1878. The figure for 1896, $6.55, is 21 per cent. lower than 1895 and 9 per cent. lower than the lowest before it. A largely increased crop shows, therefore, a diminished total value. This is the natural consequence of the generally greater production in states where the price of hay is always comparatively low, accompanied by a general falling off where higher prices prevail. It is noteworthy, however, that in states where the fall in price was most marked, such as Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (where the percentage of decrease ranged from 35 to 40), the crop was so much larger that its total value exceeded that in 1895.

COTTON.

The average price in 1896 is 1 cent lower than in 1895, but 2 cents higher than in 1894, in each case following a reversed change in the total crop amount. Some states report the price reduced by planters crowding their cotton on the market.

TOBACCO.

The lowest price heretofore recorded, with two exceptions, was in 1894, when the average was 6.8 cents. In 1877 and 1878, however, when it fell to 5.6 and 5.8, respectively, it was even lower than this year's average of 6 cents.

WINTER GRAIN-CROP OF 1897.

The acreage sown in winter wheat shows a decided increase upon the 1895 returns, this increase being, except in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and a few states of less importance as producers, general throughout the country, and in some states quite large. The better price for this grain, particularly in contrast with the fall in corn, is assigned as a reason, though many reports speak of the higher price as having come too late for this effect.

The condition of both wheat and rye is set down as excellent in all parts of the country, almost without exception-wheat 99.5 and rye 99.8, on the average, against 81.4 and 94.9 in 1895-soil and weather conditions having been unusually favorable. Such complaints as come from scattered counties in different sections of the country name the Hessian fly and other insects, persistent dry weather or soaking rains as causes of inferior condition.

Table showing final estimates of average farm prices of various agricultural products, December 1, 1896, together with the acreage sown to winter wheat as compared with the area sown in fall of 1895, and the average condition of winter wheat and winter rye.

NUMBER AND VALUE OF FARM ANIMALS IN THE UNITED STATES FOR THE YEARS 1868-1897.