New-York tribune., 1874-03-07

AN EXPERIMENT IN SOCIOLOGY.-It is interesting
10 place record the success of recent experiment
of what may be called practical sociology, as illus
trated in the experience of an association of Friends
formed in Baltimore shortly after the close of the
war for the purpose Of advising and assisting i'm
poyorished Friends in the Southern States. The
immediate object was to afford physical relief,
but as the continuance of physical want only be
prevented by removing the cause the association
wisely connected with their benefcence a system of
mental. moral and religious education. Their par
tcular field of operations in the rural districts
of western North Carolina. In 1867 the association
purchased farm of 200 acres, at Springfield be-
tween Randolph and Guilford Counties, on which
they placed as their superintendent an experienced
and enterprisng farmer and furnished him the
means of teaching improved agriculture. by exem-
pfying its processes and bringing within the reach
of the farmers Of that region the necessary facilities
FOL entering upon career OF Improvement
The results Of this practically benevolent enter
prise have equaed the most sanguine expectations
of the Association. During the Winter following
the purchase OF the farm many farmers clubs were
organized, nearly 400 SUBSCRIBERS TO various agTlcu-
tural papers were obtained, and about two tons OF
clover seed were distributed at cost. In 167l the
Superintendent reported that "the eaven is extend
ing from the central farm into very remote regions"
Among the evidences of this are noted the greatly
increased demand for clover seed. While, formerly,
throughout that region the want % pasture and hay
was an insuperable obstacle III the way of keeping
stock to any extent IN 1871 ten Thousand acres had
been successfully seeded with clover Quantities of
the best Peruvian guano had also been introduced
A second proof of advancement was found in the
demand for improved agricultural implements aud
cit was observed that into whatever neghborhood
one of these machines goes ii Immediately becomes
a silent orator that successfully pleads for the re-
moval of stumps the filling Of hOllows and the un-
derdraining of wet fields" An excellent assortment
of OrOughbred stock is kept on the farm and has
served TO improve the stock of the neighborhood.
bOne-nill has been erected, driven by the water
power furnished by a small stream running through
the farm and is believed 10 be the first ever built
in North Carolina. The Superintendent tnds The
soil, when properly fertlZed with leaves ana other
handy material, 10 be well adapted 10 iruit grow
ing a. NJ Is to grazing
In 1877 the association reported that their agrlcu
tura enterprise bad continued TO be favored with
growing snocess. Superintendent of Education
has been ADDED, rs a companion 10 the Superintend-
ent Of Agriculture, and he is frequently invited 10
deliver public addresses in every portion of the
state. The educational enterprise has resulted in
.he establishment Of general and permanent schools
m II Adjacent counties G00J children have received
Instruction since 1866 the influence of the ope-
-ations Of the association be seen for 80 miles
around and 1900 acres are reported sOwn with
,loyer. The effect of these efforts in staying the
Ide OF emigration to the West s very apparent aud
Gas already saved fo NORTH Carolina hundreds OF hor
sest citizGus-