Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-01-22

luAA compensated ey tnelr uSoiuInenS III npP"S
down the growth Of noxious weeds andshruoA and
then into & most valuable fertissr for
the improvement and renovation OF worn lsnos:-
And On the contrary, that the result given oy the
figures should be largely augmented will De aPPa-
rerit 70 any one who considers the great improve
me1t which would be introduced into the mode OF
tartning-the cultivation of grapes production OF
hay, and the favorable influence on the health, mot
to say the morals,) of our population, OF such
change and variety in their customary iooa.
Now, if any one will apply these calculations in
the same manner to the whole State it will be found
that we should have an increase Of 100000 head
of sheep which would be an addition to the fixed
property of the State of about SIS 000 900; and
annual profit from them of 10000, 600, and from
the increased number of hogs Of 5000, 600 making
total annual advantage to the State Of $sS 0eO 600
Well is that so? If not why not? Where is the
Of fact alsty Of inference? And if true, is
it not disgrace to the State? Why has this source
of wealth to our farmers and to the State, been
80 entirely neglected-and this, too while it is well
known that our State possesses facilities and advan-
tases for this business which are not found in more
than one or two other States in the Contederacy!
Our whole mountain region has adaptations Tor this
branch of agriculture which are not surpassed ON
the continent, and there il not county in the
State where it would not speedily become source
of wealth. Why has not the matter been taken
up by our Legislature the only power adequate to
the task of removing the obstacle out Of the farmers
way? Not because it was not known that such
action was desired by the large Of the agricul-
tural population If the State. 1t has been repeated
ly pressed upon their attention, and some action
demanded at their hands, But it has been repeat
edly laughed out Of the Assembly Of law-makeFs-
Is it because they have been too much taken up
with the wclghtier matters of partzanship. delna'
goguism and the public plunderI Many believe SO.
But may it not be because they are mostly men
whose avocations have allowed them too little op-
pcrtunity to ianlllarlze themselves with such PLAIN
practical matters-that there are too many lawyers
and too lew farmers among them?
1t may he objected that this is an evil that ought
to cure itself, without the aid Of legislation And
it may lie said that if the people had not deliberate
ly preferred dogs to sheep, they would not so uni
versally have adopted the system OF dog-iarmlng-
But how did this system in fact originate? Evil
IDENTIFY it from the manner Of the first settle
ment Of the country. Sheep farming was then i'm
possible. The frontiers man, the squatter and pi
oncer never advance into the wilderness without
his dog-and for very good reasons. The original
wilderness was filled with multitudes Of wild ami
mails, sufficient to cat up the entire crop OF the
struggling settlers. 1t was necessary to call IN the
aid OF the dog to defend toe farm and poultry yard
and gradually to clear the country for more regular
and profitable modes of farming. But no one pre-
teOuS tUdt III t0e Olu lucTc 10 oS'
vice performed by the dog now. lie has performed
his part-but from mere habit has been retained
long after the circumstances demanding his pres
ence have disappeared. But it may be said he is
still needed in the capacity of watchdog. In
some sections, and un.er some circumstances that
is true-but one tenth Of our present population
of dogs worth any thing for that purpose? The
truth is. that little attention has been given to
the breeds of these animals since they have become
| A. Il In
! generated until one would hardly be able TO find a
| dozen good watch-dogs in a whole county, anu
they have become almost as great nuisance as
the original wild beasts which they were meant to
abate. II all but the good watch-dogs were de-
stroyed, the farmer would have no more complaints
TO make nor the sheep.
That the evil will not correct itself, is evident
from the fact that it has not done so yet and that
| there is hardly neighborhood in the State where
| individuals have not made the attempt. One stub
born or stupid neghbor is sufficient to defeat the
! intelligence and enterprise Of a whole community.
That the country desires legislation on the subject,
is evident enough from their having asked for 1t so
! Often and may be made still more SO to any one
who will take the trouble to converse with farmers
anywhere on the subject. Let it then be pressed
upon the attention Of the Convention. That body
is evidently better fitted to deal with such matter
than any ordinary legislative assembly. And then
!
into the greatest straits and soldiers reduced to
suffering, and decirDated by disease from exposure
and cold And North Carolina is the most favora-
! bly situated Of all the States for tins movement.
| Indeed, Tennessee the only other besides Texas,
| which could compete with her, is disabled y her
present political difficulties from giving her atten.
ton to such subjects Every consideration then OF
interest and of patriotism combines to urge US to
some speedy action. If we 60 to work at once, we
h,,<l If
sheep and quadruple the product of wool. By the
use Of the winter oat, which has been recently St
generally introduced the wintering of sheep has
become matter of no difficulty or expense There
is wide marke: and the best price for all we car
produce, and by beginning in time we may get pos
session Of the market to be able hereafter tc
make this single business source of vast wealth
to the State; or if not, we shall, besides the i'm
mense immediate advantage, have the honor of lead
the whole country.
Then let our Convention pass law imposing
tax of dollar for the first dog, and FIVE for each
additional one to family. And let it be made thu
duty of some existing officer in each county TO pu
the law into immediate execution. And let it b.
made lawful for any to kill dog found at larg
without his owner. This will accomplish the who'll
business at one blow. NIL NEMlNI.
Nix. EDIroR: desire through your paper to &C
knowledge with gatefu heart, the receipt of man,
: valuable and timely donations to my company, 70
the last few weeks by the friends of the same con
sisting of blankets, quilts, ticks, undergarments
socks, gloves, &C. regret that it is out OF my pow
er to give the name Of each donor. but write iron
home, where have been confined for several week
with an attack of fever, and have only been inform,
ed of the abundant supply. know it will be graft
flying to those who have been laboring so ncessant
ly for some time past for our comfort to know tina
we are now we'll supplied with such things as vii
make US comfortable through the chilling winds an
rains of winter, which is now upon us. Please &C
cept, ladies and gentlemen, our warnest acknowl
edgements for this expression Of your regard, ant
sympathy for US, and VIC will promise you that
recollection of these acts Of kindness your part
shall nerve in this contest for freedom fron
oppression. Backed by such demonstrations Of sell
denial and patriotism, We feel prepared to endur
ahytnng but oppression-that We never will, n
neeer Long live those patriotic spirits to homo
our young Confederacy.
1ou Will please also to notice in YOUR paper tn