A continuous increase is shown in the area of improved farm land except in the decade 1860-1870. The decrease in the amount under cultivation, reported in the census of 1870, was due to conditions growing out of the change in the system of labor which prevented a complete rehabilitation of agricultural industry.

Only three other of the 100 Virginia counties reported larger improved areas in 1900, viz: Fauquier, 291,734 acres; Pittsylvania, 280,456 and Augusta, 276,459.

Table II.—Number of Farms by Decades: Summary, 1850 to 1900.

19001,948
18901,818
18801,841
18701,238
18601,207
18501,256

Comparison of the number of farms reported in 1850 with the number at the last census shows an addition in fifty years of 692 farms.

The great increase between 1870 and 1880 is seen at a glance. During this period the large plantations were steadily undergoing partition, in consequence of the social and industrial changes in progress after the Civil War.

Table III.—Farms Classified by Area—1900.

Under 3 acres 22
3 and under 10 acres 155
10 and under 20 acres 171
20 and under 50 acres 246
50 and under 100 acres 264
100 and under 175 acres 396
175 and under 260 acres 324
260 and under 500 acres 274
500 and under 1,000 acres 88
1,000 acres and over 8

Table IV.—Number of Farms of Specified Tenures, June 1, 1900.

Owners 1,116
Part owners 173
Owners and tenants 18
Managers 48
Cash tenants 232
Share tenants 361
Total 1,948