The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1890-03-21
The Farmers Oppressed.

The annual report of the State Board
of Agriculture, prepared by Secretary
Franklin Dye, has been placed in the hands
of the printer. 1t shows that there has
been a decrease in the number of farms
and also the value of products, but the
| State is rapidly progressing in the raising
of blooded stock. This is attributed to
the increase in the number of race-tracks.
There is much complaint about the IN
just freight charges, and it is claimed that
they have caused a large falling off in
shipments to other States. The growth
of cities between New York and Philadel-
phia has caused an abandonment of grain
raising in a large area. 1t is thought that
in the future very little grain will be rails
ed in the State. and that the farmers will
devote their energies to raising dairy pro-
ducts. The scientists have been endeavor-
ing to discover means of Kidding the
ground of insects and have succeeded be-
yond their expectations.
Complaint is made against the manufac-
ture of oleomargariue and adulterated
cheese, and it is shown that this has work
ed great injury to those who are engaged
in the sale OF the genuine articles.
The Secretary sent out blanks of inquiry
to every farmer last year, asking for infor-
nation about the county Boards of Agri-
culture, the number of farmers in the conn
ty. whether there was farm help enough
to meet the demand, the rate of wages
aud other questions relating to crops. The
nswer showed that it was difficult to
obtain farm help, male and female. The
average wages paid to farm hands, with
board. is SIP to SIS a month: without
board, $50 to $50 a month.
The wholesale price paid to farmers for
milk is three cents. Ii was recommended
that the most profitable breeds of cows
were the Holstein, Jersey and Ayrshire.
Fruit growers are discouraged by the low
prices. The past year was not as prosper
Gus as 1888, on account of the rains and
other causes.
1t was stated in nearly every reply that
thetax rate for the last year had increased
to such an extent that in many instances
it was burdensome, while the value Of pro-
perty had not increased.
1t is advised that a detailed statement of
the agricultural products of the State be
prepared by the Board and hat legislation
be enacted to give it authority. The
marsh districts are being drained and the
land used for truck farming and dairy pur-
poses.
There are in this State sc, 204 horses,
falueu AT 80, Joi, iua, v,oui NUTS, N8lHen
al 81. 09f, a14; 1S3. 493 mich cows, valued
at SO, 325. O04: 81. $50 oxen and other cattle,
valued at 81 ,962. AIT. In milch cows only
n other State in the Union has as high a
value. Since 1881 the shipments of cheese
have fallen off from III, 995 GA to 81, $685.
S2S pounds, representing a loss of IS, ooo,-
600. The shipments to England alone
have fallen of so, o00, 900 pounds. The
annual lumber product is 5000, 900 feet.
The total value Of farms is $3.50, S95, S33;
implements. Sc, 991, 0s5; total invested.
s202, S64, 424.
There are "a, 0 farms in the State and
only 10 per cent Of these are being work
ed. The woodland acreage is 1900, sos
and is gradually decreasing.
The report will make a large book. As
soon as it comes from the printer it will be
placed in the hands of the Governor.