Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1866-01-05

WEST WARDsBoRo, VT, Dec Is, 1866.
Vermont was the only state in the Union
whose population was not materially increased
during the last census decade But three States
Maine New Hampshire and Vermont-in-
creased less than 10 per cent. The gain of a
fractional part of one per cent barely saved
Vermont from loss. Compared with the 9TH
er New England States, Vermont produces, ac-
cording to the last census:
The mos; Horses, The most Wheat.
The most Miluh Cows The most Oats,
The most Butter, The most Hay,
The most Cheese, the most Hops,
The most Sheep, The most Maple Sugar
The most Wool.
The above, perhaps, exhibits too fattering
view, Vermont being more agricultural than
the other New England States A comparison
according TO extent of territory would be fair
er test of productiveness, though other States
would then have the advantage, because Ver-
mont has no large cities and few large villages,
and no home market for any considerable por-
ton of its produce. The same extent of terri
tory more thickly peopled and nearer market
would, OF course, be made TO produce more, if
equally fertile. But comparing Vermont with
the other States of New England according to
area, we find it produces the most of everything
enumerated above except milch cows and hay,
namely, the most horses, sheep, butter, cheese,
wool, wheat oats, hops and maple sugar.
Compared withthe otherNew England States
according to population, it produces in addition
to these products the most barley and pota-
toes.
There are two valuable products for which
Vermont, according TO its size, excels every
other State in the Union producing, in pro-
portion to the extent Of territory,
The most Wool, The most Maple Sugar.
While it thus exces every other State in
wool growing, its improved sheep, it is well
known, have borne off the highest honors in
competition with the world.
The maple sugar manufactured in this State
is now nearly equal in value TO it, products of
wool. AT the present price of sugar, this pro-
duct is likely to be largely increased. The av-
erage annual product since the last census was
taken has, probably, been much greater than
before.
According to its population, Vermont beats
every other State in the Union in several of the
most important agricultural staples, producing,
according to the most inhabitants,
The most Butter, The most Wool,
The most Cheese, The most Hay,
The most Maple Sugar.
1t has also, according to the population, the
]
the Mississippi.
Without regard To population or extent OTTER
| ritory, only the five great States of New York,
PENNSYLVANIA, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, pro-
duce more butter. Only two States-New York
and Ohio-produce more cheese. Twelve
States have more sheep while only four pro-
duce more wool. Only five States produce
more hay-New York, Pennsylvania Ohio, Ill
inois and Maine. But one State New York,
ol,,
nearly four times as much, in proportion to the
size of the State. The least of the five States
that makes more butter, Indiana, is more than
three times as large as Vermont, and contains
more than five times as many inhabitants.
1t would be hard to find State that makes
q more favorable appearance in the agricultural
statistics of the last census and yet it stands
at the foot of all the States in the table show
ing the ratio of increase in population. Is not
this unaccountablep Vermonters do not yet
appreciate Vermont. Its young men are not
induced to remain at home by its fertile SOIL,
its pure water, its green hills, and its healthful
climate Nearly 100000 natives OF Vermont
may be found m other States. Its small towns
have hecome smaller. slight increase in the
larger towns balances the loss the NUMBER OF
inhabitants in the State remaining about sta
tionaryAWhy is this SOP 1t is not possible
that Vermont has reached its full growth. The
small towns, where there has been loss in
population, are, many of them, equally as good
Gr agricultural purposes, if not better, than the
larger towns In these towns. farms may be
bought for what lhehuildings and fences would
cost, if constructed while the present high pri-
ces prevail. Is not here n field for those in
search of cheap lands tor honest With more
hands to deveope them, the products of the
| State, abundant as they are, might be largely
, increased. II the population were doubled, all
would be as well supported as the present num-
Der, and probably better. When the prosperi-
ty that is sure to follow our great national tri-
umphs crowds the neighboring States wnh
denser population, it is hoped thai Vermont
will be better appreciated, aud its progress
more worthy its merits. M. o. H.
A T,olo. a hoUshaal of ha rl ware.