809] Historical Survey II 



Some idea of the great development which has taken 

 place along these lines may be gained from a considera- 

 tion of the value of the output of agricultural imple- 

 ments and machinery as reported to the Census Office. 

 For purposes of comparative study, the figures must be 

 taken subject to heavy allowances, because as pointed out 

 by Mr. George K. Holmes, 1 the prices of farm machinery 

 have " declined to an enormous extent," and this too, in 

 spite of the fact that the later machines are more effi- 

 cient, more durable, more readily operated, lighter, and 

 stronger. 



The total value of agricultural implements and 

 machines manufactured during the several census years, 

 as reported to the Census Office, is as follows : 2 



,, Total for 



Year ' United States. 



1900 $101,207,428 



1890 81,271,651 



1880 68,640,486 



1870 42,653,500* 



1860 20,831,904 



1850 6,842,611 



1 Twelfth Census, Manufacturing, IV, p. 353. 



2 Twelfth Census, Manufactures, Vol. IV, p. 344. 



3 The amount as given in the Census Report has been reduced to 

 a gold basis. See Tenth Census, Manufactures, p. i. 



