Climate, Productions, ekc.—Vermont is distinguished by the severity of its winter, which continues almost without intermission from the early part of December to the beginning of April. The frost is very intense, and the thermometer sometimes descends to 27° or even 30° below zero. A great deal of snow falls ; and the ice on the lakes and rivers, except where the rivers have rapids or cataracts, will bear heavy loads. The spring lasts only about six weeks, to the end of May, and the weather is then mild and pleasant, with frequent showers. In summer, from June to August, both months included, the heat in the middle of the day is oppressive, as the thermometer generally rises above 80°, and sometimes even to 94°, but the evenings and nights aro cool. The most pleasant season is from the beginning of September to the middle of October, the heat being then moderate, and the sir dry, elastic, and invigorating.
The soil and general character of the products have been already noticed. Vermont is an agricultural state, but the greater part of the state is more adapted for grazing than for tillage ; indeed it is said that scarce any part of the United States is better suited to the rearing of horses, horned cattle, and sheep, all of which are reared in large numbers in this state. Swine are also numerous, but much less so than formerly. Of the cereals oats are raised in the greatest abund ance, and next maize. Wheat is most grown on the western side of the mountains. Buckwheat, rye, and barley are grown, but not to any great extent. Very large quantities of potatoes, aud considerable crops of peas and beans are raised. Garden vegetables are also care fully cultivated. Some hops aud flax are grown. A large quantity of maple-sugar is obtained. Apples and most of the hardier fruits ripen well everywhere ; but the peach seldom comes to perfection. A great deal of butter and cheese is made ; and wool is one of the staple pro ducts of the state.
There are still many wild animals in the mountains and forests, but their numbers have greatly diminished, and many kinds once common are now extinct. Fish is plentiful, especially in the lakes;
and abundance of salmon ascend the Connecticut River to Lake Champlain.
Manufactures, Commerce.—Vermont has no great manufacturing town; but it has a good deal of capital, and above 8300 persons employed in various branches of manufacture. In 1850 about 1300 persons were employed in the woollen, 230 in the cotton, 1100 in the iron manufacture; and 400 iu tanneries. The other manu factories were chiefly such as aro incidental to an agricultural region.
The foreign commerce of the state is principally carried on at Burlington, and finds its chief outlet by the Chambly River to Canada. The exports for the year ending June 30, 1853, amounted to 91,117 dollars; and the imports to 184,512 dollars—all in American vessels. The shipping owned in the state in 1850 amounted to 4530 tons, of which 3097 tons were navigated by steam.
Divisions and Towns.—Vermont is divided into 14 counties. Mont pelier is the political capital. There is no large town in the state. The following are some of the more important towns; the population is that of 1850:— Montpelier, the capital, is beautifully situated between two green and lofty hills, in a rich plain, on the right, bank of the river Onion, in 44° 17' N. lat., 72° 36' W. long., 524 miles N.N.E. from Wash ington, population 2310; but East Dlontpeller, separated from it iu 1848, contained 1447 inhabitants in 1850. The town consists chiefly of a broad street lined with fine trees on each side; and contains many well-built houses, several churches, a court-house, prison, &c. The state-house is a handsome building of fine-grained gray granite with a portico, and is surmounted by a handsome dome. Several mills and factories are in the town and its vicinity. The state-roads centre here, and the Vermont Central railway increases the commercial facilities.