Page:The National Geographic Magazine Vol 16 1905.djvu/62

world since Columbus discovered America. This year's product is over six times the amount of the capital stock of all national banks; it lacks but three-fourths of a billion dollars of the value of the manufactures of 1900, less the cost of materials used ; it is three times the gross earnings from the operations of the railways and four times the value of all minerals produced in this country.

The year 1904 keeps well up to the average of exports of farm products during the five years 1899-1903, amounting to over 859 millions, while the average for the five years was nearly 865 millions. During the last 15 years the balance of trade in favor of this country, all articles considered, exceeded 4,384 million dollars, but taking farm products alone, these showed a balance in our favor of more than 5,300 millions.

The increase in farm capital the Secretary estimates conservatively at 2,000 million dollars within four years—this without recognizing the marked increase in the value of land during the past two years. The most startling figures shown as illustrating the farmers' prosperity are those presented by deposits in banks in typical agricultural states. The Secretary selects for this illustration Iowa, Kansas, and Mississippi. Taking all kinds of banks, national, state, private, and savings, the deposits increased from June 30, 1896, to October 31, 1904, in Iowa, 164 percent, in Kansas 219 per cent, and in Mississippi 301 per cent—in the United States 91 per cent. A similar favorable comparison may be made as to the number of depositors.

The diffusion of well-being among farmers throughout all parts of the country is one of the most conspicuous features of the recent agricultural development. This attracted attention a year ago and is now even more noticeable. The great South is more especially enjoying this growth of well-being, owing to the enhanced value of the cotton crop in addition to the general progress in agriculture. The Eastern farmer, who was long on the verge of bankruptcy in competition with the virgin soil and rapid expansion of the northern half of the Mississippi River Valley, has survived that competition and now enjoys more normal conditions, owing to the creation and maintenance of many large near-by markets by many varied industries. The Pacific coast has long been prosperous, with its world-famous specialties; the mountain states are glad with the fruits and promises of irrigation; in the older prairie states the farmer has seen his land go from $1.25 an acre, or from a homestead gift, to $100 and $150, and the "Great American Desert," as it was called when it was nothing but a buffalo range, is now peopled by a progressive race of farmers, whose banks are filled to overflowing with the proceeds of their products.

The elements of agricultural science are gradually finding their place in the primary and secondary schools through the instruction of teachers.

We buy over $200,000,000 worth of products from tropical countries that cannot be grown in continental United States. Through scientists sent from the United States to the several island groups the department is instructing the people of our island possessions to grow these things, such as coffee, rubber, fibers, drug plants, nuts, fruits, spices, and the like.

Our farmers buy $100,000,000 worth of machinery every year. A better knowledge of its use and care is necessary. Several agricultural colleges are taking up this inquiry and giving instruction in regard to machinery and farm buildings.

The regular forecasts of the Weather Bureau for 36 and 48 hours in advance