ited States to the
culture of the cereals_.--That the soil and climate of many portions
of the United States are well adapted to the cultivation of the more
important cereals, is fully shown by the results of all the
researches which have thus far been prosecuted. I have indeed seen
it asserted that the climate of England is the best for the
cultivation of wheat, and preferable to any in our country; its
humidity being the peculiarity to which this superiority is
ascribed.[26] But this is undoubtedly the testimony of a too partial
witness. A recent statement by an English author is the result of a
more correct knowledge of the facts. He acknowledges that there is
no ground for the expectation which has been entertained concerning
the advantageous growth of maize in England. "Nor is ours," says he,
"the most favorable country for wheat, but skill in husbandry has
overcome great difficulties."[27] The mistake on this subject may
have originated from the occurrence of a larger and plumper grain in
the more humid climate; but analysis shows that the small grain
raised in the hotter and drier air oftentimes greatly surpasses the
former in its nutritious value.

Russia is said to be the great rival of this country in the growth
of wheat, but I think it doubtful whether she possesses superior
natural advantages; and I am sure she will find it difficult to
compete with the industry and skill which here characterize the
operations of husbandry, and the manufacture and shipment of
breadstuffs.

_Export of sophisticated and damaged flour_.--It is a matter of deep
regret that circumstances have occurred which must have a most
injurious influence upon the trade in breadstuffs between this
country and Great Britain. I refer to the mixtures of damaged,
inferior, and good kinds of flour, which it appears on authentic
testimony have been largely exported during the past year. Whether
this fraudulent operation, which is said to have been principally
confined to New York, is the result of the change in the inspection
laws, as some assert, I am unable to say. But it requires no great
foresight to predict that, if continued, it will create a distrust
of our breadstuffs in foreign ports which it will be very difficult
to remove. It cannot but excite the indignation of the many
honorable dealers