The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-01-13

Inc unusually interesting report Oh luo
Commissioner Of Agriculture for 1881 shows a
marked advance in the agricultural condition
Of Virginia il the course OF the period which
it covers During that time the area Of cul-
tivated crops did not increase. but there
was a distinct improvement IN many direc-
tons While the amount produced in cot
ton. corn. tobacco, peanuts. wheat and oats
the principal crops of the State did not in
each instance exceed tho amount of the pre-
vious year. the Commissioner noted a greater
disposition to employ more careful means FIR
the restoration of the soil. TIL" crops Of ISL
are shown TO have been considerably above the
average in quality, the tobacco as much as
per cent. and the wheat as much as 13 per
cent. The general increase of corn for tho
State was "A per cent. Cotton and peanuts
fell below the average and oats and hay
were comparatively failures.
One Of the most encouraging features OF az
rcuture in the State during 1891 was the in-
clination to diversity products. This was
specially notable in stock raising. Less at
tention was paid to cattle in the grazing sec
tons of the State. and more to the raising of
horses and sheep. A larger number of lambs
from Virginia were sold in tho Northern
markets, and a greater quantity of butter was
produced for sale. Tie number ol stock
farms devoted b. the breeding of blo1ded horses
increased and the importation # bl1oded
animals was much more frequent than before.
Still more notable was the attention given
10 apples. pears and similar fruits. The exhi-
~.
American Pathological Convention was at
tended with the most marked Success. the ex-
hibit of the State carrying OF the priucpa
silver medal and securing for special exhibit
tors four bronze medals and three special
Communications by name. Tie superior cha
racter of the exhibit has increased the inte-
rest which fruit-growers in all part, Of the
United States had felt in the pomologica adj
yantages of Virginia.
The Commissioner notes a great advance
during 1891 in the discovery of insects and
diseases injurious 20 our standard fruits aud
in the application Of remedies for the evils
produced by them. There has also been
revival in grape culture, old vineyards being
reclaimed and new ones planted. Ia tho
matter Of drainage and the condition of tho
public roads. there has been no progress. and
effective laws are needed 10 inaugurate an
improvement.
The Commissioner refers at some length 10
the mineral development in Virginia in tie
last two years New mines of iron. coal.
zinc. lead and manganese have been opened
in different parts If the State The sulphur
mines of Louisa have increased in number,
and il will not be long before the two tin
mines in the Blue Ridge viii he putting out
large quantities of that valuable metal. Fire
clay has been discovered, analysed and sue
cessfully tested Tile and pottery clay has
been found, and also new beds Of kaolln and
pipe clay
There has been steady increase il the
manufacturing interests Of the State. espe-
cially in tho line of canned fruits, iron.
wood. wool and cotton The smaller indus
tries have received a marked impetus in de-
yelopment and must continue 10 expand until
they shall attain separately. as well as in the
aggregate, TO great importance
When it is recalled that the year 1891 was
one OF unusual depression in so many
branches OF trade, the showing made 10y the
Commissioner gives renewed confidence in
the material future Of the State. One Of the
most interesting features Of the report is the
references to the subject OF immigration,
upon which We shall touch at later date