THE SEED DIVISION. The following tabular statement shows the quantity and kind of seeds issued from the seed division of this Department from November 1, 1870, to October 31, 1871, inclusive. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIONS OF THE YEAR. In its meteorological aspects the season has been marked by local droughts, high winds, and floods. In the later months of summer continued dry weather became rather general than local throughout a large portion of the Ohio Valley, the Missouri Valley, and the Southwestern States; and in the Rocky Mountain sections drought was more severe than usual. It is to be feared that the destruction of forests by devastating fires, and in supplying lumber and timber, will render drought,. winds, and floods more frequent and severe. Heavy frosts, which proved very injurious to winter grain, were general throughout the West from April 21 to 23; and autumn frosts, which arrested the growth and maturity of crops, occurred generally from 21st to 30th of September. The month of September was cooler than the corresponding month for many years, but the high temperature of the preceding months, and especially of August, had advanced corn and other crops beyond the point of material damage from frosts. The injury resulting from these unfavorable meteorological conditions is mainly seen in the poorer soils, or in those in inferior mechanical condition-those in the highest cultivation and of the richest character having a power of resistance and a recuperative energy which insure good crops under circumstances apparently adverse. The records of the Department, verifying the observation of all intelligent cultivators, attest the value of perfect drainage and good culture in warding off dangers from drought and excessive moisture. Such has been the experience of the present year, which promises a moderate abundance for the supply of man and his dependent creatures of the farm. The area planted with corn was largely increased, and a larger breadth of wheat was sown. While the crop of corn will not equal the great yield of 1870, nor that of wheat the unparalleled crop of 1869, there will be an ample supply of both for the wants of this country, and tens of millions of bushels to supplement the short crops of Europe. While the product of hay is somewhat less than usual, its quality is good, and coarse forage in all sections and winter pasturage in the South and distant West are neverfailing resources. Cotton will be gathered in smaller quantity, and sold at a higher price. Other crops, as a whole, promise very nearly average returns, giving moderate rewards to labor and ample supplies for necessary consumption. FINANCIAL. At the time I assumed the duties of Commissioner, on the 1st day of August last, the appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1871, were exhausted, except the appropriation for the "purchase and distribution of new and valuable seeds," of which there remained a balance unexpended of $7,508 96, with unsettled bills for seeds purchased in Europe, under this appropriation, amounting to about $7,300. Of the appropriations for the current fiscal year, the following statement exhibits the amounts disbursed and the unexpended balances, under their respective heads, on the 1st of August last : Showing a balance unexpended at that date of $180,618.56, which, with strict economy, will be sufficient for the successful operations of the Department during the current year. By a late act of Congress the financial operations of the Department for each fiscal year are to be kept entirely separate. I deem it proper, therefore, to defer until the expiration of the present fiscal year a report of these operations during the three months I have had control of the Department, when a complete report will be made. My estimates for the appropriations necessary for this Department during the fiscal year of 1873 were made and transmitted to the Secre tary of the Treasury on the 17th of October. They were based on the appropriations for the present year; reduced in some respects when it could be done without injury to the successful operations of the Department, and slightly increased in other items when the necessities of the case seemed to require it, and in all respects with reference to the most rigid economy consistent with an efficient administration of the legiti mate objects of the Department. The aggregate amount estimated is less than the appropriations for the current year. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, His Excellency U. S. GRANT, President. FREDERICK WATTS, Commissioner of Agriculture. INDEX. A. Abstraction of money from the United States Treasury... Superintendent of the Naval, remarks of the Secretary of the Navy concerning the superintendent of the Adjutant General, report of the .................. Admiral of the Navy, report of the.................... Agriculture, remarks of the President concerning report of the Commissioner of.. Alaska, protection of the seal islands of Almanac, Nautical ................... American steam-vessels, remarks of the Postmaster General concerning Treasury Department, report of.. Army, report of the General of the..................... Arsenals, report of the Chief of Ordnance on the. Asylum, Naval .................. Auditor of the Treasury, report of the First........ Second.. Third... Fourth.. Fifth Sixth B. Banks, national.......... Belknap, William W., Secretary of War, report of. Board of Indian Commissioners, report of the.... Page. 173 339 354 391 439 425 294 402 13 766 28 439 725 678 1-3 292 334 436 60 73 102 10% 142 23, 50, 169 277 616 post-office building at....... Boundary line between the United States and Canada. Boutwell, G. S., Secretary of the Treasury, report of.. Bonded warehouses, remarks of the Secretary of the Treasury concerning. Botanical collections by the Department of Agriculture 45 433 1-6 774 4 16 Brice, B. W., Paymaster General, report of................. |