doubt, in consequence of these circum- The disclosure of the census relative to stances, partly from their general unfit- the idiocy and insanity of the colored ness for the climate and pursuits of north- race, in the North, and its comparative ern latitudes, the records show a rate of exemption in the South, are equally progress as to numbers which contrasts startling. In Maine, every fourteenth most strangely with that of the whites by colored person is an idiot or lunatic. In whom they are surrounded, and even Ohio, there are just ten colored persons with that which prevails amongst their who are idiots or lunatics, where there is own race in the slave states. The one in Kentucky. And in Louisiana, Courier shows that in New-England, where a large majority of the population where the social condition of the negro is colored, and four-fifths of them are has the benefit of a full measure of abolitionist sympathy, his race has not increased as in the South. While the total increase of the whites in New-England has been at the rate of sixty-five per cent. within the last thirty years, that of the blacks has been but 6 per cent. notwithstanding the constant influx of fugitives. As compared with the census of 1840, the census of last year exhibits an absolute decrease. In New-Hampshire, where no attempt has yet been made to catch a runaway, the decrease amounts to about two-fifths of the whole. The tion. following table, showing the number of colored persons in each of the states at the periods to which it refers, we cut from the Courier: Maine*. Vermont 1850. 1840. 1830. 1820. 1790. .1,313..1,355..1.177....929 slaves, there is but one of these unfortunates to 4,309 who are sane; in Massachusetts, 1 in 43; Connecticut, 1 in 186; New-York, 1 in 257; Pennsylvania, 1 in 256; Maryland, 1 in 1,074; Virginia, 1 in 1,309; North Carolina, 1 in 1,404; South Carolina, 1 in 1,250; Ohio, 1 in 105; Kentucky, 1 in 1,053. These facts go far to exhibit the hollowness of many of the ideas which abolitionist orators are fond of inculcating, and at the same time furnish cogent arguments in favor of African coloniza THE RICHEST MAN IN VIRGINIA.-I have thought, for some time, I would write to your paper something in relation to the richest man in Virginia, and the largest slaveholder in the Union, and, perhaps, in N. Hampshire.....477.537.607.783.....788 the world, unless the serfs of Russia be 710.730.881....918.....271 considered slaves: and the wish in your Rhode Island....3,543.3.238..3.558..3,502....4.355 paper, a few days ago, to know who was so Connecticut......7,415..8,105. 8,072..8,009....5,572 wealthy in Virginia, induces me to write Massachusetts....8.773..8.668..7,049..6.740...+6.001 22,231. 22,633.21,364.20,681...16,937 Increase of Colored Persons in New-England. From 1820 to 1830.. Decrease from 1840 to 1850...... 484 .1,268 1.752 this now. Samuel Hairston, of Pittsylvania, is the gentleman. When I was in his section, a year or two ago, he was the owner of between sixteen and seventeen hundred slaves, in his own right, having but a little while ago taken a census. He also has a perspective right to about one thousand slaves more, which are now owned by his mother-in-law, Mrs. Ruth Hairston, he having married her only child. He now has the management of .581.021..500.438.398,260..297,340 them, which makes the number of his N. Hampshire....317.354. 284.036..268.721..243,236 slaves reach near three thousand. They Vermont. .312.756.291,218.279.776..234.846 increase at the rate of near one thousand Rhode Island....114.012.105.587.. 93.612. 79.413 every year, and he has to purchase a Connecticut...... 363,189.. 301,856.289,603..267,181 large plantation every year to settle them Net increase in thirty years......1,350 or 6 per ct. Maine. 1850. 1840. 1830. 1820. Massachusetts....985,498..729.030..603.359..516,419 2,704,729 2,212,165 1,933,340 1,638,435 Increase of Whites in New-England. From 1820 to 1830..........294.905 Total increase of whites in 30 years... *With Massachusetts. on. A large number of his plantations are in Henry and Patrick counties, Virginia. He has large estates in North Carolina. His landed property in stocks alone is assessed at six hundred thousand dollars. His wealth is differently estimated at ..1,066,294 or 65 per ct. from three to five millions, and I should + Including the then province of Maine. think it was nearer the latter. You think he has a hard lot; but I assure you Mr. Agricultural Progress. Hairston manages all his matters as easy as most persons would an estate of $10,000. He has overseers who are compelled to give him a writen statement of what is made and spent on each plantation, and his negroes are all clothed and fed from his own domestic manufacture and raising, leaving his tobacco crop, which is immensely large, as so much clear gain every year, besides his increase in negroes, which is a fortune of itself. And now for his residence. I have travelled over fifteen states of this Union, and have never seen anything comparable to his yard and garden, except some of them in the Mississippi Delta-and none of them equal to it. Mrs. Hairston has been beautifying it for years-and a good old minister, in preaching near the place, and describing Paradise, said it "was as beautiful as Mrs. Hairston's," or as a friend, who had visited Washington city for the first time, remarked, that "the public grounds were nearly as handsome as Samuel Hairston's." Mr. Hairston is a plain, unassuming gentleman, and has never made any noise in the world, though he could vie with the 17 Bruces, the McDonoughs and the Astors; and it is strange, that while their wealth is co-extensive with the Union, he is not known one hundred miles from home. I believe he is now the wealthiest man in the Union, as William B. Astor is only worth about $4,000,000, and the estates of city people are vastly overrated, while Mr. Hairston can show the property that will bring the cash at any moment. Mr. Hairston was raised within a few miles of where he now lives, in Henry county. He has several brothers, who are pretty well to do in the world. One of them, Marshall Hairston, of Henry, owns more than 700 negroes; Robert Hairston, who now lives in Mississippi, near 1,000; and Hardin Hairston, who has also moved to Mississippi, about 600 slaves. George Hairston, of Henry, has given most of his property to his children, reserving only about 150 for his own use. This, I believe, is a correct statement of the circumstances of the Hairston family; and, for further particulars, and the truth of the statement, I refer you to the present delegate from Henry. COSMOPOLITE. ART. X.-AGRICULTURAL PROGRESS. COTTON STATISTICS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS-COTTON IN TEXAS-SOUTHERN AGRICULURAL CONVENTION-GRAPES AND VINES AT THE SOUTH-SHEEP AND WOOL GROWING IN TEXAS-GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL FAIR. In the last few numbers of the Review, bales more than the average crop of the last we furnished full details of the cotton sta- six years. But the increase of consumption tistics of the South for the past year, in more than kept pace with the increase of comparison with previous ones. Even production, and hence the price was enwith the prospect of enlarged production, hanced and stocks reduced. In Septemthe London Economist thinks that prices ber of 1852, the price of cotton was will be sustained at the high figures of twenty per cent. higher than in Septemlast year, and even advanced beyond ber of 1851. But the stocks were much them. Speculating upon the same sub- smaller, as appears from the following ject, a contemporary ventures some judi- table: cious reflections which we adopt. era of great prosperity is evidently pending for our cotton planters, and we wish them every enjoyment from its results. An "The cotton crop of the United States for the year ending August 31, 1852, reached 3,015,029 bales-being 659,772 bales increase upon the crop of the last year, 918,323 bales increase upon the crop of the year preceding the last, and 628,051 Sept. 30, 1851. Sept. 30. 1852. Bales. 630,000. .590,000 39,000.. .49,000 .78,000 717,000 Great Britain.. 730,000 We have no exact information of the stock in the United States, but presume it is not greater than at the same period of last year, as the prices in Europe are higher. This phenomenon of a diminish- lags behind the demand. Hence the The first year or two Col. G. sold his cotton to some neighbors, but afterwards gave it to the settlers who carried it down the river in flat boats. In 1825, Col. G. put up the first cotton gin in Austin's colony, on the plantation where his son, Col. L. W. Groce, now lives. The first cotton shipped from Texas was in 1831, in which year Col. Groce and Mr. Thomas McKinney took a crop to Matamoras by a schooner from the mouth of the Brazos, which, we believe, was sold for about 62 1-2 cents per pound. After that year (Col. Groce and his son, with Mr. Thos. F. McKinney, began to send cotton to San Luis Potosi, shipping it to Tampico and thence on pack mules to its destination. It was of course put up in small bales suitable for packing on mules. This trade was continued until the disturbauces between Mexico and Texas broke out in 1835. ed stock and a higher price, in the face well-founded conclusion that the prices of a largely-increased supply, is account- of cotton will range higher during the ed for solely by a greatly-increased con- next than during the past twelve months. sumption, In Great Britain the weekly It appears that the cultivation of cotton consumption of cotton in 1851 was 31,800 was introduced into Texas in 1822 by bales; in 1852 the consumption reached Col. Jared E. Groce. This was the very about 40,000 bales a week, or 2,000,000 first commencement of cotton planting per annum. On the continent there has in Texas. This first cotton plant was in been a corresponding increase of con- the prairie; after that year Col. Groce sumption. The direct shipments from planted in the Brazos bottom. the United States to France in the present year have been 120,017 bales more than in the last, and to other parts of Europe 84,435 bales more. In the United States the consumption of 1850-'51 was 404,000 bales; of 1851-252 it was 603,000 balesa conclusive contradiction, by the way, of the pretended distress of the manufacturing interest of this country. Thus it is seen that the increase in the consumption of cotton is greater than the increase in production; and we have every reason to believe that, this will continue to be the case. The Economist says, "extensive mills are now in course of erection in Great Britain," and contends that the consumption of cotton there will continue to increase. We know that on the continent of Europe, and especially in Germany, the consumption of cotton is increasing steadily and rapidly; and in the United States, notwithstanding the false alarms of greedy capitalists, the example of thriving factories is daily calling additional spindles into operation. It is not hazardous to assert that during the next twelve months the consumption of cotton throughout the world will continue to increase in an unprecedented ratio. But from the most reliable accounts the supply will not exceed, if indeed it will equal, the supply of 1851-52. Notwithstanding British experiment in Asia, Africa, and the West Indies, upon We referred some time since to an the southern states of this Union the world Agricultural Convention which was prois dependent for its supply of cotton, (the posed to be held in Macon, Georgia, in Ocflax substitute being a dead failure.) It tober last, and of which we have lately is probable, then, that the production of received the proceedings. It will be the southern states will be equal to the seen that another convention is recomincreased consumption we are led to ex- mended on the first Monday in May pect? Will the supply keep pace with next. The delegates present in October the demand? Nobody expects the crop of the present year to exceed the crop of From South Carolina-Col. Wm. Du last year, whilst many suppose it will be Bose, J. W. Harrison, Thos. Smith, Col. something less. The probable result of A. G. Summer. the growing crop is estimated at about 3,000,000 bales by persons competent to pronounce in the matter. Thus, while the consumption increases, the production scarcely remains the same-the supply S. Col. Groce at first procured his cotton baling and rope of Mr. Seymour, a merchant in the Red Lands of Eastern Texas; but subsequently he procured these articles from San Felipe. It is believed there was one cotton gin and only one in Texas before the one erected by Col. Groce, and that was built by Mr. John Cartwright, of the Red Lands. were: From Virginia-Dr. Butler. Cloud, Wm. H. Chambers, R. C. Agricultural Progress. Elbert A. Holt, R. J. Glenn, Dr. Wm. H. Rives, Peter Ware, Joseph L. Moultrie, Amos Travis, Jr., L. H. Pierce, Wm. O. Ormsby, Wash. Pollard, Mr. Griswold. From Mississippi-Col. Thos. G. Blewett, Dr. A. N. Jones, John Morton, Dr. W. Burt. From Tennessee-F. Keith. From Louisiana-S. Craig Martyn. From Florida-Col. Williams, Judge McGee. The convention was organized by calling Dr. D. A. Reese, of Ga., to the chair, and the appointment of Wm. H. Chambers, of Ala., as secretary. The objects of the convention were explained by Dr. W. C. Daniell, of DeKalb, who also introduced the following resolutions: Resolved, That the members of the Agricultural Association of the slaveholding states, to be organized as hereinafter recommended, be composed of such citizens of the same, as taking an interest in agriculture, desire to become members thereof; and of delegates from state and local agricultural societies; and from states or parts of states. Resolved, That such persons as above designated are recommended to convene at Montgomery, Alabama, on the first Monday in May next, and to organize an agricultural association of the slaveholding states, under such provisions as to them may appear best calculated to fulfil the purposes of their organization, which shall hold its meetings, in succession, in all the slaveholding states that may participate in the association. Resolved, That a committee of correspondence, to consist of seven, be appointed to carry into effect the foregoing resolutions. The resolutions were unanimously adopted, and the following gentlemen appointed, to compose the committee of correspondence: Dr. W. C. Daniell, of DeKalb. We have frequently referred to the production of grapes and manufacture of wine in the United States, and noticed elaborately the successful experiment of Mr. Weller, of North Carolina; and Mr. Longworth, of Cincinnati, both distin 73 guished vintners. Many valuable hints and statistics upon the subject will be found in our work on the Industrial Resources, &c., of the South and West. Some one who has lately been on a visit to Cincinnati speaks in high terms of Mr. Longworth's operations. We quote his remarks entire. pagne, "The sparkling Catawba,' or chamis now made here in great quantiwhich runs from the mashed grapes beties from the same grape. The juice fore pressure is reserved, fermented and ripened with great care, and sweetened with the purest rock candy. It ripens ready for market in about eighteen months. Mr. Nicholas Longworth produced accidentally the first champagne mediately erected a building and sent to from the Catawba grape in 1842, and imFrance for a manufacturer of this species of wine. This year a hundred thousand bottles will be added to his stock. The sparkling Catawba possesses a delicious flavor, and is regarded by many as superior to the most celebrated imported champagne. "A variety of wines are made from the same grape by keeping separate the 'must' extracted by the different pressings, and a rich, claret-colored wine is produced by fermenting in the skin, which is very palatable when mellowed by age. But the common practice is to put all the must together in the same cask, and thus the whole juice and flavor of the grape remains, imparting to the wine that fine grapy aroma which has established the reputation of the American Catawba. "The ground selected for a vineyard is usually a hill-side, with a southern aspect, though the vine does nearly as well on an eastern or western exposure. A dry calcareous loam, with a porous subsoil, is the soil best suited to the culture. Many small vineyards are owned by Germans in moderate circumstances, and afford profitable employment for their families. These sell their wine to the more wealthy dealers, who sell it again under their own label, if it proves of good quality. "Mr. Longworth's wine cellars are the most capacious that have yet been erected, being 105 feet long, an average of 45 feet in width, and 18 high. The wine of each vintage is kept separate in casks, holding from 2,000 to 5,500 gallons each. Several new wine cellars will be built here during the next season, By 3,000 lbs. of washed wool, at 25c. per lb. Deduct expense and interest.. Net profits on capital per year... $1,250 00 200 00 87 00 $1,537 00 750 00 300 00 $1,050 00 287 00 $763 00 We And this is only a capital of $1,250. We have made no charge for the use of land, as at present there is a vast range for stock on which nobody pays. have supposed that the wool-growing was only a branch, and that the other branches paid the interest for any investment that might be made for a house and the other necessary fixtures. To farm it successfully, even their shelter should be prepared, so that during the severe storms of rain and sleet which are common to that country, the sheep should be kept dry. The sheep are very sensitive to wet, and a cold wet storm will injure them very severely. Such sheds need not be very expensive. It is not so much the cold as the wet, that the successful flock master has to guard against. We are satisfied, however, that our estimate of profits is quite too low. But allowing that it is a fair one, what business can any man follow in that state or here that will compare with it? In volume xiii. of the Review, the subject of sheep raising and wool was treated by us at very great length; and from the attention the paper has everywhere received, we cannot question it has been effecting much good. We are determined to continue the subject from month to month, and would be glad to obtain the experiences of our friends. Referring to Texas in particular, the “Wool Grower" enters into some calculations, &c., which are worthy of being preserved. We are free to confess that we consider Texas without a rival for growing wool, unless there is something better in New-Mexico, or California. The sheep now there can be improved at much less cost than we supposed before we saw the wool. By selecting only those of the best wool, a grade of wool will be produced that will bring, if properly washed, from 28c. to 32c. per lb., averaging about 30c. in this market. The fleeces are clean and light, when washed, and make a desirable kind of wool, which is largely sought for by the manufacturers. There were some fleeces which could hardly be called wool. They were from some of the old Mexican sheep, and would pass for goats' hair in almost any market. Still a cross upon them with a good Merino ram, would produce a desirable breed, for the hair would disappear in the cross to a large extent. If, however, a better grade of sheep are plenty and cheap, we should prefer them at even a higher price, because the wool would be worth at least 10c. per lb. more, which would make a very great difference in the profit. Ac- immensely profitable, and we shall look cording to Mr. Hill's letter, the expense for a large increase of wool from that of keeping sheep must be very small. In region. The farmers may be assured a large flock it could not exceed 15 cents that they can never glut the market, and per head for the whole year, but suppose they may depend upon a rich demand it should be 20 cents. and good prices for all they can raise for the next ten or twenty years. We would rather take our chance in Texas with a flock of two thousand sheep for the next ten years, than in the richest placers yet found in California for making money. We will take a flock of 1,000, and suppose them to be equal to the average of the wool sent to us. Let us see what can be done by a prudent flock master. The account would be There is a very curious table made by Mr. Gray, of San Antonio. He shows that on a sheep farm with 500 ewes at the commencement, at the end of ten years the gross value of the wool sold will be $67,800, the expenses will have been $15,900. Possible loss, $10,800, leaving a net profit of $43,200, while the whole amount of capital at the commencement is put down at only $890. We think the table erroneous, however, because he has given too large an increase. The price is low, and the estimated quantity of wool is also low. Still the business can be made |