p. 30 | THE PRESS

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Aug 21, 1855

THE PRESS.

The earliest newspaper in North America was the "Boston News-Letter," issued April 24, 1704. In 1720, there were but seven newspapers in the American Colonies. In 1775, there were thirty-five, seven of which were in Massachusetts, and nine in Pennsylvania. The census of 1840 gave 1,631 as the number of newspapers and periodicals published in the United States. In 1850, the number was 2,526. The following table shows the number and circulation of each class of papers:—

	No.	Circulation.
Literary and Miscellaneous	568	1,692,403
Neutral and Independent	83	303,722
Political	1,630	1,907,794
Religious	191	1,071,657
Scientific	53	207,041
Aggregate	2,526	5,183,017

An intelligible abstract even of the Agricultural and Commercial statistics of the census would extend this article far beyond the space it was designed to occupy.

The industrial development of a people indicates, in a high degree, its condition with regard to progress and enlightenment. For, in the commerce and occupations of a community, we view directly the character and effect of the laws by which they are governed, we see unfolded the peculiarities and resources of the country within its limits; and we may observe the steady progress of mind in its subjugation of nature and her vicissitudes. Commercial, Agricultural, and Manufacturing statistics, therefore, when fully exhibited, claim a high importance, and should be carefully studied by themselves. The following table is abridged from the Census Report. It is only approximate in accuracy, but doubtless the most reliable that can be obtained:—

VALUE OF SOME AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS OF THE UNITED STATES IN 1850, AND AMOUNT OF LAND ACTUALLY CULTIVATED IN THE SEVERAL CROPS.

	Value.	Acres cultivated.
Indian corn	$296,035,552	31,000,000
Wheat	100,485,944	11,000,000
Cotton	98,603,720	5,000,000
Hay	96,870,494	13,000,000
Oats	43,975,253	7,500,000
Butter	50,135,248
Potatoes—Irish	26,319,158	1,000,000
Potatoes—Sweet	19,134,074	750,000
Wool	15,755,087
Tobacco	13,982,686	400,000

The total value of agricultural products, including stock of all kinds, for 1850, was estimated at $1,299,197,682, and the total of improved lands at 113,032,614 acres.