Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1852-02-12
THE STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCI-
ETH.

Before it Is too late we would Cali liie aIlen-
tion of our country readers to an advertisement
in our columns, from the Executive Committee
of the State Agricultural Society, appointing
the annual meeting of the Society to be held at
the Capitol ON Thursday, the 10Th of February
next The Hon. Willoughby Newton will be
requested to deliver the annual address, and
Professor VIM. &. Rogers, of the University of
Virginia has been appointed as his alternate.
The farmers of this State are invited to attend.
Ii is proposed in conjunction with the meeting
of the Society to hold a general Agricultural
Convention, to take into consideration this lead
ing interest. We earnestly recommend to such
gentlemen as may feel an interest in the pros
peritv of this branch of industry not to with
hold the influence of their presence from the
praiseworthy object in contemplation. Much
can be accomplished by the united efforts OF
this numerous and influential class to infuse
new spirit into the operations of agriculture, to
diffuse knowledge of scientific principles and
even to obtain the powerful assistance of the
State. Now that the productions of our agri-
culture, by means of the liberal hand of Inter-
nal Improvement are brought into competition
with the agricultural productions of the West,
it has become matter of necessity for Virgil
mia to avail herself of every improvement, in
order, by increasing the productiveness of her
lands, to prevent their decline in value. The
channels of trade which have been opened with
the Western States, have certainly had a d.
rect influence in bringing about this state of
things. The only means left us to neutralize
this effect is to avail ourselves of all the i'm
provements Of science, to incfease the produce
tiveness of our lands, and thus enable the far
mers of Virginia to enter into equal COMPETE
ton with the agriculture Of the West and
North West. The repeal of the common laws
compelled the English farmer to resort to this
mode of protection, and similar condition of
things has been brought about in the older
States by different cause.
We have allowed ourselves to fall into this
train of remark, not that we desire to throw
damper upon the spirit of Internal Improve
ment, for we are earnest advocates of that sys-
tenn, bat for the better purpose of. rousing the
agricultural community to take thought for their
protection from impending, rather, pre-
sent result If our farmers continue still to fold
their hands in sleep, the inevitable and unavoid-
able result will follow that their lands will de-
preciate in value, and that both individuals and
the State will lose an important item of wealth.
Upon this ground alone the farmers can make an
appeal for public aid. By increasing the value
of our lands, and the creation at the same time
of new taxable values, the government is in
creasing its own resources. In this point of
view alone it will be wise policy in the Legisla-
ture to devote a portion of the public funds, in
order to disseminate a knowledge of scientic ag-
riculture through the community of farmers
We desire on future occasion further to devel-
op this view in connection with another subject
There has recently appeared an excellent article
in the Southern Planter upon this subject, the
main purpose of which was to advocate the es-
Enlistment of Central Agricultural Society
with branches thrown out in those sections of
the State where there might be occasion for
them. We abstain in this place from taking a
more particular notice of that propositions as the
means of advancing the end which it has in view
will hereafter come under the consideration &c
the two bodies to meet in this city in February
Since writing the above we have received
from friend the following communication
which, relating as it does to the subject of these
remarks, we append in farther illustration of our
views:
Messrs, Editors: AS there has been call for Co n
venton OF the farmers OF Virginia, and OF the friend 8
OF Agriculture generally, TO be held in connection with
the Annual Meeting OF the Virginia State Agricultu-
raj Society, the 18th instant, permit occupy
in fnr than
meuding this movement to the attention OF the public.
The object of those who have originated this propo-
ston Is to geup as large an assemolage OF the intel
iigen practical men of The profession, possible :;
with the view OF entering INTO as thorough inves-
tgauon and discussion, time will allow, of the
WAYS and means, best adapted TO promote the deye-
opment OF agricultural resources, cherish and
dfuss more generally the spirit OF improvement al
ready awakened, 10 disseminate agricultural intelIi-
gence, by of the press and TO promote, as ar
as may be, the profitable prosecution OF this cardinal
branch of national ndusry-an object worthy of the
serious regard of every farmer who is not alike in
different to the Suggestions OF interest," and deaf to
the appeals OF patriotism; and imposing him an
obligation of duty not 10 be evaded of contributing,
by every means IN his power, TO promote the
OF an enterprise 80 benefcent and patriotic.
Among The most obvious means Of promoting the
object IN view, is the universally conceded prepety
OF Inyokn Legislative encouragement not in the
bes'owment OF any monopoly, IN The enhancement
of h= prices of agricultural productions, by any de-
vice TO limit competition, bur by The application of
such stimulus, ia The way OF premiums, as the
Ma4u dS may scIFe W IHNI8OIdTe ACTIVITY.
foster enterprise, and call forth the most spirited
compeuuon.
This encouragement be most effectually Sc
cured II seems to me, by sucn appropriation of
money from the public Treasury, With the contri-
button OF an equal amount by private Subscription,
loot 10 be realized without Individual eiIort0 as will
together produce an aggregate amount Sufficient TO
sustain, on footing OF Issoec ability and parma mem
cy, STATE institution with all requisite powers and
facilities for successfully maintaining the general SUI
pefVsion OF The Agricultural interest of The Stale at
large and sufficient number of district societies 10
operate in their creumscrlbed spheres, as he
eonseryalors Of It's local concerns. The whole TO be
so adjusted in the relations OF mutual pendence and
mutual sgbservieuce to haTmonise in one general
system, and unltediy TO exert a ubiquitous infu-
enee over the whole extent OF the Common eah,
and call forth the active efforts of the people upon
whose energy the success OF this any kindred
scheme m1si ultimately Depend Such scheme as
me above brief outliae suggests. Is before the
Legisia ure and Is likely meet with that favor at
Ian-a