192 



MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



lesson of tilling less land and tilling it better, for we find that even in 

 the crops where loss in the aggregate occurs there has been a great 

 improvement in results. In 1855 it took 4,971£ acres to produce 99,430 

 bushels of barley; and in 18G5, 7,103| acres to produce 138,524 bushels; 

 while in 1875 it took but 1,828| acres to produce 46,884 bushels ; an 

 increase in the average yield from 20 bushels to 25^ bushels to the acre. 

 The beet crop increased from 193^ to 244f bushels per acre, from 1865 to 

 1875. The product of corn per acre grew from 28| bushels in 1865 to 

 35| bushels in 1875. Onions, an important product, made an increase in 

 quantity per acre, and the average yield of oats per acre increased from 

 21| bushels in 1855 to 31} bush«ls in 1875 ; and potatoes from 91 bushels 

 per acre in 1865 to 108 in 1875 ; and wheat from 15f in 1855 to 20£ in 

 1875. 



The agriculture of Massachusetts can hardly be said to be on the 

 decline with the facts before us ; and the only statement which can tempt 

 one to such belief, is the superficial one relative to what has been con- 

 sidered the important crops. It must be conceded, however, that the 

 important crop is the one which soonest and surest brings substan- 

 tial returns to the farmer ; and if milk, eggs, or small fruits, or the lead- 

 ing fruits, will do this, then they become the important crops. 



It is to be considered that the rapid growth of manufacturing vil- 

 lages has created numerous local markets, and our agriculture has 

 adapted itself to their wants. 



The following tables of aggregates give us, in a very compact 

 form, the farm property of the State : — 



Included among the farms of the State, are the market-gardens, 

 with acreage, value and average value per acre, as follows : — 



