THE

HE first object of the pioneer settler of Indiana was to provide the means of subsistence, and for a considerable time all the surplus produce was limited to a few articles, and usually disposed of to other settlers. Every one, as soon as possible, prepared a corn field, a garden, procured a few swine, one or two horses, and a few cows. These made up the capital of the pioneer farmers of Indiana. Many of the citizens of the State who are now rich, can to-day point back to a beginning of this kind, and we doubt not they often do so with pride, as they justly should. They frequently entered on the public lands with even less stock than that above enumerated; they were generally protected in the improvements they made, and after accumulating sufficient means, entered and purchased the lands. Many of the wealthy farmers of to-day in Indiana. can look back to the period when they began to erect the little log cabin with only an ax and some provisions- their capital consisting wholly in a persistent energy. They rented land on improvement leases, by which they were to have the use of from ten to twenty acres from seven to ten years, and, in nost cases, at the end of that time, they were abundantly able to buy land for themselves.

It was an easy matter in those days to maintain stock. The wild grass, nutritious roots, and several kinds of nuts and acorns, were so abundant that neither horses, cattle, nor hogs required much grain; and often, after a few years residence, the flocks and herds of the settlers were very numerous. This condition of things soon produced a surplus of corn, beef, pork, etc. Low prices created a market, and even before the

farmers were fully aware of it, a profitable commerce was established. Fluctuations soon crept into the market, however, and the farmers became much exercised as to what articles of produce to expend the most labor on. This led to a greater diversity of crops, and as a consequence, a wider range of commerce; and thus, step by step, year by year, the produce market of Indiana has been extended, until to-day it is one of the largest in the Union- certainly the best regulated. Many causes combined to render a great diversity of crops necessary. The soil, though very rich, demands this, as it will not yield a large crop of one kind of produce for many years in succession, frequent changes being required. Hemp has been tried, and although at first unsuccessful, owing to an injudicious management, will eventually result in profit to the producer. Flax, tobacco, fruit of various kinds, and a great variety of seeds from which oil can be manufactured, are now cultivated to a great extent, and many valuable experiments are being made yearly in beet and corn sugar. The cultivation of grapes in many parts of the State, is attended with profitable results.

Corn is the great staple of the State; many farmers have become wealthy in raising it. It is easily cultivated, and almost every farmer has from forty to one hundred and fifty acres. Two persons can prepare the ground, plant and attend to and gather from forty to fifty acres, and the product is generally from thirty to seventy bushels an acre, averaging, perhaps, forty or forty-five. Good land, with the proper preparation and care, will, in a good season, produce from seventy to ninety bushels to the acre. Corn, in former days, say from 1840 to 1850, usually sold at from ten to thirty cents a bushel. Millions and millions of bushels have been used at the former price to fatten hogs in the interior; but in this respect things have undergone a change-a change in favor of the farmer. As we pen these lines, September twenty-fifth, 1874, corn is in good demand in New York city at from 95c. to $1.00, while in the western markets the price is firm at from 85 to 95c., according to quality. This year, however, is not a representative in regard to the price of corn of the last decade. The

prices are ranging unusually high, owing to the lightness of the crop, many parts, and, also, to the great demand existing among pork producers for this cereal.

The cultivation of corn is admirably adapted to the climate. and soil of the State, and to the customs of the farmers. The

soil is very rich, loamy, and with proper cultivation the corn does not often suffer either from cold, rains or drouth.

Following are statistical tables showing the growth of agriculture in all its branches, from the year 1841 down to the present time: