Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-01-27
CROP STATISTICS.
The Annual Review Of the Department
Of Agriculture

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2G.-Ihe report OF
the statistician of the department Of agrl-
culture upon the crops of 1883 Is made
public today. Mr.. Dodge says the area
devoted to cereals has been enlarged by a
considerable extension Of the crops of corn
and oats. The other cereals are almost
exclusively used as human food the de-
mand for which is uniform. Corn and
oats are mainly used in feeding ami
mails for milk and meat and mo-
tive power, enjoying a vastly more
elastic demand and having a widely
extended range of uses. The result of in
crease of area. with a medium rate of
yield, is q larger aggregate product OF
cereals than has ever before been recorded.
1t will amount to about 3, 800. 000, 600 BUSH
els, or fully fifty bushels per head. This is
about three times the average supply
per capita of Europe from home pro-
duction, and receipts from other CONT
nents amount to only about one bushel
per head. So nearly is Europe self-sup-
portingl So liberal are the supplies
Of the United Statesi So hopeless is the
expectation greatly to enlarge permanent
ly our volume of exports. Rice is a minor
cereal of local Importance; the present
crop is not very large.
Next to cereals in Importance of pro-
duction for food supply is potatoes.
The unthinking public jumped to the
conclusion that reduction of yield in
recent years, the last especially, for
bodied a permanent scarcity, either from
loss of vitality in the stock or de-
generacy of the soil The present crop
is large one, the aggregate coming
well up toward 200, 900, 900 bushels. The
sweet potato crop, which is also very val
liable food product, has been a good one,
especially in the more southern tier of
states. The crop was less abundant in
Virginia, North Carolina and Kentucky.
1t is not closely estimated, but doubtless
exceeds 100000 bushels.
The season has not been favorable to
cane sugar and production is limited in
consequence. Sugar planters are now
considering with interest the evolution
In sugar making promised by the
diffusion process Hitherto the
business has illustrated conspicuously
the wastes OF American agriculture as
scarcely more than half of the saccharine
contents of the plant has been obtained
during century Of development of the
industry.
The sorghum crop varies in different
sections, but NAV be considered medium
crop. 1t is valuable resource for syrup
for local use, supplementing the supply,
though little used in cities. 1t has not yet
paid its way as a sugar plant, no factories
having as yet proved self-sustaining with
out government aid. A hopeful feeling is
prevalent that, through diffusion and
other aids to manufacture, its ultimate
success will be assured.
Beet sugar is apparently on the eve of eX-
tensive production III California, if the en-
terprise of Claus SpreckleS is as successful
as it is represented. One factory, that at
Alvarado. has been in successful opera
ton there for dozen years.
The abundant moisture of the season
4, Il 1, l. !
ate temperature of spring was also con-
ducive to heavy growth, and the crop is
therefore large one.
The cotton crop is one of medium yield
with Increased acreage. The crop was
later in development than that of 1857, and
the growing season was shorter. Condi-
tion in October, however, was quite as
high as in October of 1884. Notwithstand-
ing the large supply OF the past two years,
the demand is quite as strong as a year
ago, the average export price in December
Icing 10Olc against 9.S0c IN December of
1857.
The season has been favorable for vege-
tables, and a large and cheap supply is
found in the markets.
Fruits have been fairly abundant,
though variable in production locally. Ii
j. the even year and apples are plenty
Tor domestic use. while their cheaDness
haf favored expectation.
The wool clip OF 1855 was slightly re-
auced, in consequence of the reduction of
hocSs in Texas and elsewhere, The esti-
mated product is 209.030, 900 pounds.
The meat supply has been very abundant.
and the price on the hoof too low in the
western markets and too high in the re-
tail markets of the east. The middlemen
get too large a slice OF the profits, and the
farmer accepts either small profit or 3
slight loss.
1t has been, on the whole, prolific and
prosperous season for American agricul-
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