Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-03-25
agricultural department.
GOrigillill.]
THE PROSPECTS.

THE PROSPECTS.
1t will be admitted by, perhaps, every far
mer in South Carolina, that the agricultural
condition of the State is not as favorable as
is desirable. There is a disparity between
the natural capability of the soil and the ac-
tual condition of the people. Nature has
done great deal for that portion of the globe
which we call the Southern States. The eli
mate is mild and the soil is admirably adapt
ed to the production Of we may say, all the
absolute necessities of life. Notwithstanding
this fact, the South is behind, in agriculture,
other sections less favorably situated. 1t
would be interesting, had we time, to inquire
into the cause or causes of this state of things.
This we do not propose to do. The future is
before US, and we may contemplate with profit
the prospects.
Some day, not far distant, if war, with its
desolating results, does not visit the South, it
will be one of the first farming countries in
the world. This is especially true of South
Carolina. Multtudes have learned by actual
experience that, all things considered, farm
ing is more remunerative in South Carolina
than in any other State in the Union Of
the vast number of those who have left the
State, there are but few who would not come
back if they were able, and could do so with
out looking ashamed. They are like the
Irishman was who said when asked if he did
not desire to 60 back to Ireland-"No, | do
not, because am poorer than when | left
Ireland" Others who have been observant
of this have become better satisfied. In fact,
there is less disposition to-day to emigrate
than has been at any previous period i'll the
history of the State. This is ominous of good.
If every farmer in the State of South Carroll
ma would determine to spend his days in the
State, the condition of things, ten years hence,
would be very different from what it is now.
Farms would be improved, and farmers would
live more comfortable. The price of land
would advance, and more settlers would come
into the State.
There is another favorable symptom. Far
mers are beginning to study their calling.
They do more thinking than they used to do.
The implements of agriculture are better, and
work animals are better. There are more
improved plows in York county to-day than
we're in any three counties in the whole State
before the war. AS result Of this improve
ment in plows, better blowing is done, and
larger crops are made to the same quantity
| kol &c 70
that farmers are generally determined to
make their supplies at home, and all the cot
ton they can besides. From present pros
poets the day is not far distant when farmer
will be ashamed to buy corn in ordinary sea-
sons In respect to producing home supplies,
farmers have the theory clearly in their minds
and are commencing to practice it.
Every year the people are becoming more
fully acquainted with the new state of
things which has been brought about by the
abolition of slavery in the South. So soon
as both white man and negro accept the con-
dition of things, the better it will be for the
whole country. We are nearer this point to-
day than ever before. Multitudes of white
men have learned the fact that the negro is
free, who did not know it three years ago
and the colored people of the South have gen.
erally learned that freedom without work
will not put clothes on their back or bread
in their mouths. They have much yet to
learn, which we may as we'll hope they will
learn, as to ignorantly say they will not.
The prospects to-day, in another particular,
are more favorable than they we're this time
last year. There is more corn in South Car
olina now than was, at the same time of the
year, at any time since the war. 1t is true
that money is scarce, but if farmers have
plenty of corn, they can get along on very
little money. There will be fewer liens given
in 1875 than there were in 1874. There is a
greater acreage sown in small grain than
usual. Some men who, heretofore, sowed nc
wheat or oats, have, this spring, large fields
of both.
Last, but by no means least of those things
which promise we'll for the future, is the fact
that farmers are more energetic than former
ly. The want of energy we'll directed has
been the cause of all the failures in farming
in the State for several years. The old mel
not being able to adapt themselves to the new
state of things became discouraged, and thu
Young men we're idle and wasteful. Thing
have changed, or at least are beginning tt
change in this respect. Many of the old mer
at the time the war closed have died, and the
young men are beginning to take their places
This fact, more than anything else, brighten:
the prospects for the future. Each year it
effects are more clearly seen. If every farmer
will content himself to live at home, and at
: tend to his business closely, we predict pros
porous future for South Carolina.
) CUTTING POTATOES FOR PLANTING.
Oflate years certain class of farmers have
tried hard to show that cutting potatoes useo
for planting is disastrous innovation upor
the old practice Of planting whole tubers
From time to time essays have appeared upor
the subject to show that this dividing the
tubers was the cause not only of the "potatC
rot" but of the degeneration of many old anc
long cultivated varieties. But, strange as il
may appear, our most successful and scientific
cultivators carry this practice of cutting uE
the tubers for planting to the fullest extent
The result of the system when continued fol
several years, instead of being degeneration,
as is so frequently claimed, is we are assured
bya a gentlemen who has probably had as much
to do with new sorts during the past ffteer
years. as any other man, constant improve