The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1841-12-15

purpose fish, horn, shavings, woollen rags
and human bones, from the Continent OF Eu-
rope. The, great, Frederick of Prussia, made
agriculture his peculiar care, and annually ap-
propriated million and half of dollars TO Its
advancement. Notwithstanding the desoatlons
of war, he left at his death, twelve millions OF
pounds in the Golfers of the nation. BY neg
lecting his policy that country is now tributary
20 other nations three millions OF pounds Tor
food So all important is an attention to agrl-
culture considered in Europe, that schools are
established under most of the Governments OF
that country, where the science is not only
theoretically but practically taught
With these examples at home and abroad,
can South Carolina remain unconvinced, unn-
fuenced! Will she not awaken from her apa-
thv! Will she not perceive and improve the
only means of arresting downfall in her for
tunes? Will she not contemplate the great
odds against which she is contending-a wide
spread extent of country, more fresh and con-
genial than her own to the production of her
great staple, alluring away her citizens, and
causing the removal of number of her slaves!
She cannot continue competition, and it is
time to seek our own resources, and promulgate
them to our agriculturists: true economy die
tates such course.
Sixteen years ago, an appropriation was
granted BY this State, for Geological Survey,
and the effort was not without encouragement;
thirty species. of Minerals were discovered, and
ten of Rock Among these, were two species
of Iron Ore; also, Marble Limestone, Pyrites,
Gold, and Oil Stones. To renew that research,
might at this time, be nexpedient, but your
Committee were unanimous in recommending
an Agricultural Survey of the State, and | will,
here, briefly mention its purport and adyanta-
ges.
An Agricultural survey, relates to the nature
of the soil, particularly in reference to the
crops cultivated; to the climate, with refer
ence to the crops grown to the number OF acres
cultivated; to the quantity of land in wood, in
pasture, in roads, or under water; to the objects
of culture, the modes adopted, and the proceeds;
to manures; to live stock of all kinds, in their
relative utility, for pleasure, labor, food, and
the dairy; to dairy produce; to poultry, diseases
of domestic. animals: to bees, or charde,s gar
dens, farm buildings farming impliments; to
silk, and many miscellaneous subjects. The
duty of an Agricultural Surveyor, is to visit
every District and Parish in the State; every
principal farm or plantation, the management
of which, promises to afford useful information;
to correspond and cooperate with practical men,
or, in the words Of the resolve of the Massa-
chusetts Legislature, "to collect accurate infor-
nation, of the state and condition of the agr-
culture of the Commonwealth, and every sub
iect connected with if, point out the means of
improvement, and make detailed report there
of, with as much eXactness as circumstances
will admit" Your Committee will add nothing
further to these Details than advert to the fact,
that every Executive Message, directs the at
tention of the Legislature TO this subject, but
from a Misguided spirit of economy, the call
has, hitherto, been neglected. 1t becomes US,
now, to act with independence, and prop our
waning fortunes: policy requires it, patriotism
demands it, and our duty forbds us to neglect
the welfare of our country. Your Committee
consider their duty fulfilled, in offering these
views, and pressing the adoption of the follow
ing resolutions
Resolred, That an Agricultural Survey of the
State of South Carolina, is highly necessary
and expedient; that it will be means of develop
inc and improving her resources; retaining at
home, her citizens and slave labor, and coun-
teracting, in some measure, the effects of COM
petition in her great staple, from the fertility of
new lands in other States.
Resolred, That the result of each years sur
vey be annually reported to this House, and
copies distributed to every Agricultural Society
throughout the State.
ReSolred, That the sum of three thousand
dollars be appropriated for the ensuing year, to
said survey; and that the Governor be specially
CHARGED with selection of a capable person to
execute the same.
All which is respectfully submitted.
ROBERT w. ROPER, Chairman
d