estimated at 5200 square miles. Much of this is cut-over land, the primeval forests of white pine having almost disappeared. But there is an extensive area of second-growth white pine, some of which is merchantable. It is estimated that since 1850 1,764,609 acres (nearly one-third) of the farm land has reverted to unimproved land, most of which is growing up in white pine. The highest mountain slopes are still covered with primeval forests of spruce, the variety of wood most largely used in the manufacture of wood-pulp. The town of Berlin, in the Androscoggin Valley, claims to be the largest pulp-manufacturing centre in the country. The manufacture of this product increased 462 per cent. in the decade 1890-1900. The value of the lumber and timber products increased ninefold from 1850 to 1900, and nearly doubled in the last decade of that period. See table below.
Agriculture. A large portion of the surface of the State lies too broken for agriculture. Only along the coast and in the river valleys is the soil rich and well adapted for farming. Latterly it has been cheaper to import cereals than to grow them in New Hampshire. The number of farms and their total acreage were but slightly greater in 1900 than in 1850, but the area of the improved acreage decreased over one-half during the half-century, amounting in 1900 to only 29.8 per cent. of the farm acreage. The most marked decline in the improved area was from 1890 to 1900. The average size of farms—123.1 acres—was about the same in 1900 as in 1860. Only 7.5 per cent. of the farms are rented. The cash system of lease is rapidly supplanting the share system. In the table below will be noticed the decided decrease in the cereal acreage from 1890 to 1900. Wheat and rye, both formerly of considerable prominence, have practically ceased to be cultivated. A considerable area of corn grown for forage or ensilage is not included in the table figures. As the cereals have decreased in importance much more attention has been given to vegetables, garden products, and fruits. In 1899 the potato crop was, after hay and forage, the most valuable farm crop. Apples are the chief orchard fruit, the number of trees in 1900 being 2,034,398. Many of the abandoned farms in New Hampshire are being acquired for summer homes by residents of cities.
| 1900 | 1890 | |
| Corn | 25,694 | 23,746 |
| Oats | 12,589 | 26,618 |
| Barley | 1,596 | 4,934 |
| Buckwheat | 1,835 | 3,117 |
| Hay and forage | 615,042 | 652,722 |
| Potatoes | 19,422 | 22,085 |
| 1900 | 1890 | |
| Dairy cows | 115,036 | 109,423 |
| Other cattle | 111,756 | 113,465 |
| Horses | 54,866 | 52,458 |
| Sheep | 65,318 | 131,611 |
| Swine | 51,211 | 58,585 |
Stock-Raising. With the changes in the system of agriculture dairying has become an important industry, and the number of dairy cows increased decidedly from 1880 to 1900. The value of dairy products for 1899 was $5,591,272. of which 80.5 per cent. was realized from sales. The number of other cattle, by contrast, decreased after 1850, and the number of sheep in 1900 was only about one-sixth as many as in the former year. The accompanying census figures are self-explaining.
Manufactures. Manufacturing is the leading industry. The percentage of wage-earners engaged therein gradually increased during the last half of the nineteenth century, being 17.1 in 1900, or twice that of 1850. Of the 70,419 thus employed, 21,921 were women. The decade 1890-1900 witnessed the largest absolute gain in the value of products—$118,009,308 in 1900. The southern part of the State possesses the advantage of being close to the business centre of New England, has a convenient harbor at Portsmouth, and shares with Massachusetts the excellent water power afforded by the Merrimac. The manufacturing interests accordingly are confined largely to this section of the State. The manufacture of cotton goods headed all industries until 1900. From its establishment in 1804 its growth has been steady. The water power of the Merrimac was largely the cause of the success of this industry, and determined the location of the two main cotton manufacturing centres—Manchester and Nashua. With the development of this industry in the Southern States latterly, the relative importance of New Hampshire is diminishing. The woolen industry was established in the first year of the nineteenth century. In 1900 the product was valued at a little less than half that of the cotton products. The woolen output decreased slightly during 1890-1900. Hosiery and knit goods are manufactured at Laconia, but in less quantities than formerly. The boot and shoe industry almost doubled the value of its product during 1890-1900, and acquired first rank among the industries of the State. The closely related tanning industry owes its development to the former abundance of the local supply of tanning bark. This branch reached its maximum in 1880, since when it has declined. The manufacture of flouring and grist-mill products is a long established industry, but the factory production of butter, cheese, and condensed milk is of recent though rapid growth. The table following shows the relative importance and condition of the ten leading industries.
Transportation. The first railroad charter was granted in 1835. In 1850 the mileage amounted to 467 miles. This was increased to 1142 in 1890, and 1193 in 1900. The numerous small lines have been consolidated until in 1900 the lines were operated by three companies—the Boston and Maine, the Grand Trunk, and the Maine Central. The railroad built up Mount Washington in 1868 is a remarkable piece of engineering. In its steepest part it ascends 1980 feet to the mile. Portsmouth is a port of entry, but its foreign trade is insignificant.
Banks. The first bank was the New Hampshire Bank, of Portsmouth, chartered in 1792 and until 1800 the only hank in the State. In the beginning of the nineteenth century several banks were established, which called forth special legislation, and as early as 1814 the State passed a law requiring annual reports from them. By 1835 there were twenty-five banks in the State, but in the financial panic of 1837 many suspended payment. In 1845 there were only seventeen banks, with a small aggregate capital, and a circulation of less than $1,000,000.
- Vol. XIV.—29.
