Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1864-01-05

The diversion OF labor by the war is compen-
stated by machinery, by young men growing
up, and by immigration.
The Department has sought information from
oil sourcesj among Others, by correspondence
with agricultural societies and farmers clubs the
more general formation Of which is recommend
ed. About two thousand circulars Of questions
have been sent to correspondents monthly, the re-
plies TO which, together with Smithsonian reports
on the weather, &C., have been published month
ly and distributed all over the country. In all
about 10000 circulars have been issued, and TO-
600 monthly reports published. 1t is suggested
that system OF observations on the weather, TO
be daily reported by telegraph, be put in opera
ton. Also, that the postal laws be SO amended
as to allow free communication between citizens
and the Department on agricultural matters.
Seeds have been wanted in large quantities
Several hundred bushels of choice wheat and h.
or cereal grains, and several thousand dollars
worth Of seeds most valuable for field snd 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 quantities. The. whole number Of
packages thus distributed was about 100000
VI those 100000 were given to members OF Con-
gress 100000 to agricultural societies the rest
TO direct applications. About 10000 we're quart
packages of wheat, etc; $4,000 garden and
flower seeds; 10000 tobacco, and the remain
der cotton, fax, etc. 1t is considered desirable
that the distribution be continued.
The propaga'ing aud experimental garden,
heretofore neglected, is now in charge OF com
petent person, and has distributed during the
year about $4,000 artices-vnes, bulbs, etc.
half to members of Congress, the rest to agricul.
tural societles, etc.
Correspondence has been carried on concerning
vines and Vineyards and valuable facts collected
Something has been done towards establishing
specimen Of orchards Of the best fruits to illus.
trate the best modes OF culture, etc. botanical
collection and museum is also desired. Facilities
should be supplied for comparing farming tools
and methods Of cultivation, such as Thick and thin
seeding, and when each sho ID be adopted; the
Ell ct OF draining aud its best modes. Additional
appropriations are asked for glass Conservatives
and propagatng houses. Land enough is wanted
to te,t tbs various grains, grasses and seeds-the
prscucabiity OF growing different medical and
textile plants. ss sfl
Attention has been given to entomology an
experienced enlomologlst 10 employed, and his
collection placed on exhibition in the Depart.
nenti also bis collection OF fac sm,ies OF ali the
fruits Of the county, and a complete htrbar:um.
More space is wanted for those and other purpo.
ses Of the Department
Congress last session appropriated $4,000 for
Investigations into tue culture and preparation Of
max and hemp asa substitute for cotton. COM
mission was appointed July /, and cultiyators
were invited to send TO this office samples OF fbres
and fabrics, accompanied ~ explanations Of pro-
cesses. A report oil results will be hereafter pre-.
scented. HHt
Cousula abroad have been appealed to, and
have procured seed, and plants, and much valua-
bic Information.
The balance OF the appropriation for the fiscal
year ending June 80, 1863, remaining uneIpend-
ed on tie 3lst Of December, 1862, was $685.
o7o'eS deficiency appropriation March 8, 1868,
chap. 7e), $4,000. The amount appropriated
for the hscsl year ending June 80, 1854, IL $685.
600, February rs, 1868, chap. ss). The ex-