The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1872-05-01
Letter from Milway-0ol. Aiken's Ad
dress-Farming Prospects

Editor Abbeville Press and Banner:
DEAR S1R-A goodly number Of the
citizens of Bradley's mill and vicinity
met at the mill, Saturday, the 10th inst.
to consult upon, and be advised, with
reference to our agricultural interests
Col. D. Wyatt Aiken was on hand aud
addressed the meeting for more than an
hour, in his usual free and decided
manner. The Colonel is good speaker,
we'll informed and very instructive. 1t
is not my intention to give you even a
synopsis of his remarks; but shall be
satisfied with a few outlines, and hope
you and your numerous readers may
soon be permitted to hear him for your
selves. He pointed out, in clear and
undeniable manner, some Of the evils of
our present system of farming, and in.
sisted on q change in order to be success
full. We must plant less corn and cot
ton and sow more wheat, oats. barley,
clover and the grasses-raise sheep and
stock of all kinds; study our lands and
plant judiciously; plant our bottoms and
low-grounds in corn; sow down our up
lands that will do to sow, and plant bal
ance in cotton. He said we needed o
more intelligent system of farming
The old adage "any fool can make far
mer" has played out. We must read
more, and get better posted by taking
agricultural papers and books; get new
ideas-did not believe in praoticing all
we read, but we must read and think.
The Colonel dwelt at some length upon
the lamentable condition Of our country
in an educational point. The youths OF
both sexes, in great degree, were being
raised up in ignorance, and we should
see to it that we receive our pro rata OF
the school fund.
He said his mission was, therefore :
First, to instruct them, If he could, in
farming secondly to form Oranges and
thirdly, to secure subscribers to the Ru-
raj Carok,,ian. He described the work
ings and advantages of the Grange
said it was intended TO bring about con-
cert of action, and to guard against spec.
ulators. BY means Of such all organiza'
ton, the farmer could got his provisions
and supplies from first hands: He
formed a "Grange" that afternoon
some Of the principal men in the neigh,
borhood going into the same. He has
formed one at Cokesburry, one at Due
West, one at Lowndesvile, one at Cal
houn's Mills. The Colonel Is a good
worker and man in whom our people
have confidence; they know he is true
and tried, and has now, as he always
has had, the interest of his countryman
at heart.
Colonel Aiken has made an appoint
ment for Millway (Chiles' x Roads)
on Wednesday, the 18th of May, at 10
o'clock, when he wants to meet men and
ladies and address them upon the sub
ject. There can nothing be lost by hear.
ing, and it is hoped he will have u good
crowd. Our farmers are busy planting
cotton, when not too wet. Corn stands
are good, and the corn is looking re-
markably we'll. Twenty days ago Sc
rious apprehensions were entertained
with regard to the wheat crop, but the
nice warm weather we have been having
has greatly improved it, and now 1t
gives promise of an abundant harvest
The oat crop is also looking fine, and
there has been m unusual amount sown
this season. Our farmers are backward
in their farming operations, caused from
the cold, wet spring, but the freedmen
are working well, and if they have no
disturbance, will soon regain their lost
ground. Yours truly,
"HARD LABOR"