74 



American Agricultural Exports. 



certain knowledge of arithmetic, and the courses last from 

 one to three years. They include, apart from general studies, 

 instruction in the elements of agriculture, with practical 

 exercises. The classes in agriculture are intended for the 

 instruction of young men of the peasant class. The course 

 does not last longer than two years, and consists in the study 

 of the rudimentary principles of agriculture and their appli- 

 cation to local conditions. 



The successful completion of the courses in these three 

 grades of the lower agricultural schools carries with it 

 certain reductions in the military requirements, dependent 

 upon the grade. The practical agricultural courses are de- 

 signed to impart popular information in particular branches 

 of agriculture. The instruction does not continue for more 

 than a year, and consists in demonstrations, lectures, and 

 practical exercises in different branches of agriculture in 

 their application to local conditions and especially to the 

 conditions of the peasants. 



The diffusion of general agricultural information is to be 

 provided for by (i) the organisation of public lectures for the 

 benefit of different classes of the population ; (2) instruction 

 of teachers in public schools in agriculture, etc. ; (3) the 

 teaching of agriculture in the normal schools ; and (4) the 

 introduction of supplementary courses in agriculture in the 

 village schools. There are now in Russia three schools for 

 higher agricultural instruction, nine agricultural high 

 schools, 83 lower schools, and 59 special schools. Steps have 

 been taken for the establishment of about 50 additional agri- 

 cultural schools. 



Agricultural Exports of the United States. 

 The following particulars as to the exports of agricultural 

 products from the United States in the year ended June 30, 

 1 898, have been taken from the tables relating to the Foreign 

 Commerce of the United States recently issued by the 

 Bureau of Statistics. The total exports of domestic mer- 

 chandise w r ere valued at ^252,144,000, and of this total 70*5 



