INTRODUCTION. 



CXX1X 



Table showing tJtc amount of the principal agricultural products in the different sections, and in the Stales and Territories, in 



proportion to population, in 18RO as compared with I860. 



This table is worthy of careful study. It will be seen that in proportion to population, taking the 

 States and Territories together, there has been a slight increase in our principal crops since 1850. Of 

 wheat, Indian corn, barley, rye, oats, buckwheat, and peas and beans, we raised in 1850 38.28 bushels to 

 an inhabitant, and in I860 39.15 bushels. This shows an increase in the total amount of these crops 

 of nearly one bushel to each inhabitant since 1850. 



When it is remembered that our horses, cattle, sheep, swine, &c., have also increased, and that 

 these animals have to be fed to a certain extent on the products named, a total increase of one bushel 

 to an inhabitant is small indeed. With a country of great extent, abounding with the accumulated 

 fertility of centuries, this exhibit of the products of our agriculture is not flattering. 



In the New England States the total amount of the crops named was 8.11 bushels in 1850, and 

 T.0 2 bushels in 1860, showing a decrease of .18 of a bushel. In the middle States they amounted to 

 26.27 bushels in 1850, and 25.33 bushels in 18GO, showing a decrease of nearly one bushel. In the 

 western States the crops named amounted in 1850 to 59.62 bushels to each inhabitant, and in 1860 to 

 62 96, showing an increase of over three bushels to each inhabitant. In the southern States these 

 crops amounted to 38.89 in 1850, and 38.07 in 1860, showing a decrease of nearly one bushel to each 

 inhabitant. In the Pacific States these crops amounted in the aggregate to 5.47 bushels to each 

 inhabitant in 1850, and to 29.01 in 1860, showing an increase of twenty-three and ajialf bushels to 

 each person. 



There is, therefore, a decrease in all the sections except the western and Pacific States ; but the 

 increase in these more than makes up for the decrease in the New England, middle, and southern States. 



We think these figures will show the necessity of an improved system of agriculture. If in a 

 period of profound peace and general prosperity our products but barely kept pace with the increase in 

 population, it is certain that the same system of cultivation will not enable us to do so in a period of 

 war. It is probable, however, nay, almost certain, that the high prices which farmers are now obtain 

 ing lor their products will lead to a better system of agriculture. 



CATTLE AND CATTLE TRADE OF THE WEST. 



It was not long after the first settlement of the interior of Ohio before the earlier pioneers per 

 ceived the absolute necessity for a market for the product of the soil. They had cast their lot in the 

 midst of an extensive new country, where the land was eminently fertile; and the question, how could 

 the product of that soil be advantageously disposed of, received their early and earnest consideration, 

 The early great immigration would furnish a market for the time being, but the rapidly increasing pror 

 duction would soon outstrip this consumption, and to attempt to transport the surplus grain in its 

 primitive bulky state was out of the question. The great distance from market would require it to be 

 condensed to its smallest possible compass. The article of wheat might be made into Hour, and by the 

 means of tlatboats or barges floated out of the tributaries of the Ohio river, thence down that stream 

 and the Mississippi to New Orleans. This was the only practical way open, and that only, to any great 



