FLOUR MILLS.

Since this industry was treated by this Bureau in 1897, great changes are noted in the general management of the business; many small mills have been abandoned and some of the larger ones have increased their capacity.

While this report shows a falling off in the wages paid and capital invested, the value of product largely exceeds that reported in 1897.

Much complaint has been made about discrimination in freight rates working a hardship on Virginia millers; bad roads also come in for a share of censure. Barring these complaints the business is generaly reported as fair.