598 BOAKD OF AGRTCULTUKE. [P. D. No. 4. 



In 1849 the Territory of Minnesota was organized, with 

 twice its present area, and with a population of less than 

 6,000. 



In 1853 the State was admitted into the Union with its 

 present limits, but the western portion remained Minnesota 

 Territory until 1861, when it was merired into the new 

 territory of Dakota, now the States of North and South 

 Dakota. 



The present population of Minnesota is claimed to be about 

 2,000,000: in 1890 it was 1,301,826. 



The people of the State went thither from the northern 

 States, and those from Europe, from Sweden, Norway, Ger- 

 many, Denmark, Finland and Lapland, the proportions being 

 in the order here named. 



The climate in winter is severe, but of a dry and steady 

 cold, which makes it more endurable than the New England 

 winter, with its east winds and sudden changes. 



Minnesota raises large crops of wheat, corn, barley, oats, 

 hops, flaxseed, hay and potatoes, the latter being excellent in 

 quality. Fruits are produced, the apple largely, of fine 

 appearance and flavor ; cranberries are also grown, and 

 grapes and small fruits do well. 



The raising of cattle, horses, swine, sheep and poultry is a 

 large industry in the State, as are dairy products and maple 

 sugar. The pork-packing and wool-growing industries are 

 large, and are capable of extension. 



The commercial advantages of Minnesota are superior to 

 most of the States of the north-west ; for through the lakes 

 it is as near the east as is Chicago, while the Mississippi 

 gives direct communication with the Mexican Gulf. 



Minnesota, from its commanding position, its vast terri- 

 tory and resources, and the energy and intelligence of its 

 people, is destined to take its place in the front rank of the 

 great and prosperous commonwealths of our country. 



The courtesies extended by its people to the delegates to 

 the Farmers' National Congress will ever be held in remem- 

 brance . 



R. G. F. CANDAGE, 



For the Delegates. 



Boston, Nov. 18, 1897. 



