Page:The American Cyclopædia (1879) Volume XVI.djvu/396

 376 VIRGINIA yield liberal crops if properly tilled. The for- est wealth of Virginia is very great; in 1870 the products were valued at $686,862. In the tidewater section are extensive forests of pine (the noted yellow Virginia), oak, cypress, ce- dar, locust, &c., from which large quantities of timber and sawed lumber are obtained. Large areas of superior hard pine, black, white, and other oaks, hickory, locust, persimmon, gum, cedar, holly, and other trees are found in the middle region. The Piedmont division has considerable forest land, with oak of many varieties, hickory, tulip-poplar, black walnut, locust, cedar, chestnut, pine, &c. The Blue Ridge is mostly covered with forests of oak, hickory, chestnut, locust, birch, &c., with some excellent yellow pines. Large quantities of charcoal for the manufacture of iron are pro- duced here. The valley has much superior hard-wood timber, especially oaks and hicko- ries. In some parts of the Appalachian coun- try are extensive forests of valuable timber, in- cluding oak, walnut, tulip-poplar, locust, syca- more (buttonwood), and pine. The trade in sumach from wild shrubs is growing in impor- tance; and the gathering of bark for tanning and dyeing purposes is an important industry. The great advantages of soil and climate give to Virginia valuable resources as an agricultu- ral state. The annual production of cereals is large. One of the most important crops is to- bacco, the u Virginia leaf " being widely known for its excellence. According to the census of 1870, Virginia produced 37,086,864 Ibs. of to- bacco, being more than in any other state ex- cept Kentucky. The nutritious grasses, inclu- ding the noted blue grass, of the Piedmont, Blue Ridge, valley, and Appalachian sections, place these among the best grazing regions in the United States. The production of hay is im- portant. Some cotton is produced in the tide- water country, and flax and hemp are grown, but not extensively. Every part of the state is well adapted to the growth of fruit. The Blue Ridge has superior advantages for the produc- tion of fruit and wine. The orchard products of the state in 1870 were valued at $891,231, and the produce of market gardens at $505,1 17. Large quantities of small fruits and garden pro- duce are annually shipped from the tidewater region to Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, New York, and other points. The trade in strawberries is especially large. Near the sea wild Scuppernong grapes abound, and are used in the manufacture of a palatable wine. Large quantities of peanuts are raised in the tide- water region, and form a considerable item of commerce. Dairying and stock raising are im- portant industries. According to the census of 1870, there were 3,073,257 acres of improved land in farms, 1,386,934 of woodland, and 68,- 613 of other unimproved land. The total num- ber of farms was 78,849, containing an aver- age of 246 acres each ; 4,492 contained from 3 to 10 acres, 6,300 from 10 to 20, 16,891 from 20 to 50, 17,208 from 50 to 100, 26,696 from 100 to 500, 1,808 from 500 to 1,000, and 817 over 1,000. The cash value of farms was $213,- 120,845, and of farming implements and ma- chinery $4,924,036. The chief crops as re- ported by the United States department of agriculture in 1873 were as follows: PRODUCTS. Indian corn. bush. Wheat Rye Oats Barley Buckwheat Potatoes Tobacco, Ibs liay, tons. Total Quantity p". . i i. No. of KM I* Mch crop. A. r:, k, dp en. 19.275,000 1,014,474 6,786,000 771,788 47,983 6,897^000 ' 7,000 40,000 1,242,000 50,000,000 160,000 8,284 17.748 160,000 3,427,804 19 7-6 9-7 16-8 18-6 17-9 70 60S 1 T. til v.lu.-. $11,872,250 a,8M,600 868,700 9,874,00 4,900 -M.-JO 4,600,000 8,708,000 pojoajea The number and value of farm animals were : ANIMALS. Number. Vmtat. Horses 1>'.>.:N> $14,871,656 Mules 29,000
 * tn7:<;ir,s

Oxen and other cattle 405,700 r, H7- 1,40 Milch cows 284 000 5 148000 Sheep
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1.065,750 Hoes. . T86JOO B.6OJ81 According to the census of 1870, the state pro- duced 7,898,787 bushels of wheat, 582,264 of rye, 17,649,804 of Indian corn, 6,857,655 of oats, 7,269 of barley, 46,075 of buckwheat, 1,293,853 of Irish and 865,882 of sweet pota- toes, 877,110 Ibs. of wool, 6,979,269 of but- ter, 10,999 of hops, 246,098 of maple sugar, 505,289 of honey, 829,155 gallons of sorghum molasses, and 11,400 of maple molasses. The tidal waters of Virginia abound in shad, her- ring, rock, perch, sturgeon, bass, trout. Span- ish mackerel, and other fish, besides crabs, lobsters, terrapins, &c. Not less than $1,000,- 000 worth of these fish are annually sent to northern markets. Oysters abound in the tributaries of Chesapeake bay and along the Atlantic coast. It is estimated that more than 15,000,000 bushels of oysters, valued at from $12,000,000 to $15,000,000, are taken from these tide-water beds. Pursuant to the act of 1875, three fish commissioners have been appointed for the promotion of pisciculture in the state. The great variety and abundance of raw materials, the ample supply of water pow- er, and the convenience and extent of trans- portation facilities, give to Virginia marked ad- vantages as a manufacturing state. The total number of manufacturing establishments in 1870 was 5,938, having 896 steam engines of 8,410 horse power, and 2,229 water wheels of 41,202 horse power, and employing 26,974 hands, of whom 22,175 were males above 16 years of age, 2,259 females above 15, and 2,540 youth. The amount of capital employed was $18,455,400; wages paid during the year, $5,843,099 ; value of materials used, $28,832,- 884; of products, $88,864,822. The leading industries were as follows :