to Chicago, in 1855, was very excellent, so that that season has substantiated the fame of Chicago in this respect also. In 1854 there were slaughtered 23,691 oxen, weighing 13,402,223 lbs, and in 1855, 28,972 oxen, weighing 16,032,138 lbs. We note the prices of 1854 and 1855:

The lumber trade of Chicago ranks next in importance to her corn trade, being unsurpassed by that of any other market. In 1847, the importation of boards amounted to but 32,000,000 feet; in 1853, however, already over 300,000,000 feet. In 1854, the imports amounted to 228,326,783 feet of boards; 32,431,550 laths, and 82,061,250 shingles; in 1855, to 306,553,467 feet of boards; 46,487,550 laths, and 158,770,860 shingles.

Wool.-Imports in 1854, 951,838 lbs. ; in 1855, 1,369,039 lbs. Prices in 1854 and 1855, as follows:

Lead.-Owing to the completion of the Galena and Illinois Central Railroads, imports had more than doubled in 1855; in 1854, they amounted to but 4,247,126, in 1855, however, to 9,965,950 lbs.

Fire-wood and coal are among the dearest articles in Chicago. Owing, however, to the great wealth of the Illinoisian coal beds, this condition of things cannot last long; especially since several new coal mines will probably soon be opened, so that the prices of coal will quickly fall, which will again exercise an influence upon the price of fire-wood, to the same effect. Imports in 1854; 50,650 cords of wood, and 56,768 tons of coal; in 1855, 74,810 cords of wood, and 110,075 tons of coal.

Duties.-Duties paid at the custom-house for imported merchandise, amounted, in 1854, to $575,802 85; in 1855, to but $278,978; which fact points out the great developments which must have taken place in the industrial activity, and in the manufactures of Chicago.

These are also fully brought to light by the following statements, puhlished by the "Democratic Press," and chiefly based upon figures given by the parties interested. Where these were wanting, reliable, competent judges were consulted, so that the estimate must be considered as rather too low than too exaggerated.

With this we conclude our chapter on the commerce and manufactures of Chicago. When to her present age of twenty years, Chicago shall have added four new lustres, our readers, on reviewing the statistics grow before them, will smile at the insignificance of the numbers, however far beyond belief they may appear to them now. Chicago, indeed, has a splendid and magnificent future.