Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-03-18
From the Southern Cultivator.
Plantiag--Farming--PlOWins and
PlOWS.

PlantiRg--Farming.-PlOWing and
Pl0Ws.
EDITORS SOUTHERN CULTIvAToR The
agricultural interest of the South is so
much unhinged by the emancipation OF
the slaves, it will take some years for il
to settle down to re. lar system again.
But whilst this uncertainty lasts, must
this great interest of the South continue
to decay? We say not. Let US resort
to what seems to be our only chance, and
that is, to abandon the large planting
system, and adopt farming. The expe-
rience of the last two years, has shown
conclusively that Cotton and Rice plant
ing have been ruinous undertakings to
:hose planters. Why then, persist in it,
when We see that the negroes as laborers
are still unsettled and unreliable, aud the
chances OF making crops with them are
no brighter? 1t seems, under the circum-
stances, but the part Of wisdom to aban-
don the large planting system, and adopt
the farming one. Let US now discuss the
policy Of so doing. Which is best, to
make large cotton crops. no provisions,
and have to take the proceeds of the cot
ton crop to buy provisions with, snd pay
your laborers and other expenses. leaving
YOU no income, but in debt; or to cult
vate farm, raising your provisions,
stock and otser necessarieS, and planting
only sufiiciency of cotton to defray farm
and household expenses? Let US go
further, and say, that no money is cleared
even by farming, but expenses paid by
the cotton crop, and the difference in IA
vor of farming will be at least this: you
have raised your provisions, and are
gamer that much-having made your
supplies-when, by large cotton crops
you have no provisions, and have to bor-
row money to procure food and necessa.
res to carry on the plantation another
year. 1t is very clear, under the most
simple reasoning, that the farm system
possesses all the advantages over the plant
ing. Again, the laborers are few, in CON-
parison with planting, less liable to de-
noralization, and easier managed. The
contrast is striking, if we but compare
the situation of the farmers of upper
Georgia with the planters of lower Geor.
gia. Admit that all are penniless, but
the farmers in the up.countries have an
abundance of provisions, stock of all
kinds around them, and they are living
in apparent comfort and ease; whilst with
the planters, provisions are scarce, stock
scarce, and the plantations show signs of
neglect and decay. Let us take another
view of this subject. Who does the cot
ton that is made, benefit? 1t does not
benefit the planter, the freedman or the
South; for the cotton goes North to the
manufacturer, and he reaps the benefits
from the fabrics made out Of it; and the
proceeds from the cotton by first sales,
goes to the Northwestern farmer, for his
corn and meat, furnished to make it, and
the balance to the merchants, in the way
of commissions and supplies furnished.
We see, therefore, that the producer
makes nothing for himself; but is enrich
ing the very men who robbed him of his
laborers, and placed him in this dreadful
and impoverished situation. If my rea-
soning is correct, the remedy should sug-
gest itself to our planters. And before
concluding, will make q few remarks
to nv brother farmers of Northern Geor-
gia. We possess fine country for agri-
cultural purposes-having rich soil,
capable of producing variety Of crops,
such as grow in Northern climates, as
we'll as the more Southern, and az pure
bracing climate as man need work in.
What we need, is, to improve our sys-
tenn Of agriculture and keep up with the
latest Improvements. Procure good plows
and use them to advantage, learn how the
soil should be properly managed and pre-
pared for culture, so as to double its
present production; procure labor saving
implements, and what is undertaken have
well done, with an eye to improvement
and profit, and you will soon see there is
10 section Of country to surpass it in ag.
ricultural advantages-one where people
can live more comfortably, more bounti-
fully and more independently. All we
need is to study our interest, and do away
with old exploded ideas of farming, and
relying on bull tongues and scooters, and
scratching and half blowing. Lay that
system aside, and procure such plows as
are made by Mr.. 7. E. c. Brinly, of
Louisville, KY, and you will soon find
ont the Importance of them. There is
no manufacturer in the United States that
makes as cheap and as fine plow as
Brinly-one that can break the land as
thoroughly, with as o light draft to the
animal. All our country needs, is thorough
blowing, with such plows, proper manu-
ling and good management. and we can
live as comfortably, and as independently
os any farmers elsewhere, without plant
;no q seed of cotton; but if cotton is de.
sired. sir we can raise it here as plentifully
to the acre or@hand, as in most of the
cotton Co countries. advise all, however,
to abandon cotton, and let New England
in import it from the colonies of Old Eng