226 



STA.TISTICS or WHEAT CULTURE. 



1771, 7,200 lbs. From Yirginia, for some yeai's amiually preced- 

 ing the revolution, 800,000 bushels of wheat. The total exports 

 of flour from the United States in 1791 were 619,681 barrels, be- 

 sides 1,018,339 bushels of wheat ; in 1800, 653,052 barrels, besides 

 26,853 bushels of wheat ; in 1810, 798,431 barrels, besides 325,924 

 bushels of wheat ; in 1820-21, 1,056,119 barrels, besides 25,821 

 bushels of wheat; in 1830-31, 1,806,529 barrels, besides 408,910 

 bushels of wheat; in 1840-41, 1,515,817 barrels, besides 868,585 

 bushels of wheat ; in 1845-46, 2,289,476 barrels, besides 1,613,795 

 bushels ofAvheat; in 1846-47, 4,382,496 barrels, besides 4,399,951 

 bushels of wheat ; in 1850-51, 2,202,335 barrels, besides 1,026,725 

 bushels of wheat. 



In the London Exhibition very little wheat was exhibil ed equal 

 to that from the United States, especially that from G-enessee 

 county, in the State of New York — a soft white variety, to the 

 exhibitor of which a prize medal was awarded by the Eoyal Com- 

 missioners. The red Mediterranean wheat exhibited from the 

 United States attracted much attention. The wheat from South 

 Australia was probably superior to any exhibited, while much from 

 the United States fell but little behind, and was unquestionably 

 next in quality. 



From the Second Eeport on the Breadstuffs of the United 

 States, made to the Commissioner of Patents, by Lewis C. Beck, 

 M.D., I am induced to make some extracts. He states : — 



The analyses of several samples, the gro^rth of various foreign countries, have 

 afforded me an opportunity of comparing the American and foreign wheats and 

 flours. With a few exceptions of peculiar varieties, it will be seen from there- 

 suits that with ordinary care the wheat of this country will compare advantage- 

 ously with that of any other. Indeed, on reviewing my analyses, I question 

 whether there is any part of the world where this grain is generally of a finer 

 quality than it is in the United States. But all the advantages which we pos- 

 sess in this respect will be of little avail so long as inferior and damaged bread- 

 stuffs are shipped from our ports. 



In addition to the analyses which I have executed of the various samples of 

 wheat and wheat flour according to the mode heretofore pursued, I have per- 

 formed a series of experiments for the purpose of settling the important ques- 

 tion in regard to the relative value of the fine flour of wheat, and the " whole 

 meal." I have also consulted every work within my reach which could throw 

 any light upon the different points that have presented themselves during the 

 progress of the investigation. 



The large number of samples of wheat and wheat flour which have been 

 placed in my hands for examination, have left me no time for the analysis of 

 our other breadstuffs. 



It cannot be denied that the amount shipped to foreign ports during 1849 is 

 considerably less than for the two preceding years. In the meantime, however, 

 a new and important market has been opened in our territories on the Pacific. 

 It may also be safely affirmed that the causes for foreign demand, and which 

 must hereafter operate, still remain. These are the cheapness of land in this 

 country, e nd the peculiar adaptation of our soil and climate to the growth of the 

 two important cereals, wheat and maize. 



Another fact, it seems to me, is of sufficient interest in connection with this 

 subject, to be here noticed. The failure of the potato crop in various parts of 

 the world for several years past has engaged the attention of scientific and prac- 

 tical men. Unfortunately, the nature of the blight which has seized upon this 

 tuber has eluded the most careful inquiries ; but it has been shown by well- 



