29 



STATISTICS OF MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



(Compiled from Censvs Bulletins, 1890.) 



Farms. 



In enumerating farms no farm was reported b}' the census enu- 

 merators of less than 3 acres unless $500 worth of produce had 

 been actually sold from it during the year; and all land once 

 ploughed was considered improved, unless afterward abandoned 

 for cultivation. The total number of farms was given as 34,374, 

 with a total of 2,998,282 acres divided as follows: — improved, 

 1,657,024 ; unimproved, 1,341,258. The total number of families 

 connected with these farms was given as 34,576 divided as follows : 

 — owning, 29,370 (free, 20,425 ; incumbered, 8,945) ; hiring, 5,206. 

 The percentage of families owning was 84.94, and of hiring, 15 06. 

 The percentage of families owning free of total owning families 

 was 69.54, and incumbered, 30.46. The percentage of families 

 owning free of total owning and hiring families was 59.07, and 

 incumbered, 25.87. The number of families owning with incum- 

 brance was 8,945 ; value, 128,249,173 ; incumbrance, $11,831,941 ; 

 percentage of incumbrance of value, 41.88. The total annual 

 interest charge was $659,865 ; average annual interest charge, 

 $74 ; average annual rate of interest, 5.58. The valuation of 

 land, fences and buildings was $127,538,284. Valuation of im- 

 plements and machinery, $5,938,940. Valuation of live stock on 

 hand June 1, 1890, $14,200,178. Estimated value of farm prod- 

 ucts, $28,072,500. 



Live Stock and Live Stock Products.* 



The following live stock was reported on hand June 1, 1890; 

 horses, 63,638 ; mules, 157 ; asses, 39 ; total neat cattle, 256,128, 

 the number being made up of 9,831 working oxen, 172,046 milch 

 cows, and 74,251 head of other cattle; swine, 91,483; sheep not 

 including spring lambs, 51,438. The number of fleeces shorn in 



* The value of products was estimated by the farmers when there was no exact 

 account kept of the same. 



