CULTIVATORS THE GREAT INDUSTRIAL CLASS. 387 



holding up the cultivators of the American soil as the great indus- 

 trial class ? But let us compare them a little, by Mr. Burke's aid, 

 with the other industrial classes. 



The annual product of all the manufactures in the Union, for 

 1847, is estimated at $500,000,000. The profits of trade and com- 

 merce at $23,458,345. The profits of fisheries $17,069,262; and 

 of banks, money institutions, rents, and professions, $145,000,000. 

 Total, $809,697,407. 



Here we have the facts, or something, at least, like an approxi- 

 mation to the facts, of the results of the yearly industrial labor of 

 the republic. The average amount is the enormous sum of over two 

 thousand three hundred and eighty-nine millions of dollars. 



Of this, the agricultural class produces nearly double that of all 

 other classes, or over one thousand five hundred and seventy-nine 

 millions ; while all other classes, merchants, manufacturers, profes- 

 sional men, etc., produce but little more than eight hundred and 

 nine millions. 



There are a few, among the great traders and "merchant 

 princes," who do not sufficiently estimate the dignity or importance 

 of any class but their own. To them we commend a study of Mr. 

 Burke's statistical tables. There are some few farmers who think 

 their occupation one of narrow compass and resources ; we beg them 

 to look over the aggregate annual products of their country, and 

 take shame to themselves. 



It is no less our duty to call the attention of our own readers to 

 the great importance of the horticultural interest of the country. 

 Why, its products ($459,000,000) are more than half as great in 

 value as those strictly agricultural ; they are almost as large as the 

 whole manufacturing products of the country ; and half as large as 

 the manufacturing and all other interests, excepting the agricultural, 

 combined. 



In truth, the profits of the gardens and orchards of the country, 

 are destined to be enormous. Mr. Burke's estimate appears to us 

 very moderate ; and from the unparalleled increase in this interest 

 very recently, and the peculiar adaptation of our soil and climate to 

 the finest fruits and vegetables, the next ten years must exhibit an 

 amount of horticultural products which will almost challenge belief. 



