The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1879-01-30

interest and almost uuIHei>"i
favor among our people, and
that it has SO far demonstrated
its possible usefulness, that It Is
already regarded as one 81 the
permanent Institutions OF the
State. Indeed, no act perhaps
in our legislative history has
been more strongly and unlver-
sally approved BY the Press and
al CLASSES OF cur people-a
strength and support, which,
when the Act is considered III
all It's relations, is "a remarkable
as it is encouraging.
The first and most urgent ne
cessity presenting itself, on as
suming the duties of my office.
was for some ready medium Of
communication with the peo-
pie. and especially the farmers.
After considerable difficulty ]
CO npleted a list OF one hundred
and seventv-one special CORES
pondents. On this list every
county and almost every town,
ship in the State IS represented.
From these | obtain reports on
the condition of crops, statistics
and such other information as is
essential to the prosecution Of
my work; and through them !
am enabled TO make expert
ments, distribute seeds and such
publications. as are issued from
this Office. Their generous aid.
a ways courteously rendered, is
indispensable, since through
them I am enabled to procure
! such local information as could
in no other way be obtained.
/ also sought and established
correspondence with Depart
ments and other State organiza-
> tons. in all the States where
such exist.
\ proper and intelligent con
prehenslon OF wants and
necessities in all our varied in
terests, especially under our
changed reiatio:.s, could in no
way be so forcibly and readily
: brought TO the attention of our
people, as by facts and figures
setting forth our true condition.
To arouse a spirit of investi-
cation among our farmers, to
r stimulate a more active eNer-
ton for improving their condi-
ton, and to elevateand strength
| Ell their State pride, nothing
/, could be more effective than a
knowledge OF their own re
sources, and of the vast and
varied capabilities of Interstate.
> Impressed with this view | have
, directed my efforts chiefly to
the organization Of such plans
, as might best promote this end.
j. Reports compiled from returns
made by special correspondents,
+ showing the condition OF various
{ crops for the several counties.
f were distributed from this Office
| for the months of May, June.
! July, August and September Of
the year 1877, and for the same
| months of last year. Besides
the discussion of new crops, the
: publication Of laws relating to
game, fish and fences, and re
I view Of the general condition OF
crops, notes from correspondents
on various topics, prices of farm
e products III six of our principal
y markets; there appeared in al,
most all these publications val
liable contributions from DR.
Iedoux, on subjects coming
within the province Of his off
g clal supervision.
During the winter of 1S77-'7S.
| issued blanks to ascertain the
. general condition of our agricul
tural interests, which was pub
: lished l also issued blanks fol
t procuring statistics and facts in
relation to our industries and re-
sources, which were compiled
and published for correction, and
/ which will appear in the hand
) book required by the law and
now IN press. Quarterly Re.
ports OF the operations of the
onarImnn hnNn boon cnhnnit