Sn gene
trae Page TERE ee

ashen Sas 9
at ah YP a lO ne
: Sg Ele enema Eine

Nee et ait

eee

Po

ee
a

: age tet re c
SE aretha TT oF CE TE Ss
Se ne UN eri Ti ae gaan as Maer a Ne pee

S$ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, $

[FORCE COLLEOTION;
Chop, =A 5 |
Piel pargh =|

i es o a om
DBDDSS OSS

¢ UNITED STATES OF AMREICA.

‘S BOCWVT* GVESS® SSSOOtS3O0

oO eewesceceune

—

- ve a
7 is
ne e ie , cA

~

eg
cin! “An 7a
RX i
*

bn
seg tt ea

04
a

ey ae is on

foi

| Ww ne iy

ie

be a he
7 a

—_—y
* an
_—

a oe ac.
es 4 ae
e es 7.
a

ih AY
Be 3 A. oa ee :
"at aa
7 _ - oo
- " oT ian

ier y° ee

a:
a ra

a Ri, rab

%) u
a

t i ¥
ae

Ww 7 n
i "op Pit So es be .
Le a1 ve Pia 4 Pia) F

oy cu - m, i ae '
a
a! q if

€
rw or ee haeal

ae nce

; ae
i)
reas Ce
far aids vt baer oe
a © is, 7 ‘3

x Fy : a a
~ pe ‘ i 4
aa ie ‘ ; nar ve

ee

A ae &

AN INQUIRY

INTO THE

NATURE AND BENEFITS

OF AN

AGRICULTURAL SURVEY

OF THE
STATE OF SOUTH-CAROLINA.

BY

JOHN’ BACHMAN.

, ne oe
, oraty OT “OA,
FS Vv sS “2,
} u al ; 2

CHARLESTON:

MILLER & BROWNE, PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS,
Old Stand, No. 4 Broad-street.

1843.

tS TYy~ Se we

INTRODUCTION.

The writer of this Essay, submits a few words of explanation in
regard to the circumstances that induced him to prepare, and finally
send it to the press. He has the honor of belonging to a Literary
Club, composed of alimited number of gentlemen from the different
learned professions, who meet weekly at each others houses in rota-
tion, for the purpose of interchanging sentiments, and promoting
sociality. A subject for discussion is selected at one meeting, which

Jorms the topic of conversation on the next. The question for the
evening of the 28th December, was ‘‘ what benefits may be derived
JSroman Agricultural Survey of the State.” The leisure of a rainy
day had enabled him to collect his thoughts on the subject, and in part
commit them to paper. The Essay was therefore prepared and read
without the remotest idea of publication. At a subsequent meeting
the Club, under an impression that rw might afford some information
on a subject which had so recently been agitated at Columbia, re-
guested its publication, and that a copy be sent to the Governor, and
to each member of the two Houses of the Legislature. He has yielded
his assent in deference to the wishes of his literary associates, and
especially to the solicitations and liberality of his friends, the Hon.
D. E. Huger, and the Hon. Mircuer Kina.

Ganga, at ae fry : thio % aide
ea if pS 2 ei: apt oe Me eee: at, 5
ara any AR, wean AK ts rca ah Wah) : i
mt ina bol Mol ase: yest evs oem

fe eG pha ie iw Dk aye ve af, *
| ais, 0.0 GaN
ae aot hastiswy any ; Hee a

ra

Aes ie Nii

cay er ce
) te Lonel ANG a Ww NBs ‘the np aka Ne aie 4

iD) Da ak Ves yee “ek a NWN 4 AL } eet pf i id

ATR si”
yi : 1D ‘ ~ ve
ade fais On i pin’ LS we oh tei. i bh ee

B ss NE)

oS oe ee
’ Baste spawyonife ality oy sa eae i aliys ie,
RARER a WN ‘itelaes * as a weit se ul \ we Kt
se A ley aN Oey eo : oy {ies Rr ‘\ ob Ws wai
nee Pat se ; ay we Ss a hy
‘i pe v4 saint hk AY el} Poa Bite
a ie a) \y

Wx BABS ite Ww Wy aah wath a t

ih m i, a v. ib»

AN INQUIRY, &c.

OO eee

Tue Legislature of our State has recently made an appropria-
tion for an Agricultural Survey, and the question is naturally
suggested what benefits are likely to result from this liberality of
our State in fostering our Agricultural interests.

Within the last few years surveys have either been made, or are
in a state of preparation in no less than twenty States, and some
of the Territories. Some are on a limited scale, and are only
confined to Agriculture, whilst others are more extensive. Some
States include Geology and Mineralogy in their Agricultural Sur-
veys—some, in addition to the above, have appointed naturalists of
known talents to give descriptions of every native production of
the State in every branch of Zoology, whilst one State, that of
New-York, has ordered not only detailed descriptions, but expen-
sive engravings.

It would be well in the introduction of this subject, to consider
not only the relative terms, but the object of these surveys. Geol-
ogy, in a strict sense of the word, is the science which illustrates
the structure, relative position, and mode of formation, of the dif-
ferent organic, metallic, mineral, and other substances, that com-
pose the crust of the earth. Without touching on that branch of
the subject which relates to the various theories of the earth,
which have in many instances given rise to a tissue of extravagant
notions—the Legislatures of our different States seem to have
wisely directed the researches of their scientific men to an exam-
ination of those products of nature which are within the reach of
our observation, and may be applied to practical purposes, being
more intent on collecting valuable information, than in an indul-
gence of speculations, or the invention of theories. As yet we
know but little in regard to the means which nature emplyos to
form the very soil on which we tread, by converting into mould

6 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

the various animal and vegetable exuvie. We are just beginning
to learn how scanty are the genuine observations we possess on the
process of alluvial deposits, or on the depositions at the foot of
mountains by means of the decomposition of the various rocks.
We know but little of the process in producing petrefactions; and
the world has only just commenced to apply to agricultural pur-
poses the various mineral, as well as vegetable repositories.

An Agricultural Survey comprehends an examination of the
various soils, so as to enable the cultivator to ascertain what plants
are best suited to each plantation or district—what ingredients
are wanting in the soil to render it productive, and to offer sugges-
tions for its improvement. ‘This requires the skill and the practice
of an able chemist, possessing also an acquaintance with the laws
of vegetable physiology, and a fund of practical agricultural
knowledge.

It embraces an examination of the various localities where ma-
nures may be obtained, together with directions for their judicious
application. It points out the errors in the mode of cultivation,
and suggests such new improvements as have undergone the test
of experiment. It is intended to direct the planter to such new
objects of culture as may be safely introduced, when others have
been found unprofitable—it extends to agricultural statistics, and
to the management of animals in domestic use—in a word, it in-
cludes every department of agriculture.

A knowledge of several branches of Natural History, is more
or less intimately connected with agricultural improvements. The
localities of plants indicate peculiar soils—the ranges of quadru-
peds, and the migration of birds, afford us lessons in regard to tem-
perature, nearly equal to those of the thermometer, and the study
of the habits of insects, which are either a pest, or a blessing to
the farmer, is of very great importance.

In some of the districts in several of the States, great benefits
have accrued from these Geological and Agricultural Surveys. In
a few instances new localities of metalic deposits have been found,
whilst in others various mineral manures, limestone, gypsum, marl,
&c., have been detected, which have converted whole districts
into fertility. In addition to these, other discoveries have been
made—such as valuable clays, building stones, marble, materials

OF AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY, 7

for cements and localities, where by boring, springs of wholesome
water have been conducted to the surface. On the whole, however,
Tam inclined to think that the mass of the community in the
greater number of the States, has been somewhat disappointed in
the results of these Geological, Agricultural and Zoological Sur-
veys. Too much no doubt was anticipated—men hoped that veins
of gold would be found running under the surface of their farms, and
that the quantity of silver which should be detected among the rocks,
would facilitate the great desideratum in our country—a specie cur-
rency. The farmer expected to be taught by the chemist how to dou-
ble the product of his fields, without any additional labor. These
results did not generally follow, and men had no right to anticipate
them. There can be no doubt, likewise, that in an undertaking so
new to our country, some mistakes have been made in the selection
of the individuals, who carried on these surveys. Some of them
haying been incompetent to the task assigned them, and others
having performed it carelessly, and more from a desire of obtaining
the pecuniary appropriations of the State, than that of adding to its
resources, or of advancing their reputations among men of science.
The reports on the surveys of the different States, are now slowly
and irregularly coming before the public. In general, they are
characterised by those defects, which are incident to a new and
difficult undertaking. Whilst some are very creditable to their
authors, others afford abundant proofs of carelessness, haste, and a
want of knowledge.

In the State of Massachusetts, not only an Agricultural, but a
Geological and Zoological Survey, was ordered. The report on
Agriculture, by the Rev. Mr. Coleman, is of very high merit. In
the Zoological department, some information is given by Harris on
Insects, that may be beneficial to agriculture, and some additions
made to Ichthyology by Dr. Storer, that may aid the cause of
natural science ; on the whole, however, the papers on Zoology
betray evidences of imperfection and haste, Still, as some of
these branches are but distantly connected with agriculture,
and the works have been got up without much expense to the
State, if they confer no extensive benefits on science, they can
doit no harm. In the State of New-York, however, the Legis-
lJature proceeded on amore magnificent and expensive scale—

8 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

In 1836, an act was passed, which was amended in 1840 and 742,
ordering a survey of the State. Various distinguished individuals
were appointed to give detailed descriptions of all the natural pro-
ductions of the State, in the departments of Zoology, Botany,
Mineralogy, Geology and Palenontology. These were to be
accompanied with expensive engravings. To what number of
volumes the result of these labors will be swelled, we are not
' yet informed, or what will be the expense when completed, it
is difficult to conjecture,—only one volume having as yet appeared.
In 1842, however, the State had already appropriated $130,000 to
this object. There appears on the whole, te have been a State
pride in this lavish expenditure, not very creditable to the wisdom
of the Legislators of the Empire State, which may eventually pro-
duce a reaction, and finally, occasion more injury than benefit, both to
the cause of science and agriculture. It may reasonably be asked,
what benefit can be conferred on a State, by a publication of descrip-
tions of well known Birds and Quadrupeds, not a single species be-
ing peculiar to the State, whilst the great majority have a range of
several thousand miles, especially when they are well described
and better figured by others, and when no new information can
be imparted, and no evidence can be exhibited of any improve-
ments in art. I am not aware, that in the most important branch,
—an Agricultural Survey, any thing was ordered to be done at the
expense of the State, and no examination was instituted of the In-
sects, that are either a blessing or an injury to the farmer. An
examination of the minerals and organic remains was important, as
the various localities of the State, had not before been scientifical-
ly, explored, and although no new discoveries of coal and other
objects of anticipated wealth were made, it was well to ascertain
that none existed. A simple list of the plants and their localities,
and of the Mammalia and Birds of the State, indicating those which
were resident or migratory, injurious or serviceable to the hus-
bandman, with reference for descriptions to standard works, seems
to be all that the wants of the State and science required. I allude
to these facts, in order that our own Legislators, in the important
work we have undertaken, may be guarded against lavish expen-
ditures on secondary objects.
I come now to notice the recent appropriation by our Legisla-
ture, for the survey of our State. In the present case, it cannot be

OF AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY. 9

said that the State has been hurried into the measure, as it has been
proposed, I think, by every Governor, and agitated in both Houses
of the Legislature for the last five years. The appropriation also
involves but a moderate share of expense, and is limited to a single
object—an Agricultural Survey.

There can be no person of education and practical knowledge,
who has had an opportunity of witnessing the improvements in
agriculture, in Europe and our Northern States, who must not be
decidedly favorable to the introduction of science into our system
of agriculture, nor have we any room to doubt, that when this
is fully understood, and carried into practical effect in our State,
the product of our soil will be vastly increased—our country will
be rendered more healthy, and our improvements in agriculture
will advance manufactures and the mechanic arts; the number of
inhabitants will be greatly multiplied, and a greater degree of in-
. telligence as well as prosperity will be the inevitable consequence.

In England, Belgium, and some parts of France and Germany,
agriculture is now pursued on scientific principles; and the pre-
paratory study for the occupation of a successful farmer is the
work of years. There are, however, advantages in all those
countries possessed by the cultivators of the soil, that enable
them to introduce science into their modes of cultivation, which
are not enjoyed by the farmers of our Northern States, and only
in a limited degree by our planters of the South. The European
farmers, are either wealthy land owners, or rent large and exten-
sive tracts of land, amounting in most cases to many hundred, and
frequently to several thousand acres. The peasantry are in their
employ—under their direction, and are obliged to adopt the modes
of culture determined on by those who employ them. In the North-
ern United States, the farms are small compared to our Southern
plantations, or to the extensive domains of an English nobleman.
Our American farmers not only superintend the concerns of their
farms, but generally labor in the fields. Hence every small
farm has its own system of agriculture, according to the knowledge
or caprice of its owner, and except in a few cases, science has lent
but a feeble aid to agriculture. In the Southern States, although
our plantations are much larger, and our operatives under the
control of the master, yet we labor under many disadvantages,

2

10 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

owing to our climate, and more especially to our great deficiency in
agricultural knowledge. Whereas, in the European kingdoms,
I have mentioned, the soils of each district, and frequently of
each farm, have been thoroughly analyzed—and the intelligent
farmer is fully acquainted with the kind of cultivation best adapt-
ed to his lands. He has been taught, by a system of under-
draining how to diminish a redundancy of moisture ; and by irriga-
tion, how to render an arid soil fertile. Science teaches him how
to apply manures to correct a superabundance of clay—how to use
the various formations of lime, and when and where to withhold
them ; and he is guided by the lights of science and experience, in
the selection of those manures best adapted to the roots and plants
he is desirous of cultivating. For the last half century at least,
this system of agriculture, on scientific principles, has been matu-
ring inthe minds of the Europeans. Manures have been dug from
the bowels of the earth—gathered from the sea, and imported by
ship-loads from the battle-fields, and other depositories contained
in foreign lands. The Physiology of plants has been carefully
studied, and every year is adding to their knowledge in this impor-
tant branch. An acquaintance with the laws of Chemistry has be-
come more general. Botany is no longer regarded as a merely
amusing, but a practical and beneficial science. Their knowledge
of Ornithology teaches them to know what birds should be pre-
served to aid them in diminishing the number of depradating in-
sects ; and Entomology, one of the most important, but most neg-
lected branches of science, has been so far studied, as to enable
them to guard, in a great measure, against the depredation of in-
sects which infest their grains, fruits and trees. In these various
departments, the conquests of science have been such, that the cul-
tivation of the soil on scientific principles, and the study of natural
science, as a part of the system, is no longer viewed as a doubtful
experiment; on the contrary he who rejects these lights of science,
is regarded by the most intelligent, and most successful cultivators
of the soil, as half a century behind the knowledge of his fellow
men in this age of improvement.

In our own country, few farmers have adopted those modes of
culture, which the experience and science of Europeans have dis-
covered to be most productive, and the planters of the South are:

op AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY. 11

in this particular behind the farmers of the North. Cotton and
rice, the rich staples of our State, have so far banished other cul-
tures, that we have now to import the corn we use in Charleston
from North-Carolina, Maryland, and Virginia—our flour from the
Middle States—our hay from New-York and New-England—our
butter, cheese, and Irish potatoes, from the same prolific source ;
and our horses, beeves, and hogs, from Kentucky and Tennessee.
Hundreds of thousands of acres of eur former inland rice-fields,
are now wholly abandoned, and have become the habitation of the
frog and the alligator. The soilin many of our districts has been
exhausted by bad cultivation—as is the case in some parts of St,
Paul’s, St. Andrew’s, Christ Church, and other parishes. Many
of their former inhabitants have gone to Alabama and the West,
where by a similar system, they have in many cases been equally
unsuccessful, and some of them, or their sons, have, after years of
_ absence and deprivation, returned to become overseers over the
lands they once owned; like Ruth, to take the gleanings of
fields once their own; may they prove as fortunate and as
deserving. Our mountains abound with metalic wealth, but,
until recently, the iron of the plough-share that turned up the
soil, resting on beds of the finest iron ore in the world, was im-
ported from the North, and the iron bars of our Rail-Road came
from Liverpool. Marl exists in hundreds of localities in our lower
country ; and lime-stone in our mountains, and even in our middle
districts, sufficient to enrich the soil to the end of time—our rivers
and our sea-shore abound with ingredients of inestimable value to
the planter, but we have not availed ourselves of these rich manures
which nature has so bountifully provided. The Hessian fly and the
chinch-bug destroy our wheat—the weavil our corn and rice—the
army worm, the rot and the rust, our cotton—the sawyer our pines,
and the curculio, the coccus and aphis, our fruits—so that we lose
one half of the products of our fields, gardens and forests; and yet
there is scarcely a man in our Southern States that is acquainted
with the habits and character of a single one of the species of
these depredators; and of course till its habits and modes of prop-
agation are known, it will be impossible to suggest an antidote.
From this admitted defect in our knowledge of agriculture, the
important question arises, how can the evil in question be best re-

12 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

medied, and in what way may an Agricultural Survey be rendered
beneficial, under present circumstances ? No one acquainted with
the subject, can deny the benefits which would result from a survey,
conducted on scientific principles, provided it can be rendered
available to practical utility.

There are, however, immense difficulties in the way of success ;
these should be candidly stated, in order that they may be met and
overcome. If the survey is to be conducted on purely scientific
principles, founded on a careful analysis of soils, and a thorough
knowledge of vegetable physiology, it is to be feared, that the in-
dividual suitably qualified to perform this complicated and arduous
task, cannot be found in the country—and even should we be suc-
cessful in obtaining such a person, the agricultural knowledge in
the community, is not sufficiently advanced to enable our cultiva-
tors to be acquainted with the mode of applying the results to
practical purposes. Besides, if the whole work is left to a single
individual, unaided by Agricultural Societies, and men of science,
he would not be able to survey the whole State, during the term of
a long life. The survey of a single county of England required,
in some instances, four years, aided by Agricultural Societies, as
well as the intelligence, advice, and personal aid of nearly every
landholder in the county. Different individuals employed in
these surveys, arrived at different chemical results. Errors were
corrected but slowly—new tests were resorted to—new surveys
made, and the subjects were discussed from week to week, for a
succession of years. There is another subject which we ought not
to overlook. The chemical analysis of the soil is one thing—the
application of the knowledge thus derived, to the plain purposes
of agriculture, is another. The chemist may be correct in his
statements of the various ingredients in the soil submitted to his
examination ; but he must be either acquainted, with the practical
operations of these results to the purposes of agriculture, or the
agviculturists to which he submits them, must have sufficient
knowledge of chemistry and vegetable physiology, to carry them
into successful operation. Let us take for instance, the able sci-
entific analysis of the soils made by Professor Shepard, from
eight localities of a plantation on Edisto Island, and let us inquire
how many planters can be found in South-Carolina, who have a

OF AN ARICULTURAL SURVEY. 13

sufficient knowledge of agricultural chemistry, to be guided by
that analysis, in ascertaining what ingredients are wanting to ren-
der these soils more fertile, or what causes have been operating
in producing sterility ? Even the admirable report which accom-
panies it, (see Southern Cabinet, 1840, p. 449,) drawn up with
great care and research, by a committee of intelligent practical
planters, although it contains much valuable information in regard
to various manures, does not afford us those plain and practical
instructions, which the unskilled planter is so desirous of posses-
sing.

The difficulties moreover, which attend the proces in making such
an analysis of the soil, as will be available to practical purposes, are
greater than the practised chemist is willing to admit. Sir Hum-
phrey Davy believed that “ neither much time, or a minute know-
ledge of general chemistry, were necessary for pursuing experi-
ments on the nature of soils and properties of manures.” To him,
who was thoroughly acquainted with the subject, the work was
simple enough; but to men who know nothing, even of the fist
principles of the science, there are difficulties which are for a long
time insuperable. Even Davy, Lavosier, Chaptal, Decandole,
Liebig, Dana, Coleman and Jackson, the lights of the world in the
science of agricultural chemistry, have often differed, not only in
regard to their experiments, but in their practical application. It
is to be greatly feared, that our planters have not received that
preparatory education, which would enable them to derive imme-
diate benefit from a purely scientific survey. In England, Agri-
cultural Societies and agricultural education preceded these sur-
veys by half a century. This was ina great measure the case in
the Northern States of our own country. It has been observed,
that when this deficiency existed among the people, they derived
no immediate benefits from these lights of science ; but in those
counties, where men had been long trained in these preparatory
schools of agriculture, they immediately profited by those aids
which science presented. It is to be feared, moreover, that sec-
tional jealousies and dissatisfaction may arise, from the fact, that
the agricultural Surveyor does not possess the power of ubiquity,
and is obliged to confine himself, for a considerable time, to one
portion of the State, in order to render his labors of any value.—
In this stage of our progress, should the overwrought anticipations

14 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

in regard to the great advantages of such a survey result in disap-
pointment, a reaction might be produced and cause a delay beyond
the proper time; for although such a scientific survey of the
State, may perhaps, at present, be rather premature, yet it would in
a few years hence, when the public mind has become sufficiently
enlightened, be productive of immense advantage.

Fortunately these difficulties, which are here presented, in order
that they may be guarded against, are not insuperable.

Much will depend, on the individual to whom this important
work shall be entrusted. In his selection, all party feeling and
personal attachments should be disregarded. He should not only
be a man of science, but of practical experience in agriculture,
He should be satisfied with our peculiar institutions, and have
some knowledge of the culture of the staple articles of our State,
as well as of those productions which are essential to our food,
and furnish pastures for our cattle. He must be a man of an en-
larged mind, and if possible, free from those strong prejudices
which so often prove a barrier to the reception of truth. I have
often met with managers of large estates of cotton or rice, who
had been eminently successful in a mode of culture adapted to a
particular region, anda particular plant—so wedded to the mode
of cultivation they had adopted, that no arguments could convince
them that a different plant—another locality and soil, required a
very different treatment. An agricultural Surveyor should know
enough of chemistry to enable him to analyze the soils—and be
able to detect deposits of marl, limestone, and those other ingre-
dients, which should be used as manures. In the present limited
state of our agricultural knowledge, I would prefer a highly intel-
ligent practical man to a purely scientific one, who is unskilled in
the practical application of the laws of agricultural chemistry.
He must, moreover, be a man of labor and patience, for he will
have to experience some deprivations, and encounter a host of
difficulties. Such an individual might gradually prepare the way
for a more thorough and scientific survey of the State. He might
encourage, and give a proper direction to the labours of our agri-
cultural societies, and call forth latent talents in every part of the
State. ‘Some such unpretending practical examinations should be
made of the agriculture of our various districts, as we have seen

OF AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY. 15

from time totime in the labors of Ruffin and Legare. The time
may not yet have arrived, when we can be much benefited by such
surveys as were made by Coleman, of Massachusetts, and Jackson,
of New-Hampshire and Rhode-Island, unless they are rendered
far more plain and practical than those contained in their scientific
Teports ; but he may prepare the way, and give a new stimulus to
OS sonieute The result of his labors should be regularly published
in so cheap a form, that they may find their way to every family in 4
the State.

Much reliance must also be had on the public, in aid of this im-
portant undertaking. Men must not expect too much, or become
impatient. A work has been commenced, which, to prove benefi-
cial, must be continued for years. Sectional jealousies must be
avoided, and we must regard ourselves as belonging to Carolina,
rather than to one of its parishes. The minds of our planters

- must be more directed to those agricultural studies on which their
prosperity so much depends, and being now about to engage a
teacher, they must become industrious scholars.

I will now proceed to offer a few suggestions in regard to some
of the means of instruction of which we might avail ourselves, in
order that: an improvement in our agriculture may be effected.
These indeed should have preceded this survey by many years, if

* it is to be conducted on really scientific principles, or may now be
rendered important auxiliaries, if it is intended to be merely an
examination of the products of, and modes of culture in the dif-
ferent districts of the State.

1. I would suggest the’establishment of Agricultural Societies in
every district of our State, the fee of admission to membership
should be so low, that not only planters, but overseers, and men in
every walk and occupation of life, may be encouraged and induced
to become members. These Societies should be active, and hold
their meetings not once a year at a club-house, to eat a dinner
and talk politics, but monthly or weekly, and interchange senti-
ments on the results of their several modes of agriculture. There
will always be in every association of this kind afew men of edu-
cation, who read the agricultural publications of the day, and who
are possessed of sufficient zeal and industry, to submit to the test of
practical experiment the information imparted by agricultural jour-

16 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

nals. If am asked, whether in order to carry on the process of
cultivating the earth on the principles of science, I regard it as ne-
cessary that every planter should be a chemist and physiologist,
and be at the same time acquainted with those branches of natural
history, Botany, Entomology, &c. which are so closely connected
with it, in a word, whether every culturist must be a man of learn-
ing, and of science, I answer—unhesitatingly, No. As in govern-
ment, a few leading men give a tone to the politics of a State—so
in agriculture, the science and practical success of a few promi-
nent planters in the State, will be a perpetual practical lesson to
the districts around them, and men will adopt their practice with-
out knowing much of the principles of science by which they have
been governed. Man is an imitative animal, and is not slow in
adopting the improvements of his neighbors, where he sees how
much his own interest is concerned. When the celebrated
Arthur Young, in 1767, commenced his valuable and well di-
rected labors, and pointed out to his countrymen an improved
mode of husbandry, they adopted his mode of culture although
they only looked at the effects, and were unacquainted with
the scientific views which had governed him in carrying on
his successful experiments. It has been ascertained, that in those
counties of England, where Agricultural Societies were first estab-
lished, the products of the earth have been trebled within the last
thirty years. The Highland Society, which has existed for sixty-
four years—the most prominent, active, and most efficient in the
world, whose meetings are held at Edinburgh—has, by the stimulus
it gave to industry on the principles of science, rendered a once
barren soil, in an inhospitable climate, equal in many of its coun-
ties, to the best portions of England itself. The Lothians are co-
vered with the most luxuriant crops of wheat, barley, beans and
other products. On the meadows, the most valuable grasses are
cultivated ; the mountains, even to their very summits, are covered
with rich pastures, and I observed herds of cattle and sheep graz-
ing on the very top of Ben-Lomond, and other high peaks of that
romantic land. All this I contend has been effected by a practical
application of scientific knowledge, diffused by means of an Agri-
cultural Society.

A fact or two in elucidation will be mentioned. Surveys were
made in each county of Scotland, as well as of England—the soils

OF AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY. iy;

were analyzed—the materials in each vicinity for manuring were
examined, and a printed and detailed account was placed into the
hands of every landholder, which would serve as a guide in the ma-
nagement of his farm. It is, moreover, not generally known that
Scotland furnishes more than a fourth of Europe, and a portion of
America, with genuine undegenerated seeds of many of the
grains, melons, garden and flowering plants, that are usually
cultivated. How is this effected? Botanists have discovered that
a superior variety of seed immediately degenerates on being plan-
ted near those of other species or varieties of its own, or a kindred
genus, and that on the second, or at farthest, the third year, the origi-
nal and valuable character of the plant has, in a great measure,
disappeared. Hence itis that in Carolina, when we plant our im-
ported cantelope melon seeds, in the vicinity of our common mel-
ons, squashes, &c., all their original, valuable properties disappear
‘on the second year; so also, our cauliflower, becomes a mongrel cab-
bage, as I have ascertained; and I am inclined also to think, that the
generally received opinion in Carolina, that all Indian corn, when
planted near our sea-board, whatever may have been the original
variety, is converted into what is called flint corn, by the peculiar
character of our soil and climate, may be erroneous; and that this
peculiarity may be traced to the near approximation of our abun-
dantly prevailing fields of flint corn, communicating their farina to
the small patches of new varieties of corn, on which these experi-
ments are making. But how is this evil remedied in Scotland, and
why are the seeds of their grains and vegetables preserved without
the slightest degeneracy fromage to age? In raising seeds for plant
ing, or exportation, no two varieties of the same species, or even
genus, are suffered to grow within miles of each other, lest the
winds might waft the fructifying farina of another plant, and pro-
duce degeneracy in any approved variety.

Some of the benefits then, which we would have every reason to
anticipate from well conducted Agricultural Societies, would be
the following :—

1. Such Societies would bring to a closer intercourse a few edu-
cated and scientific men, and a vast number of industrious practical
agriculturists, who, by an interchange of their different modes of

3

18 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

culture, would be equally benefited by the details of failures, as
well as of successful experiments.

2. 'They would not long exist, before the members would be
made sensible of the importance of analyzing the soils of their
several districts, and thus ascertaining, whether there is a de-
ficiency of those ingredients, which are necessary to the nourish-
ment of the plants cultivated—what manures should be applied,
and what modes of culture should be pursued.

3. They would be able to ascertain the causes which have con-
verted the once fertile plantations of Carolina into old fields,
grown up with broom-grass, and no longer yielding sustenance to
man or beast ;—they would learn the importance of a rotation of
crops, as it is now well ascertained, that different plants not only
feed on different substances contained in the soil, but that there
are peculiar exuviee from each, which would be injurious, were
the same plant reared on the soil for a succession of years, but:
would be a source of nourishment to plants of a different genus.

4, They would be able by this increased intercourse and know~
ledge of culture, not only to augment the quantity of the staples
now in cultivation, but introduce other valuable products, to which
our soil and climate are well adapted.

5. They could scarcely fail to direct their attention to the in-
troduction of some of those grasses, which would answer as substi-
tutes for the herd’s-grass and clover of the North, which.do not:
succeed in our Southern climate, except in particular soils and si-
tuations. The introduction into Carolina of a perennial grass, suited
to pasturage and hay, would confer a greater benefit on the State,
than the discovery of the richest gold mine.

6. By this additional stimulus to industry, and by the better
draining and cultivation of our land, not only the wealth, but the
health of the country would be improved. I could not fail to be
forcibly struck with a remark made by hiebig in his Agricultural
Chemistry, although 1 am aware that physicians have adopted con-
trary opinions in regard to this theory: ‘“ Plants (says he) improve
the air by the removal of carbonic acid, and by the renewal of oxy-
gen, which is immediately applied to the use of man and animals.
Vegetable culture heightens the healthy state of a country, and 2-
previously healthy country would be rendered quite uninhabitable

OF AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY. 19

by the cessation of all cultivation.” The truth of Liebig’s remark
is verified by the increased unhealthines of our Southern country,
since our own water-courses have been obstructed by decayed
vegetable matter, and our fields suffered to remain uncultivated.
Sixty years ego, the planters did not find it necessary to remove
from their plantations on account of any apprehensions from fever,
and many ef our oldest inhabitants still living, were born and rear-
ed in situations, where there would now be imminent danger in
remaining only a single night, during summer; and the question is
of momentous importance, what process would render our climate
of Carolina more healthy than it is at present. We may learn
something on this head by looking at the effects of cultivation in
other countries. The boggy fens of England were once the fruitful
sources of fever. They have been drained—the peat moss has been
converted into fuel—the lands are cultivated in grain—the pea-
‘sant’s cottage now stands on its borders, and he enjoys uninterrupt-
ed health. The time was, when the pontine marshes were tra-
versed, even in the day time, at the risk of life ; we are informed,
that those portions which are drained, embanked and cultivated,
are now comparatively healthy. The low grounds of Holland and
Belgium, were once as sickly as Carolina is at present ; in the au-
tumn, 1838, I slept several nights in their vicinity, and I was inform-
ed, that since they cultivated their grounds more carefully, their
former fevers had disappeared. The sluggish waters were still in
their dykes, but decayed vegetation was no longer steeped in them
—every foot of land was cultivated—the borders of their ditches
were planted with nursling trees, which were to become the future
pride of their forests; and the cabbage and cauliflower plants, along
the public highway, nearly touched the wheels of our carriage.
Thus, the plants inhaled the unhealthy carbonic acid gas, renewed
the oxygen, and the improyements in agriculture, rendered coun-
tries healthy, that had formerly been very sickly.

The IL. Auxiliary to our improvements in agriculture, [ would
. suggest, is cheap and widely circulated Agricultural Papers.—
This is a subject so self-evident, that it is unnecessary to offer any
remarks on its importance. Agricultural Societies, without a pub-
lication of their transactions, would be as inefficient as a rail-road
without a locomotive.

AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

ie fa IIT. I would above alli, recommend a School, where those branch-
es are especially taught, which appertain to Agricultural and Hor-
ticultural pursuits. Schools of this class, first had their origin, I

think, in Germany; they were next introduced into France and
Switzerland, and are now springing up in every part of Europe.—

The Renssellaer School near Albany, in New-York, is also an
agricultural one. The most complete Institution of this kind, 1

had an opportunity of examining, is called the Institute of Agricul-

ture and Forestery, at Hohenheim near Stutgard. I ubserve that

it is characterised in the British Farmer’s Magazine, as “ the most

Here, in addition to «il

”?

complete Agricultural School in Europe.
the studies usually pursued in academies, all the operations of
agriculture and horticulture, are performed by the Students in the
open air, under the supervision of Teachers, qualified to under-
take, note down, and record every observable fact, and traceable
cause. Here, are delivered regular courses of lectures on Geolo-
gy—Mineralogy and Chemistry—on soils, water, moisture, vapour,
fermentation, gases, their extraction, mutual attraction, condensa-
tion and results. Instructions are given, and elucidated by expe-
riments, on light, heat, electricity, galvanism, magnetism, &c.—
These are all employed by Nature, and are in incessant operation.
They constitute the class of great natural agents. Botany, in the
most comprehensive sense of the term, forms a very important
feature, which extends to the physiology of plants, their uses—me-
dical and other virtues. Entomology is also taught as a science,
connected with agriculture; and the habits of Insects, as well as
Birds and Quadrupeds, are studied, in order to guard against their
Aes uaa or be benefited by their labors,

The establishment of an Agricultural School on a model, of
which the above is a faint outline, which may be modified in some
particulars to adapt itself to the wants of our country, I most
certainly believe, to be of greater importance to our agricultural
interests than even an Agricultural and Geological Survey—than
Agricultural Societies, or Agricultural Papers, inasmuch, as such -
a school would inevitably lead the way to all these other aids to
our knowledge and success.

I will not venture on the details necessary to the establishment,
support and successful operation of such a school. I will leave to

OF AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY. 21

politicians the settlement of the disputed point, whether the State
has, or has not, the constitutional right to expend some of its funds
in promoting our agricultural interests, as well as the aids it now
affords to our College and our Military School. Suitable Profes-
sors may be obtained, although perhaps at present with some diffi-
culty. The expenses would be less than those of a Military School.
If the State cannot be induced to lend its aid in such an underta-
king, it may be worthy of inquiry, whether united individual effort
might not be made available. In a short time the School, under
judicious management, would support itself. The term for those who
had previously received a good English education shouid be about
two, at farthest, three years. Our planters, I should suppose, would
prefer having their sons educated in sucha seminary, after suitable
instructions in some of our grammar Schools, to that of sending
them to our Northern Colleges, or even to West Point. However
‘highly I estimate the value of the higher branches of mathematics,
and the modern languages taught in the latter, I cannot conceive
that even such a School will confer half the benefit on our country,
as would inevitably be derived from a well regulated Agricultural
School on the principles of science. Fifty young men thus educa.
ted, would disseminate a knowledge of the science of agriculture,
which would give a stimulus, and serve as guides to the whole
State.

I am fully aware of the objections which many successful plan-
ters urge against the scientific cultivator. He is regarded as a
theorist and a speculator, and it is predicted that he will eventually
be unsuccessful. Itis admitted that a man may have very correct
ideas of agriculture, and yet, if he does not carry his knowledge
into practice by constant attention to his planting interests, all his
scientific knowledge will be unavailing. On the other hand, he
who has become successful as a self-taught planter, might have
reached this eminence many years earlier, and promoted his pecu-
niary interest to a much greater degree, had he possessed the ben-
efit of previous knowledge. All self-taught men who have risen
to any high degree of eminence, have subsequently lamented the
disadvantages under which they had labored, owing to the want of
previous education. What would we think of a lawyer, a physician,
a merchant, or a mechanic, who would attempt to exercise his pro-

22 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

fession, without having made himself acquainted with any of those
previous studies, which the world regards as essential to his success,
in the profession he has chosen? At present, our young planters
are engaged for years iu their professions, before they have learn-
ed, even the first principles of agriculture, and they acquire a know-
ledge of planting, more frequently from their past failures, than by
accidental instances of success.

I contend, that nearly every improvement in agriculture, as
as well as nearly every discovery of importance to mankind, has
been the result, not of the accidental discoveries of the ignorant,
but of a previous knowledge of some of the sciences, guiding these
gifted and studious men onwards, in their researches after truth.
If Newton derived his first idea of gravitation from from the fall of
an apple, it required such a mind as that of Newton, to make the
practical application. "The cook has seen the steam, issuing from
the spout of the tea-kettle, from early times, but such minds as those
of Watt and Fulton, were requisite to apply this knowledge to any
available purpose. Every school-boy can fly a kite, but it required
the scientific knowledge of a Franklin, to render it the medium of
conducting to earth, the disarmed lightnings of heaven. The la-
bors of such men as Sir Humphrey Davy, Arthur Young, Lavosier
and Liebig, have done a thousand fold more for the comfort and
happiness of Europe, than all the Legislators, that thundered in
their Senates, or all the Heroes, whose names are enrolled on the
pages of history, and whose monuments fill the niches of West-
minster Abbey, or adorn the romantic grounds of Pére le Chaise.
And when the political excitements in our country shall have hap-
pily subsided, such names as those of Judge Buel, Skinner, Ruffin
and Seabrook, will be held in grateful remembrance, whilst those
of our noisy political patriots, will only be handed down to poste-
rity, through the musty streams of a forgotten newspaper.

I will here enter a little into detail, on the nature of those studies
which should be pursued in an Agricultural School, and on their
beneficial results.

1. The first and most important is, Chemistry—a branch of
physical science, which analyzes and investigates the composi-
_ tion of inanimate bodies. This claims our special attention, not
only on account of the manner, but the variety of ways by which

OF AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY. 23

itmay be applied. Soils, we know, must differ widely in their va-
rious component parts, since even, in one part of the same field>
the product is double to that of another part. A field may be ad-
mivably adapted to one kind of culture, which would produce but
ascanty crop of another kind. Now, this deficiency in the latter
case, arises from the fact, that the soil is wanting in some element,
necessary to the growth of the plant, or possesses some ingredient
which is positively injurious. | In order to correct this defect in the
soil, the culturist must first be convinced, that the evil in question,
is occasioned by some deleterious substance, or by the absence of
some necessary one. How can he ascertain the fact? Soils are
so blended that we cannot be aided in the investigation by the ex-
amination of our senses, without chemical tests. Sir Humphry
Davy in his Agricultural Chemistry, mentions the fo!lowing fact
which is in point :—“A soil of good apparent texture, from Lincoln-
‘shire, was put into my hands by Sir Joseph Banks, as remarkable
for sterility. On examining it, I found it contained sulphate of the
oxide of iron, and I offered the obvious remedy of a top-dressing of
lime, which converts the sulphate into a manure.” Here wasa soil,
the causes of whose sterility could not be conjectured, even by so
close an observer, as the eminent Naturalist Banks; yet, by the ap-
plication of chemical tests, the whole mystery was solved, probably
ina few moments. It isa well known fact, that whilst the farms on
Charleston Neck are admirably adapted to the culture of the Irish
potatoe, turnips, carrots, and the whole cabbage tribe, they will
scarcely produce the sweet potatoe of large size. There must
then be, some deficiency in the soil necessary to the production of
this vegetable, which a chemical analysis, both of the soil, and the
potatoe itself, would no doubt point out. A planter of this vicinity,
desirous of improving his lands on which he was planting a crop
of corn two years ago, placed in each hill a quantity of fresh bog.
earth, from an adjoining old and abandoned rice-field. This was
immediately covered in with the grains of corn. It produced
scarcely seven bushels to the acre, and he came to the conclusion
that swamp mud was rather an injury, than a benefit to the corn.
He was unacquainted with chemistry, and had no great regard for
the opinions of scientific men as guides to agriculture. It was
suggested to him that he had applied to his plants, that which in

24 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

its then state was poisonous, and was advised to open the hills—to
expose the still undecayed mass of swamp mud to the operation of
air, light and atmospheric electricity, and replant on the following
spring in the same hills, and with the same manure, which would
then have undergone chemical action, and be in a fit state to afford
sustenance to the plants. ‘This, after necessary ploughing, was
somewhat reluctantly done. In this second experiment he was more
successful, having made thirty bushels to the acre, instead of seven,
the product of the former year. Manures which are beneficial to
some kinds of land, will be positively injurious to others. Putres-
cent vegetable matter, salt and various alkalies, are used as ma-
nures ; and yet, some lands will be benefited by the one, and would
be rendered less productive, were the other applied. The same
may be said in regard to plants. A familiar instance may be men-
tioned. The rich soil which would cause the geranium to flourish
in our flower-pots, would, were it applied to our japonicas, azelias,
and rhododendrons, cause them to deteriorate, and finally to per-
ish. Hence, the importance of chemical, as well as physiological
knowledge, in enabling us to analyze the character of our different
soils, and ascertaining their adaptation to the various plants and
\ grains we are desirous of cultivating.

2. The next important branches that should be taught in an
Agricultural School, are Geology and Mineralogy. These are so
closely connected in many particulars, that they can scarcely be
separated, still some are alone applied to the arts, whilst others
are more directly beneficial to agriculture. A beneficent provi-
dence has scattered mineral and organic wealth, through every
portion of the earth. Our mountains abound with it, and on our
sea-board there is no deficiency, although it appears in another
form, ‘The different minerals can be distinguished from each other,
by forms, obvious at once to the senses. The mineralogist, can
at a glance, detect the characteristics of each species, and is thus
enabled to ascertain, what may be profitable to man, and reject
what is of no value.

How much labor is annually bestowed, how much money ex-
pended, and iow much deception practised on the simple and cre-
dulous, y hich might all be prevented by a knowledge of mineral-
ogy. How many a speculation in a gold mine, which has brought

OF AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY. 25

ruin on the family of the purchaser, might have been avoided,
had he possessed this knowledge. I have seen 4 poor family
thrown into extacies, and dreaming for months over their an-
ticipated wealth, because an ignorant pretender, had discovered
on their lands, an ore, which he called gold, and pronounced
the mine of immense value, but which a mineralogist detect-
ed as nothing more than sulphuret of iron. I well recollect
the sensation produced among the farmers of New-York, when,
in consequenee of the last war, they wére unable to import
from the British province of Nova Scotia, their Gypsum or Plaster
of Paris, which was in universal use. The plaster had risen in
price, to thirty dollars per ton, and at last conld not be procured
on any terms. Man is full of expedients, and without the res-
training influences of religion is not over honest. A man in the
north-western part of the State, (whether the public finally
‘decided him to be a knave, or an ignoramus, I do not recollect)
pretended to have discovered a bed of plaster, which he offered
for sale at ten dollars per ton. The farmers from Renssellaer,
Albany, and adjoining counties, in a circuit of an hundred miles,
went in their sleighs to lay in their store of plaster: The article was
as hard as granite, and many a mill-stone was broken in the opera-
tion of grinding. The following summer it was discovered, that
they had spent their money aud labor for nought, as the material
was of no more benefit to their land, than so much sand. But
the same science that detected the deception, discovered alsoa re-
medy for these temporary losses and vexatious impositions. A care-
ful examination was made of the surrounding country, and not
thirty miles from the above locality, an inexhaustible bed of Gyp-
sum was in reality discovered, which has proved a greater blessing
to that part of the State, than a mine of gold. Marl is now univer-
sally acknowledged to be of immense value as manure. The ma-
ritime districts of our State, abound with it, and it has been disco-
vered in many localities, widely remote from each other. That,
scarcely a planter in the State, knows what it is, is sufficiently evi
dent, from the specimens they are constantly sending to Charles-
ton from all quarters, which they either believe, or hope to be
marl, but which most geuerally proves a very different material,’
4

26 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

and of no value as a manure. The knowledge, industry, and zeal
of Ruffin, in having directed the planters of lower Virginia, to the
use of marl, cannot be too highly appreciated—in his scientific
researches and judicious instructions, he is rescuing from sterility
a soil, which Washington had defended with his sword.—His ad-
mirable Essay on Calcareous Manures, should be in the hands of
every planter, on our Southern sea-board.

3. Vegetable Physiology, is another subject which holds an im-
portant rank among the studies, that should be pursued in an agri-
cultural School. This science investigates and explains the struc-
ture and vital character of plants. Vegetation is either favorably
or injuriously affected by the seasons, the changes of weather—the
soil and temperature. The organization differs so widely in the
several species, that some will flourish only in an atmosphere, im-
preguated with salt particles, whilst others inevitably perish, if
planted in the same locality. In my garden, a part of which is
occasionally overflowed with salt water, the cabbage and cauliflow-
er sustain no injury, but are rather improved by a moderate wa-
tering of this nature, whilst on the contrary, the bean, corn, spin-
age, and several other species, remain diminutive in size, become
sickly in growth, and generally perish. In particular regions of
our country, certain plants are only found where the clay soils
prevail, but can never be detected beyond the line which separates
this region from the adjoining sandy and loam formations. Some
plants only flourish in limestone regions. ‘The winds, the birds,
and the hand of man, scatter the seeds far and wide, but they re-
fuse to vegetate in soils, that are not adapted to their growth—
The Baccharis, Salicornia, Salsola, and several other planis, as well
as the interesting foreign shrub, the Tamarix gallica, thrive only in
the neighborhood of salt-water, and are not found beyond these
prescribed limits; yet, let but an atmosphere and a soil be prepar-
ed for them, either by nature or art, and they will easily grow and
flourish there. Thus, the salt springs of Onondago, are, I think,
several hundred miles from the sea, yet I have observed seve-
ral species of these maritime plants flourishing there, although not
a single specimen can be found growing in all the intermediate
regions. Plants too, produce varieties, often infinitely more valu
able, than the originals from which they sprung, and are so im

OF AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY. 24

proved by culture, that nearly their whole characters are changed.
Still all these changes take place, in accordance with the fixed and
invariable laws of nature. The object of the vegetable physiolo-
gist is, to investigate these laws, in order that by acting in accord-
ance with them, he may bring the vegetable kingdom under his
conirol, and render it subservient to his use. The experiments
of Van Mons on fruit trees—the infinite varieties of Japonica,
Dahlia and Rose, that have been produced of late years, by peculiar
modes of culture, are sufficient evidences of the triumphs of sci-
ence in this department.

4. The next subject of importance to be taught in an Agricultu-
ral School, although not in the regular order of succession, is. that
of simple Mathematics, inclnding Arithmetic, Geometry, Levelling,
Surveying, &c. Without a general knowledge of these, the plan-
ter will often be at a loss in pursuing chemistry, and other studies,
with profit and pleasure. The agriculturist must be a careful cal-
eulator. He must be able to ascertain what kinds of produce will
be most valuable for him to cultivate, taking into consideration his
pecuniary means, his locality, and the peculiar character of his soil.
He must be able to keep his accounts correctly. A knowledge of
Surveying will often save him from litigation, and the art of Level-
ling is all-important, in enabling him to act with judgment, and te
save expense in digging ditches, or canals. A. striking instance
of the importance to the planter, of the simple art of Levelling,
came under my notice during the last year. A gentleman engaged
several Irish laborers to dig a boat canal of two miles in length, at
a cost of about two thousand dollars. The tide water was to con-
vey the beats to both ends of the canal. The workmen ridiculed
the idea of having a scientific Jevel taken, inasmuch, as by carrying
the tide water with them, they would be certain of finding a true
water level. The canal is dug; the water overflows its banks at
the mouth, but scarcely extends half the distance up the canal, and
the evil must now be remedied, cither by a lock, or an immense
labor in digging down from the summit, which appears to be six
or seven feet above the level of the lower part of the canal.

5. Another department in an Agricultural School is Mechanical
Philosophy. The planter is a man of all kinds of work, and should
understand the general principles of every addition, or improye-

28 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

ment that is going on under his eye. A knowledge of mechanics
will often save him from being imposed on by the workmen he
employs, and will enable him to have his house, out-buildings and
fences, constructed for comfort, with a due regard to durability,
economy and taste. He is constantly using machinery, and vari-
ous implements of husbandry; these should be so constructed as
to produce the greatest effect with the smallest expense of power.
New inventions are constantly pouring in upon him, and he should
possess sufficient mechanical kuowledge, to be able to decide what
he ought toappropriate to his use as a beneficial, and what he should
reject as worthless. Such are the complicated duties of the plan-
ter, that some knowledge of mechanics seems almost indispensably
necessary, to enable him to carry on successfully the various ope-
rations that pertain to his profession.

6. The rearing of Animals in domestic use, should be regarded
as a subject of sufficient importance to hold some rank in an insti-
tution of this kind. In Europe, much attention is paid to this sub-
ject. In this department, Great Britain is farin advance of the
world. Their fine breeds of horses,* horned cattle, sheep and
swine, have been produced not accidentally, but by a thorough
knowledge of the peculiarties of those varieties, from which new
and improved breeds were to be produced. In England, they
have separate breeds of horses, adopted to the various services
required of them; and the strong unwieldy dray horse, the car-
riage horse, the hunter and racer, may be distinguished at a glance,
Those varieties of horned cattle are selected, which are best adap-
ted to the pastures on which they are to feed; thus, in the rich

-

* The finest collection of horses I ever beheld, was at Regensburg, (Ratis-
bon,) in Bavaria, in 1838. They were owned by the wealthy and luxurious
Prince of Taxus, whose expensive stables were more magnificent than many of
the palaces of Europe. They were fitted up with marble troughs, fountains for
bathing, with the different names of ti.e animals, theis countries and pedigrees,
placed in gilt letters on the wall. Each horse had his groom, and they were daily
exercised in a magnificent circus. Among these, were not only horses of ap.
proved varieties from Mecklenburg, Saxony, Austria, Turkey, and France ;
but, several of the famed barbs from Arabia, and a number from England. To
my eye, which I confess is unskilled in these matters, the English courser ap-
peared not only the most elegant in form, but was admitted by better judges than
myself, to be more active and fleet, than{those of Arabia itself.

OF AN ARICULTURAL SURVEY. 29

level counties of England, and the Lothians in Scotland, the hea-
vier breeds of cattle and sheep are preferred ; but, in the moun-
tainous regions, breeds inferior in size, but equally profitable, are
reared, and the black cattle, and the black faced sheep, from the
highlands of Scotland, supply the markets of Edinburgh, where
they are regarded as fully equal in flavor with the larger breeds,
I need not say how negligent our planters have been in regard to
their live-stock of every kind ; cows turned into the woods to feed
on Broom-grass, are not likely to contribute much to the dairy, and
we need not be surprised if our hospitable planters, who own an
hundred head of cattle, sometimes find some difficulty in procuring
milk for their coffee. Long legged hogs, which appear to have
been selected rather for speed than weight, with long noses to ront
in the pine lands, require as much corn in the fattening season, as
would purchase a much greater quautity of bacon ready cured.

I was highly gratified at Edinburgh, on observing a crowd of
intelligent young farmers, listening with intense interest to, and
taking notes on the Lectures of Professor Lowe, on the rearing
and management of horses, horned cattle, sheep and swine—on
the varieties adapted to different localities—their diseases and
modes of cure. - His Lecture-room was embelished with fine
paintings of the various animals that were esteemed for their valu-
able properties.

Nor should the rearing of Poultry be regarded with indifference
by the planter. We frequently hear the remark, “I do not raise
poultry, because I do not know the art.” This only proves that
he has still something to learn, before he has made himself fully
acquainted with the duties of his profession.

7. The next study which is very important in an Agricultural
School, is Botany, in the broad sense of the term, which includes
not only the names and systematic arrangement of plants, but
their properties and uses. The world is infinitely more indebted
to science, for the introduction of those productions, which minis-
ter to the comfort, the wealth, and power of man, than men are
generally disposed to allow. For the introduction of nearly every
grain, vegetable, fruit and flower, that minister to the support,
comfort, or pleasure of man, we are indebted first to the Botanist
for its introduction, and afterwards to the scientic culturist for itg

4

30 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

improvement. The seeds of our valuable plants, were collected
by the Botanist often at the risk of life in wild distant regions ;
wheat, barley, rye, rice, the potatoe, cotton, the ground-nut, &c.,
are all the productions of distant lands, where the world is in most
cases lying in barbarism. But we are as much indebted for the
improvemont of plants to the scientific cultivator, as we are to the
Botanist that first introduced them. Such have been the improve-
ments in the various varieties of wheat, rye, rice, and barley, that
Botanists themselves are now ata loss to designate the original
plants from which they sprung. The potatoe, which is now the
the food of millions, had its origin from a bitter root which grows
wild in the mountains of South America, and is not larger than a
bean, as I have satisfied myself by examining specimens from Mon-
tevidd* “It was never used as food in that country, till, by scientific
culture in Europe, where varieties were produced from the seed,
it had’ become so improved, that it has now been sent back to its
nativé’goil, to prove a blessing to the barbarians, that hitherto were
unacquainted with its value. The carrot originated from a wild
and poisonous plant growing on the rocky clifls of England. The
acrid and disagreeable Apium graveolens has been transformed
into delicious celery. The wild cabbage, (Brassica oleracea,) a
plant not weighing half an ounce, has been improved into cab-
bages, whose leaves alone weigh many pounds, and into the cauli-
flower the most delicious of vegetables. Our fine Swedish turnips
have been produced by improved culture, from the (Brassica na-
pus,) the common and worthless rape; as has our fine turnip
descended from the turnip rape, (Brassica rapa,) which in its wild
state is small, fibrous, bitter, and wholly unfit for use. The same
may be said of our fruits. The bitter wild crab of Europe, is the
origin of our apples, and the wild pear, which I saw in the forests
of Hungary, not larger than a musket ball, and as acrid as the un-
ripe persimon, has, by long and scientific culture, produced our
delicious pear.

There is another advantage which the planter would derive
from a moderate share of Botanical knowledge. He would not
be so frequently imposed on, by having seeds of plants palmed on
him, as new species of inestimable value, which would, subsequent-
ly, prove some common worthless weed. The cunning Italian has

OF AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY. 31

chuckled over the oft repeated hoax he played on the Americans,
who seized with avidity on, and paid an exorbitant price for the
seed of the Italian mulberry, labelled Morus multicaulis. The
famous Florida coffee, was sent to the seed stores in Charleston, as
a newly discovered species, that would soon shut up the coffee
trade of Havana and Mocha. High prices were paid for the seed ;
acres were planted by the farmer, and magnificent results were
anticipated. A single glance of the Botanist, detected in it a
troublesome and worthless weed, (Cassia occidentalis,) growing
in most of our plantations in Carolina, which the hoe of the ser-
vant had long been engaged in destroying, but which the simplicity
of his master was now requiring him to replant, as infinitely more
valuable than cotton or corn. For the want of this Botanical
knowledge, ludicrous, and sometimes mortifying mistakes have
occurred, where no blame could be attached to the vender of the
seeds or plants, but were simply occasioned by an ignorance of
Botany in the purchaser. I have seen many American plants that
had been ordered from Paris and London, by our florists, with no
higher recommendation than the exorbitant prices marked on the
Catalogue ; and when these plants were received, their new owners
were nota little surprised to find that they had imported Azelias,
Rhododendrons, Lobelias, Kalmias, Bignonias, and Magnolias,
which they could have obtained by cart loads in their own woods.
Some fifteen or twenty years ago, my esteemed neighbor, James
Nicholson, obtained from Missouri the seeds of a grass, on which the
wild cattle and buffalo, were said to feed and thrive. He dissemina-
ted the seed among his friends, who cultivated it under the name of
Lewis and Clarke’s grass. Among the rest, I sowed a bed of it in
my garden, where I had for many years been making experiments
on some European grasses. The plants came to maturity, and I
was not a little surprised to find, the far famed Lewis and Clarke’,:

grass, to be an old and well known European species, the meadow
soft grass, (Holcus lanatus) which I already possessed. The soil

in which it was sowed, was not probably suited to its growth,
and I finally regarded it as inferior to the blue grass, (Dactylus
glomerata,) to which 1 have given the preference as a win-
ter grass. I made allusion to these experiments in the Octo-
ber number of the Southern Agriculturist of 1834, page 520,
of which I was the temporary Editor, during the absence of

32 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

the friend who so ably conducted it. Recently, a distinguished
Agriculturist in Europe, sent tome for some of the far-famed
Muskeet grass, from Texas, of which I had heard a favorable
notice from some of my friends, but had overlooked the printed
accounts. The seeds were accordingly obtained from Columbia, I
hesitated in sending them immediately, inasmuch as I suspected in
them an old and familiar acquaintance, which, on being forwarded
to Europe, would be like sending ‘coals to Newcastle.” An imper-
fect specimen of the mature plant, kindly sent by my friend Joseph
O’Hear, rendered it quite certain, that | had once more, under a
new name, obtained the Holcus lanatus, the famous Lewis and
Clarke’s grass, of Mr. James Nicholson, described by Linneus,
Curtis, Schreber, Knapp, and a whele host of European Botanists,
—a native of the woods and fields of Europe, experimented on by
agriculturists, and supposed less valuable than many other grasses
in cultivation; introduced into New England by our pilgrim fore-
fathers, and carried by migratory birds to the far West, and all over
the land. Here now are seeds of a grass that have passed through
the hands of the most intelligent, patriotic, and purest men of the
State, liberally and generously disseminated over the country, and
yet sad mistakes have orginated from a want of Botanical know-
ledge. The grass, I trust, may yet prove as beneficial to the State
as the most sanguine could desire. That which is unsuited to one
soil and climate, may be admirably adapted to another. But had
those who imported aud disseminated the seed, possessed a
small share of scientific knowledge, they might have been in-
structed by the experiments made on it, for a century past in Eu-
rope, and America, and obtained it far short of Texas, even in
many of their own fields and gardens.

The advantages of the study of of sytematic Botany, may be
farther seen in removing the evils which result from the use of the
common names given to plants, which are not uniform, even in
different neighborhoods of the same State. How many species of
plants are there, that are called Snake-root, by the people ot
the country, which are indiscriminately applied to the cure of
diseases, although their characters and medicinal properties differ
very widely, some being cathartics, some emetics, and others ton-
ies, Various species of the three very distinct genera of Gentiana,

OF AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY. oe

Aristolochia and Asarum, are called by this unmeaning name. But
more especially do we find this confusion, existing in the common
names given to Grasses ; | will illustrate this by a familiar instance,
The farmer of New-York possesses an invaluable grass called the
Timothy grass, named, it is supposed, after the man who is said to
have first introduced it into cultivation. But he has heard of other
fine grasses on which he is also desirous of making an experiment.
He sends to England for the Meadow Cats-tail, the finest grass in
Europe; and to Maryland or New-England, for the far-famed
Herd’s-grass. When these seeds have been received, after much ex-
pense and trouble, he will discover that these are but different names
for the Timothy grass, he already possesses, and that he could have
acquired the specific name of Phleum pratense, by which it is
known among Botanists all over the world, much easier than he has
learnt the various vulgar names by which such confusion has been
created.

8. Another department in Natural History, which ought not to
be altogether overlooked in an Agricultural School, notwithstand-
ing itis regarded asa study wholly unconnected with Agriculture,
is Ornithology. Nature has wisely provided that one race of ani-
mals should serve as a check upon the too rapid increase of others.
This uniformity is seen in every department of her works. The
bird is a blessing to the husbandman by destroying the reptiles and
insects, which would otherwise be an annoyance to him, and by
ridding the earth of a superabundance of the seeds of weeds and
grasses. The Stork in Holland, the Turkey Vulture in Carolina,
and the Rooks of England, are familiar instances, where man has
acknowledged the benefits derived from some of their species; and
indeed the boxes provided for the Purple Martin, and the cala-
bashes for the house Wren, all go to testify that the farmer is not
wholly unmindful of the benefits he derives from some of the
feathered race. I would we could say this of many other species,
that have been either neglected or misrepresented. So ignorant
are our culturists of Ornithology, that they know not what birds
should be destroyed as nuisances, or preserved as benefactors.
Old Kalm tells us a story that will bear frequent repetition ; that in
Virginia, in his day, a bounty was given for the destruction of the

little Crow, meaning, no doubt, some species of what are usually
5

34 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

called Black birds, of which there is a considerable number of
different Genera and habits, a few doing some injury to the corn,
but the great majority, the Cow bird, (Leterus pecoris,) espe-
cially, being decidedly beneficial to the farmer ; but they were des-
troyed, (of how many species there was no Ornithologist to tell, )
and the consequence was that such was the increase of destructive
insects, that they, after a great expenditure of money, would have
bought back the murdered birds at any price. In the days of our
forefathers, a Governor of New-England offered three-pence a
head for the Purple grackle ; but it is said the insects multiplied so
rapidly, that the herbage was destroyed, and the inhabitants were
obliged to import hay from Pennsylvania and England. In fact, a
single bird of this species, by destroying the grubs that feed on
the young corn, saves more corn than would feed an hundred
Grackles for a whole year. Even our Hawks, against which the
world has declared an exterminating war, do not deserve to be in-
discriminately denounced, inasmuch, as a considerable number of
the species are not only harmless, but beneficial to us. Jour spe-~
cies that visit Carolina, feed on insects—one on fish, one on ser-
pents, and one on frogs and lizzards. “Ihave made a good day’s
work said a planter to me, for after watching and crawling nearly
all day, I have shot these two Hawks, which is as good as a dozen
fowls saved.” I thought he looked a little disconcerted, when I
informed him that he had killed a pair of his best friends, the Mis-
sissippi Kite, a species which feeds alone on insects, and is so little
carniverous, that it would not even pounce on a sparrow. Some
of our Owls, feed exclusively on mice, others on small birds; and,
of all our Southern species, the great horned, or Virginia owl, is
the only one which is injurious to our poultry, and this is exceed-
ingly rare, We have two species of Crow on our sea-board, one
of which, and the rarest, is principally injurious to corn; the other,
feeding on worms, berries and fish, is comparatively harmless, yet
they are seldom known as distinct, by the farmer, who denounces

va

vengeance indiscriminately against friend and foe.*

* In the State of New-York, the following plan has been successfully adopted for
thirty years, in preventing the crows from pulling up the newly planted Indian corn.
Boiling water is first poured on the seed corn, in sufficient quantities to fill the ves-
sel in which it is placed. When the water has stood on a few hours, to become
perfectly cool, it is poured off and half a pint of boiling coal tar to every bushel of

corn is poured on the seed, which is carefully stirred, until every grain is covered

OF AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY:- 30

We have in Carolina, about 250 of the 500 species of American
birds, found North of Mexico, the majority of which are migra-
tory; but a large minority either remain with us some time during
spring and summer, or are permanent residents; of all this num-
ber, we have only about a dozen species, that can, by any possi-
bility, be regarded as decidedly injurious to the planter. All our
Thrushes and Orioles, our Fly Catchers and Warblers, are useful
aids in destroying worms aad insects. Thetyrant Fly catcher, or Bee
bird, is destroyed by our American youths, (who appear to have the
organ of destructiveness largely developed) because he is said to kill
bees, It is true he may kill the bee that falls in his way, but he makes
amends by destroying thousands of noxious insects; and is, more-
over, a great protection to the poultry yard, for he never suffers a
Hawk to come within a quarter of a mile of his nest—makes war
against the Crow and Vulture, and even pounces on the back of the

‘Eagle, the emblem of our pride and glory. The whole tribe of
Warblers feed on caterpillars and worms, each individual consum-
ing several hundreds ina day. During the last spring, I had a
large bed of cabbages and cauliflowers, which were so infested by
the small green cabbage worm, that their leaves were perforated
like a honey-comb, and I was obliged to have the worms picked
every morning, amounting often to a tea-cup-full. About this
time, I observed a nest of the orchard Oriole, in a garden adjacent
to mine; the old birds found their way into my cabbage yard, and
so thoroughly kept down the worms for three weeks, that they
proved better scavengers than my servants, and saved us further
labor during that time. But the nest was discovered by the little
lads of the neighborhood, who seized on the young, and caught

with a thin coating of tar. Itis then rolled in Gypsum, which is used as a valuable
manure, but is ef no particular use in keeping off the crows, The hot water does
not affect the vitality of the grain, on the contrary, it hastens its germinative power
ers. When this plan was first adopted in the Northern States, on a few of the
farms, it did not immediately answer the expectations of of the farmer, inasmuch,
as the fields were visited by a succession of crows, and the new cemers were all
obliged to submit to a tarred mouth, before they could be induced to desist, and
their thievish propensities were encouraged by other fields of untarred corn, But
since the practice has become universal, the crow-minder has been found to be su-
perfluous. A few of our Carolina planters, have within the last few years, adopted
this plan, adding saltpetre to the hot water, omitting, I regret to say, the Gypsum,
and they speak favorably of it. Ihave no doubt, were it :o become general, if
would be equally efficacious.

‘

386 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

the old in a trap cage, and now the cabbage worm re-appeared,
and remained a pest during the whole summer. ‘The countless
millions of Sparrows that visit us in winter, merit our protection
and gratitude, on accouut of their devouring the seeds of weeds
and grasses, that would, otherwise, overrun our fields ; and I even
doubt, whether our Rice-bird, whose delicious flesh should disarm
our hatred against it, on account of the depredations it commits on
our late crops of rice, does not, in another particular, make
amends for its hasty autumnal meal, by its return to the same fields
on the following spring, in its harlequin dress, to pick up the scat-
tered grains of rice left on the ground, and thus saves in part at
jJeast, the labor of picking out the stems of volunteer or red rice.
9. Entomology. This important study must yet be pressed into
the service of the culturist, and can only be pursued with advan-
tage by men instructed in the schools of science. Until we know
yhe characters of insects, their modes of propagation, and peculiar
habits, we can never find a remedy, against their drpredations. A
proper knowledge of Entomology will save us much useless labor,
and be productive of incalculable advantage. Although this science
was not regarded in Europe as of great importance to agriculture,
until within the last twenty years; yet, such successful results have
been produced, that the farmer now regards the Entomologist with
respect, and welcomes him asa benefactor. As far as I have been
able to ascertain, there is not a single insect in that country, whose
depredations were formerly dreadcd, that has not either been com-
pelled by the power of science, to pause in its career of mischief, or
been exterminated from the farms. ‘It must, however, be recollected,
that we are living in another hemisphere, which, as far as Natural
History is concerned, is emphatically a new world. There is not a
solitary species of native quadruped, land bird, plant or insect in
Carolina, that is identical with any species in the old world. Their
science can, therefore, only aid us in the manner in which our expe-
riments must be conducted. It is left to us to study the species, and
discover the remedies. 'The pecuniary losses which are sustained by
insects in a single year, in two of our staples alone, wheat and cotton,
would be sufficient permanently, to endow an Agricultural School
in every State and Territory of the Union. Thereis no greater
mystery in the insects that lie imbeded at the joints of the wheat
stalk, or that perforate the bolls of cotton, than there is in many

OF AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY. 37

better known species, whose habits have been determined, and
whose depredations have been effectually checked. We should
also recollect, that situated as we are, so near the tropics, where
insects so abundantly abound, we are constantly liable to fresh
importations of foreign species, that may become permanent resi-
dents, if we are not timely guarded against them. Within the
last five or six years, a minute insect has appeared on the stems of
our Fig-trees, which, if left unmolested, destroys the largest tree
in a single season, and at one time threatened the destruction of
these, the most valuable fruit trees on our Southern sea-board.
Its character, however, has been investigated, and we are induced
to hope a remedy, which is now in the course of experiment, has
been discovered. On the Orange trees of Carolina, an insect,
which, when removed from its envelop, is no larger than a pins
_ point, made its appearance some twelve or fifteen years ago. How
it was brought here, or from whence it came, no one can tell, as it
appears not to have been described. The evil might have been
checked in the bud, but the insidious foe was too insignificant in
size to create apprehension, and in a few years, our beautiful or-
ange groves presented the appearance of a forest through which
the fires had passed. A severe frost succeeded, and relieved us
of the unseemly sight, by destroying effectually the few trees in
which there still existed the lingering remains of life. Unfortu-
nately, the same pest (not the less formidable on account of its mi-
nute size,) has very recently been introduced into the Orange
groves around St. Augustine. If the fires of heaven had blasted
every tree and herb, and consumed every dwelling and out-house
in those regions of East Florida, where the orange is an article of
commerce, the injury the inhabitants would have sustained would
have been an hundred fold less than they are now doomed to ex-
perience from this insect. I perceive by the fruits obtained this
season from Cuba, that this enemy has also found its way into that
beautiful Island, and unless the neglected, and despised science of
Entomolgy, comes forth to the rescue, we may, a few years hence,
look in vain for an Orange, Citron, Lemon, or Lime, from Florida or
Cuba. If the facts I have stated, are not yet sufficient to convince
the agriculturist of the evils which arise from the neglect of this

study, I will adda few others that have fallen under my personal
observation.

38 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

About thirty-five years ago, in my native State of New-York, a
large spiny caterpillar appeared on the Lombardy poplar trees,
the only shade trees then existing in our Northern villages. Men
became alarmed, for it was reported, that a dog had been stung
and died, rumor soon megnified it into a child, that had been kill-
ed, in another part of the State. The press issued many strange
conjectures and crude speculations. Consultations were held by
the fathers of the land on this new danger, from a recently impor-
ted, and dreadfully poisonous scorpion, as it was supposed to be.
It was urged in vain, that the so much dreaded insect, was only
the larva of 2 gaudy and well known species of Butterfly, (Papilio
antiope) and that it would be an act of vandalism, to destroy the
beautiful shade trees, for harboring a harmless caterpillar. But
the science of Entomology, which had scarcely been heard of,
could not stem the torrent of prejudice and ignorance, and it was
resolved, that the trees should be cut down forthwith; the axe
was soon at work, and in the course of three weeks, the stately
poplars in many of the villages, and along the public highways of
New-York, as well as in many towns in New-England, were felled
and burnt. Iam glad that their posterity have grown wiser, and
re-planted them.

A farmer on Charleston Neck, two years ago, solicited my
advice in regard to the Tomato worm, which in spite of the
most careful attention on his part, had so increased during the
season, that his large crop of Tomatoes, on which he principal-
ly depended for the markets, was in danger of being wholly des-
troyed. “J pick them carefully (said he,) with my own hands
every morning, and bury them—lI am sure, that at least, none of
the large ones escape, yet the more I destroy, the more they
multiply.” I carried him to.his little grave-yard, where he had
buried his worms, showed him a quart of the remains of his ene-
mies, which had already been transformed into a chrysalis state,
assured him, that those which had attained nearly their full size,
would have buried themselves in the ground, if he had not saved
them the trouble, that to use a vulgar phrase, he had carried the
“ Rabbit to the briar-bush,” that this chrysalis would soon become
a moth, (Sphinx carolinus) and in its crepuscular flight, would,
by depositing its numerous eggs on the leaf of the Tomatoe, lay
the foundation of ten thousand more of his formidable opponents.

OF AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY. 39

There was a faint smile of incredulity on his countenance, and
thus we parted.

A few weeks ago, I observed in the district of Lexington, near
the borders of Edgefield, an extent of country, fifteen miles in di-
ameter, where nearly all the Long-leaved pines had been killed
by a worm, usually called Sawyer or borer—producing, as they sup-
posed, (no doubt correctly,) disease and mortality among the inha-
bitants, from the decay of vegetable matter, and the exposure of
the unshaded earth to the rays of the sun. The ravages of this
destructive insect, have been occasionally observed, for many
years past, in particular localities, between Florida and North-
Carolina. Many of the inhabitants, were at a loss to account, for
the cause of this destruction of their finest timber. Some suppo-
sing it to have been occasioned by the heavy rains, of the last sea-

son, which they thought might have caused the roots of the trees to
perish. The pileated Woodpeckers, were by hundreds, busy in
extracting the marauders from the bark, in the various stages of
the larva, chrysalis, and the beautiful perfect, coleopterous Insect,
and the lads were shooting them in all directions, as many of them
believed, from the tens of thousands of perforations in the bark,
that these useful birds were destroying their trees.

How frequently have we seen in our maritime districts, vast labor
expended by the lovers of fine fruit, in placing layers of oyster shells
or a pavement of bricks, around the roots of our Peach trees, in or-
der to guard the fruit from the depredations of that pest, the Peach
curculio. A little knowledge of Entomology would have convinced
them, that the Insect, as it drops from, or with the fruit, buries itself
in the earth, often at « considerable distance from the roots, where
it undergoes its transformations, and in the spring, crawls up the
the tree to renew its depredations, and that all their labor and ex-
pense, is perfectly useless as a preventative, and positively injuri-
ous to the growth of the tree. How few farmers are there, who
can be convinced, than the worm (AJgeria exitiosa) which causes
the gummy exudation from the stem, is in no wise connected with
the destroyer of the fruit, and belongs to an entirely different fami-
ly of Insects. The cause of the slabbering of horses, that feed on
the young growth of clover, in the Middle States during summer,
rendering the animals poor, and the pastures almost useless, has
occasioned infinite contradictory, and some very absurd conjec™

ae

40 AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS

tures ; and even now, it has not Been, satisfactorily determined,
whether the evil was occasioned by a poisonous wé€d, or an Insect,
or whether it was to be traced to the clover itself. The same dif-
ficulties exist in regard to what is called the milk sickness in Ala-
bama and Mississippi, where thousands of cattle annually fall vic-
tims to this disease, and from which we are told, even man himself,
is not exempt.

But it may be asked, can science find a remedy against the de-
predation of Insects? I answer, this has already been done in a
large number of cases, in our own country, eyen with our limited
knowledge of the subject, possessing as we do, scarcely a dozen
Entomologists, to seventeen millions of inhabitants; and man will
prove himself unequal to his high destination, if he does not tri-
umph over every opposing difficulty. The God of Nature has ap-
pointed him Lord over this lower creation. In obedience to his
laws, he has conquered the Lion, the Tiger, and the Bear, sub-
dued the native ferocity of the Elephant, and rendered him obedi-
ent to his will, and subservient to his use—he has measured the
very heavens, and is now beginning to traverse the earth with the
speed of the bird, and surely he will not suffer himself to be dis-
comfited by an Insect.

‘In conclusion, whilst-I sincerely hope the contemplated Survey
may, by the judicious selection of the individual, to whom the
work is entrusted, and by the forbearance, indulgence, and cheer-
ful aid of our enlightened planters, be productive of much benefit
to our agricuitural interests, I cannot refrain from expressing the
desire and belief, that, in due time, we may hear of efficient Agri-
cultural Societies, Agricultural Publications, and an Aguticultural
School.

The melancholy facts are undoubted, that whilst all our Northern
States have advanced in agricultural improvements, South-Caro-
lina has deteriorated. Notwithstanding our mild climate, capable
of producing two crops a year—the number of products to which
our soil is adapted—the fine streams for mill-seats and manufacto-
ries with which our State abounds, and the facilities to a market
afforded by our navigable rivers and rail-roads; the increase in our
exports is confined to cotton and rice alone, and of the latter, we
do not export a much larger quantity than we did half a century
ago. Formerly, we exported grains, we are now importing from

AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND BENEFITS 4{

other States, the materials that serve as food for ourselves and our

cattle. In other years, the boats from Camden and Columbia

brought corn and oats to Charleston, now these boats are employ-
ed in conveying these important and, necessary articles of food, as
well as hay from our city (where they have been received from the
States North*of us) to Columbia and Camden. I have some where
read a statement made by Mr.- Seabrook, the accuracy of which
cannot be -questioned, that during the last twelve years, South-
Carolina had, on an average, imported 350,000 bushels of corn
annually. How greatly would this list of our imports be swelled,
were we to add to the above the oats, hay, flour, butter; beef, pork,
jJard, and other articles of food, which might be produced in our
own State. Under such wasteful drains on the peeuniar¥ resour-
ces of the State—with so many enemies preying on the vitals of
her prosperity—under a system of husbandry that is yearly ren-
dering her soil more sterile—confining herself to the culture of
cotton, which has greatly fallen in price, and of which more is
grown than the world can consume—with rivals in Egypt, In-
dia, and Brazil, whilst the South-Western States and Texas, can
produce the article at a cheaper rate—how long will it be before
South-Carolina will become wholly impoverished?

T have alluded to these humiliating facts, not from any desire of
indulging a spirit of disaffection or censoriousness, but with deep
and unmingled regret, that the State of my early choice ; whose in-
stitutions I love; with whose prosperity my best interests are
associated, and for which my most fervent aspirations ascend,
should, by a neglect of her agricultural interests, have permitted
her neighboring States, possessing fewer natural resources, to out-
strip her in the race of improvement, and in that agricultural know-
ledge, on which our prosperity and power so manifestly depend.

There is a consolation, however, in the belief, that our people
are learning a salutary lesson from adversity. The resuscitation
of a soil, rendered sterile by improper modes of cultivation, it has
now been ascertained, can be easily effected by patience, judgment
and a small share of industry. Great-Britain had once an unpro-
ductive soil, which by scientific culture, has become the Garden of
the World. I well recollect, when the farms of the State of New-
York, were cultivated in the mode which has so long and so ruin-
ously been adopted in Carolina. Successive crops of wheat were

6

42 OF AN AGRICULTURAL SURVEY.

sown on the same field. In four or five years, the lands were ex-
hausted, and scarcely produced six bushels to the acre—they were
then thrown out as old fields; the trees in the neighboring woods
were deadened—the under-brush burnt—the new lands cultivated
in the same slovenly way, till they, in their turn, became unpro-
ductive, and the farmers went to seek for richer Jands in the wes-
tern counties. Now, these old and once abandoned fields, have
by a judicious mode of culture, by a rotation of crops, by the use
of clover, plaster, lime, and other manures, been rendered more
productive than when the lands were originally cleared, and yield
on an average, from twenty-five to thirty bushels of wheat, or
eighty bushels of corn to the acre. In Carolina too, it has been
ascertained, that although we cannot raise such large crops of corn
as are produced in the Northern States, we can at least, treble the
product of former years. The results of the several experiments
recorded in the Southern Agriculturist, are sufficsent evidences of
this fact. Mr. O’Hear, during the last season, raised forty-six
bushels, Mr. Coward, fifty-two and three quarters, a writer under
the signature of Z., fifty-seven and a half bushels, and Mr. B. R.
Smith, sixty-seven bushels and eighteen quarts, to the acre.

Within the last few years, I have observed a spirit of inquiry and
increased knowledge among our young planters—I can enumerate
at least twenty, in the limited list of my acquaintance, who by judi-
cious and scientific modes of culture, have doubled the products of
their fields. Ifthe schoolmaster is at work, let us hail him as a
benefactor, and send him scholars. If there is a spirit of inquiry,
let us give it aright direction, If South-Carolina ever recovers
her proud pre-eminence among her sister States, it will be through
the means of Agricultural knowledge. When this is effected, she
may hope to win back her sons, who have not already permanently
essablished their familes, or found graves in the far West. Our
impoverished soils will be renovated—our people will be content-
ed with their natives homes, and the future destiny of our State
will fulfil the glowing anticipations of those who found it a wilder-
ness, rescued it from the savage, defended it against a foreign foe,
and left it as a rich legacy to their descendants.

es
ak

we,

vemegenty ~G/

3 2,

20 677

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

N
oO
oO
©
i)

ot
~ aad
Rear caste
eSpace uate
“0