MANUFACTURES. Like most other Southern States, Virginia ha=., since 1880, had a note worthy industrial growth. The value of manu factured products increased from $31,780,992 in 18S0 to 8132,172,910 in 1900. The aggregate capital invested in the latter year was $103,670, 988, and there were 72.702 per:sons engaged as wage-earners. The varied and extensive re sources of the State can well supply raw materials for an extensive manufacturing industry. The culture and manufacture of to bacc•o has always played a leading part in the economic life of the State. The second most important branch of industry, flonr and grist milling, also draws upon the State's agricultural products. The State produces sufficient quanti ties of flour to allow of exportations to foreign countries. Virginia's production of iron ore and coal has made the manufacture of iron one of the leading industries. This industry is carried on ehietly in the western part of the State. The
closely allied foundry and machine-,hop industry made decided gains between 1890 and 1900. Among its principal prod nets are tobacconists' tools and machinery. One of the most rapidly developing industries is tanning. which bas the special ad vantage of the oak bark which the timber of the State affords. The manufacture of cotton good*, although still small, is a growing industry. The abundant water power of the Piedmont diktriet is being, utilized in this connect ion. Between 1890 and 19o0 there was a large increase in the railroad car and shop construction business. Since the Civil War the manufacture of fertil izer, has become a leading industry. Richmond is the principal manufacturing centre, but Nor folk i; the most rapidly growing centre. The following table shows the relative importance of the leading industries: