This chart indicates to the eyes facts shown by the census reports as to the relative increase or decrease of certain staple crops in comparison with the population. Assuming the conditions of 1850 to be par, the several lines indicated by numbers show the ratio of the several crops to the crop of 1850. Thus the wheat crop in 1860 was nearly .75 greater than in 1850; in 1870 it was 2.87 times as great; in 1880 it was nearly 4.6 times as great; only a little greater in 1890, but in 1897 was nearly 6 times as great. It should be remarked that the census returns are founded upon the crop of the previous year, and therefore, will not exactly correspond with current estimates. At a glance it will appear that rye, buckwheat, sweet potatoes, sugar and rice have nowhere nearly kept up with the increase of population, while all the other crops have been considerably in excess. The barley crop could not be shown upon the chart for want of room, but is more than fifteen times as great. The cultivation of fruits is estimated to be twenty times as great, although the census returns give insufficient figures for accuracy. It is evident that the people of the United States demand a better living, as well as raise more profitable crops, than in 1850. Some striking illustrations of the effects of the Civil War are seen in the falling off of many crops during that period. Only oats, wheat and potatoes increased beyond the increase in population. Most of the others actually diminished; and the staple products of the southern states prior to the war have scarcely as yet regained their previous standing. This is accounted for in part by the immense destruction of capital, but in larger part by the entire change in conditions of plantation cultivation. [Chart.] Chart II. Showing the rate of increase in total crops for the given period. See explanation, p. 10.