The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1878-01-24

d. opuISuI anu pIo>ItIouS =
respectable and beneficial. Has the
tide of migration flowed every
where else except in the South, en-
riching the energetic communities
of the Northwest, leaving us envel-
oped in cloud of misrepresentation
prejudice and SANDER, while at the
same time we could offer % the i'm
migrant advantages, benefits and re-
wards such as could be reaped from
the hills and prairies of no other
State whatsoever? This department
has resolutely set itself, to inform
the outside world what North Car
Dina offers to their money and
their industry, what she IS prepar-
ed to do for the comfort and en-
richment Of the immigrant, and
what substantial interest can be
worked out of capital, judiciously
invested in her borders. Has the
cause Of Manufacturing langulshed
in our midst, with the usual steam
facilities and the finest water-power
upon the face of the earth, while
our locks have been shOrn by
the ~enticements of Northern cap
italists, and our sister States
have grown powerful and hap
py in the hum of their spindles
and the roar of their complex ma
chinery. This department has
touched the dead body of our in
dustry with a skillful hand, facto-
rics are springing up as if by mag
ic, money is being freely invested,
improved machinery is being set in
motion, and a grand industrial ju-
bilee is just in advance of us. In
short, every beneficial result, in ev-
cry direction of material effort,
whether it concerns the improve
ment OF the farm. the mining inter
ests of the State, the sale and Gull
tivation of forest and fallow lands,
the conversion of raw production
into the splendid fabrics or the loom,
and even the introduction of new
staples. and the enhancement of the
economy Of living by increasing the
abundance of supply, is embraced
and appropriated by the Depart
ment of Agriculture, as a part Of its
legitimate business.
But are the people of the State
keeping step with the progress of
the commissioner? Col. Polk.
though moving with great sagacity
and caution, is nevertheless moving
swiftly, and no sluggard need ex-
pect to keep posted in the history
Of his efforts. A worker Of his
magnetic nervous temperament,
masters the details Of a far-reach-
ing plan very quickly, and strides
over the ground as if neither time
nor space formed any consideration
whatever. But what he needs, and
must have, is the intelligent SYM
pathy and cooperation of the peo-
pie. The registry Of 10000 acres
of land for sale, representing farm
lands, mines and water-powers, is
a wonderful exhibit for so short a
time. But every surplus acre in
the State, with a definite specimen
of its productions, should be re-
ported to the Agricultural Depart
ment. a museum filled with the
marbles, woods and ores, well as
specimen products, of sixty
ties In the commonwealth, is a sim
gular evidence Of industry and zeal.
Add to this a library of 500 vol
umes of agricultural literature and
statistics, owe sixty daily, weekly
and monthly newspapers, and a
correspondence radiating from Raj
eigh to every section of the country,
and we have a fair idea of the stu
pendous proportions of this great
enterprise. But still every county
from the sea-coast to the mountains
should contribute Of its SQUIRE
to the general store, and every citi-
zen should take stock In an institu-
ton of such a brilliant record and
| conspicuous importance.