The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1882-07-30
Western New York.

Mr.. EDWARD ATKINSON who not long ago
wrote an article on the benefits conferred on
farmers by railroads, has since addressed a
circular to various individuals in different
parts OF the Union, asking what has been
the effect of the consolidation and extension
OF railways upon the prices OF farm lands
and products. Five of the replies to that
circular he publishes, with comments, in tho
Agricultural Recie,c.
The fullest and the most interesting is the
ono which relates to central and western
New York. 1t Is from Mr. p. c. REYNOLDS,
the editor of the Rural Home. The region
OF which he writes was once the great
granary Of the Union, and even now, despite
the enormous Western competition, it is re-
markably prosperous, and far richer than it
was in the days Of its greatest renown, when
the Gencsee Valley wheat was celebrated in
both Europe and America.
When Mr.. REYNOLDS first became ac-
quanted with western New York agricul-
ture, in 1886, wheat was the principal product
grown for the market, and the only one upon
which the farmer could depend for cash. The
prices at tidewater were then about those OF
the present time, but the canal was the sole
means of transportation to New York, and
the difference in the market prices Of cereals
between Rochester and this city was much
greater than it is now. Thus, in 1895, when
wheat brought only rs cents q bushel at
Rochester its price at New York was from
S1.O4 to S1.O6 the bushel, whereas now the
difference is only about three and half
cents bushel. The consolidated railways
carry grain from Chicago to New York for
about the same rates as they charge from
| Chicago to Rochester, and accordingly the
millers at Rochester must pay nearly New
| York prices for Western grain; and by those
| the prices OF the home product are regulated.
| The rise OF Western competition In grain
growing at first greatly alarmed the farmers
| of western New York. They had been ex-
hausting virgin soil. which began to yield
less every year, and in 1915 the nudge ap-
peared in the wheat, to increase their anX-
iety. They then saw that they were unwise
In combining themselves so strictly to sim
gle crop. By varying their crops by the use
OF manure, by more economical tillage, and
finally with the aid of labor-saving machines,
they have succeeded not only in withstand
ing competition, but also In enriching them
selves us never before.
In 1886 the incomes OF the farmers were
small, their labors were severe, and their
luxurics were few Now they are generally
prosperous, and many OF them rich enough
to surround themselves with elegancics and
luxurics. Beans, for instance, have become
an important crop with many farmers In
western New York, and In some regions they
occupy larger areas than corn, now extern
sively grown for the fattening OF stock for
the market. Some farmers must have re-
ccived over $4,000 each for their crop of beans
this year. greater sum than the aggregat,
Of their receipts from all the cereals.
Great attention has also been given to thu
growing of fruit and nursery stock, seeds
and garden vegetables in western New York
especially since the extension OF railroads
has developed the far West. In 1879, though
1t was not an apple-bearing year, and hal
his trees were barren, one farmer, who hat
100 acres In fruit, mainly apples, obtained
gross income from the crop OF ST. 900.
pear orchard of ten acres has produced frui
in a single year that sold for $1,000 AM
yet, says Mr.. REYNOLDS, the capacity OF tn
, region for fruit growing has not begu
to be developed. ut might be increased
hundred fold if the demand would warrant.
Between 1850 and 1870 the value OF tn
, farms in twenty-throe Of the westernmos
counties OF the State more than doublet
The figures of tho census for 1880 are not ye
TO be had so slow Is the progress Of the pull
5 lcation of that enormous work. Mr., REY
NoLDs, however, thinks that the increase be
I tween 1870 and 1880 was small. But the II
v gion is far less heavily mortgaged than te
/ years ago. Since the reverscs Of 1873, farmer
= havo been paying their debts, 30 that saving
4 banks have complained that mortgages cam
d In faster than they went out, and 1t was ne
J, easy TO find secure investments.
= The value Of farm implements and ma