The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-03-23
"Agricultural Review of 1885,"

MS SenlellCG HOl lllS ICdueI lIOIn
the article before him. for unless we differ very
materially in judgment, the facts we are about to
present are both interesting and important. Chance
has thrown in our way number of the Genesee
Farmer, which, under the head we have quoted,
presents very interesting review of the Agricu-
tural results of 1885, 1t is none the less valuable
that it presents some facts contrary to opinions
which have been rather too hastily adopted, and
which have very generally prevailed.
The writer states that probably in no former
year has there been so much money distributed
among the farmers as in 1898. From importing
grain we have turned to exporting flour-The
crop of wheat as a WHOLE was excellent-good
both in quantity and quality. In New England
more wheat was raised than in any former year !;
in the middle great wheat growing states from
| New York TO Virginia, the quantity produced was
full average, and in the Western states the crop
was abundant. That such was the case is proved
by the circumstance that while in former years
emgrans were almost starved, and it was found
necessary to take grain from the East for their sup
port, during 1888, large quantities of flour from
the West has found its way to the seaboard.
The Indian corn crop in the Northern states has
been better in 1888 than. for many years. The
native of warm climate, and furnished with roots
which descend to great depth, it endures heat bet
ter than almost any other plant. The barley crop
has not been equal to that of former years, though
more than usual was sown; as it was injured by
heavy rains Immediately after planting. tits stated
in this article that more barley is grown in what
are called the Lake Counties of N. Y DIRK, than
probably, in all the rest of the Union. Rye was
medium crop where it was grown, but since the
falling off in the demand for it for distilleries, its
cultivation has become less an object. Buckwheat
is said to have diminished in quantity in the
Northern and Middle states to the amount of a
million of bushels-not one half so much having
been raised in 1888 as was raised in 1887 10
many parts of the country the crops have proved
an entire failure; from the drought at the time of
Towering, or by early lrosts.
! The potatoe crop has been more various in quail
ity this year than IN any year preceding. In some
districts it has been mddling, in others inferior,
and in others complete failure. Our own OBJ
servation confirms this opinion of the Farmer-at
least so far as the potatoes brought to this market
are consideration in no former year has it been
so difficult to procure good potatoes The guam
tity brought to market has been comparatively
small, and the price high. The city reader will
doubtless be somewhat surprised 10 hear that large
proportion of the potatoe crop in this and other
states is still in the ground, and of course total
loss The early and severe frosts in November
locked them in the ground, where the digging had
been delayed. With the following remarks the
paper concludes:
The average prices of grain were high in the
past year: and we see no reason to believe, that
admitting the crops of 1889 are equally good, there
will be any material falling off in the price of pro-
visions of any kind. Our opinion is founded on
the ground that for number of years past, in no
part of the world, certainly in the United States,
has the production much exceeded the consump-
ton. In time of profound peace Europe is
hardly able to supply her increasing millions with
bread, and all who are acquainted with the actual
state of things in England and ireland, are well
aware that with multtudes of the lowest class, ev-
cry exeron can but barrel y keep famine from the
door, In the United States there has not been for
fifteen years surplus of grain on hand at har
vest sufficient for the consumption of the country
for six months; and at the commencement of the
last harvest although considerable quantities had
been imported, the quantity of grain on hand is
merely nominal. 1t appears plain to US, therefore,
that while the present state of things continues,
farmers must receive ample remunerating prices
for their product and of course for their labor.
The cause of present prices of grain, which some
affect to consider the effect Of monopoly, lies deep
err than any combination of man can reach ; and
will not be removed until more men become farm
crs-nor until the many useless members Of the
professions become producers instead of mere con-
sinners; nor until more skillful and scientific
system of farming than that which now usually
prevails shall be adopted. The United States
should export fifty millions of grain annually-how
much shall we spare of the harvest of 1888?
NeaO York Sun