Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1863-12-24
Departments Reports.
REPORT OF THE AGRIctL rURAL DEPART
MEsT &

MEkT.
Accord g to this report interests of
agriculture have not materially suffered in
the loyal states in consequence of the war.
More territory has been cultivated, and
larger yield received than in any previous
year. The great staples for 1863 com
pare with 1862 very favorably wheat,
oats, tobacco aud wool showing a consid-
cradle increase, and slight falling off
being seen In corn and hay. a
The diversion of labor by the war is
compensated by machinery, by young
men growing up, and by immigration.
The department has sought information
from all sources among others by cor
respondence with agricultural societies
and farmers clubs, the more general for
nation OF which Is recommended. About
two thousand circulars of questions have
been sent to correspondents monthly, the
replies to which, together with Smithso-
MAN reports on the. weather, &c, have
been published monthly, aid distributed
all over the country. In all, about 90,
600 circulars have been issued, and 7O,-
600 monthly reports published. 1t is
suggested that system of observations
on the weather, to be daily reported by
tele. raph, be put in operation. Also,
that the postal laws be SO amended as to
allow free communication between citi-
ems and the department on agricultural
matters.
Seeds have been wanted in large guam
titles. Several hundred bushels of choice
wheat and other cereal grains, and seve-
raj thousands of dollars worth of seeds
most valuable for field and garden culture
| including flower seeds, were imported from
| Europe. These and domestic varieties
were freely distributed 1900 bushels of
| cotton seed were also sent to Western
farmers, and tobacco seed in great guam
titles. The whole number of packages
| thus distributed was about l,200, 000.--
| Of these, 300, 900 were given to members
of Congress; 100000 to agricultural So
cletles (; the rest to direct applicants
About 10000 We're quart packages of
wheat, &C.; $4,000 garden and flower
seeds; l2O 900 tobacco, and the remain
der cotton, flax, &C.. 1t is considered de-
sirable that the distr. button be continued. .
The propagating and experimental gar
den, heretofore neglected is now in charge
/ OF competent person, and has uis,..oas-
ed during the year about 5000 articles
vines, bulbs. &c.-half to members OF
Congress, the rest to agricultural societies,
| SC.
Correspondence has been carried on con-
corning vines and vineyards, and valuable
facts collected. Something has been done
toward establishing specimen orchards Of
the best fruits, to illustrate the best modes
Of culture, &c. A botanical collection
and museum is also desired. Facilities
should be supplied for comparing farming
tools and methods of cultivation, such as
thick and thini seeding, and when each
should be adopted, the effect of draining
and its best modes, &c. Additional APP
preparations are asked for glass conserva-
tories and propagating houses. Land
enough is wanted to test the various
grains, grasses and seeds--the practicable
ity Of growing different medicinal and tex
tile plants, &c.
Attention has been gwen to entomology