricultural statistics to measure the extent of 
our resources; to contrast the actual with the possible in our production; 
to estimate the effect of overproduction in the diminution of prices; and 
to mark the progress of science in its application to the business of the 
cultivator and aid the ruralist in keeping pace with such progress. 
The clerical force employed in this division consists of the statistician, 
one assistant, and five clerks, engaged in tabulating and computing the 
returns, a force totally inadequate to a proper and thorough investiga- 
tion of many matters of great and increasing interest. 
CHARLES WORTHINGTON, 
Statistician, 
Hon. Wm. G. LE Duc, 
Commvrissioner. - 
