INTRODUCTION. 



Ixxi 



It will be seen that the production of barley in all the States more than keeps up with the in 

 crease in population. In fact the amount of barley raised to each person in 1860 was nearly twice as 

 much as in 1850. It was more than double in the New England States; nearly four times as great 

 in the western States, and about fifteen times as great in the Pacific States. 



In the middle States alone, has the increase in the crop fallen below the increase in population. 



CULTURE OF BARLEY. 



As before remarked, barley requires good cultivation. It delights in a warm, active, fertile soil. It 

 docs not do well on sod-land. In England it is usually sown on light, sandy soils, afler a crop of 

 turnips that have been eaten on the land by sheep. The droppings of the sheep enrich the land, while 

 the small feet of the sheep consolidate the light, porous soil. In this country barley appears to flourish 

 on heavier soils, especially if they are thoroughly pulverized. At all events the soil must be well drained 

 and the crop sown in good season in the spring. Our season is so short, and the roots of barley ex 

 tend, as compared with winter wheat, over such a small surface, that it is exceedingly important that 

 the soil contain a liberal supply of plant-food in an active condition. 



Winter barley is grown to a considerable extent in the southwestern States, and its cultivation is 

 rapidly increasing in western New York, where it takes the place, to a certain extent, of winter wheat. 

 Winter barley is heavier than spring barley, and commands a higher price. It is sown at the same 

 time as winter wheat, and requires the same cultivation. 



BUCKWHEAT. 



Bushels of buckwheat produced in 1860. 



