The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1879-02-06

Vbf Tarm.
Extracts from the Report of
l.. L. Polk, Commissioner
of Agriculture, for 1877
and 1878.
(Concluded from last reek.)

A good class of immigration
is one of the great needs Of the
State, but, with u surround
ings, the process by which 1t is
to be secured must necessarily
be of slow and gradual develop
ment. But it were better for
the State, doubtless, hat it is so.
Apart from that reaction which,
through various influences,
would inevitably follow a sud
den and heavy influx OF a
heterogeneous population into
our State, is the fact that we do
not need or desire it. Ws DO
need and desire only that class
Whose industry and character wiU
giye the assurance that they uould
not clog, if they could not adoance
the general prosperity OF the State,
If we would retain our own
population, if we would induce
others to come into the State, we
must foster and encourage by all
means at our command the de-
velopment of those attractions
and advantages with which our
State is SO bountifully provided,
and ne must advertise them to the
world. The labors of this office
have been largely and assiduous
ly devoted to this object, and
while they have at least aroused
an enquiry and interest among
foreigners that has never before
existed, yet to accomplish much
in this direction your means
should be increased.
Maps and publications setting
forth the superior advantages
of our State should be indus
triously employed by Efficient,
competent agents, if we would
induce labor and capital into the
State. Other States recognize
and appreciate the value OF adj
vertising, through elaborate re-
ports, annual exhibitions, &C.,
even at great cost, and how
many Of our enterprising young
men have, through these agen-
cies, been induced to abandon
their homes-ignorant of the
attractions of their native State,
and Of the fact that even with
our imperfect systems the'aver-
age cash value per acre Of our
principal crops, exceeds that Of
the States Of South Carolina,
Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi,
Tennessee, Nebraska. Minnesota,
Iowa and Illinois? With it's
varied climate, almost continent
tai In its scope, with its great
variety of products, filling every
space in the United States cen
sus, with its population who, at
least have never dishonored
their own or their country's
name, the development, power
and grandeur Of her future, i.
limited only by the pride and
devotion OF her children.
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.
For an exhibit Of the receipts
and disbursements of the depart
ment, you are respectfully refer
red to the report of our efficient
and faithful Treasurer, Mr.. T.. j..
Robinson, herewith submitted.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD AND PAY
OF ITS MEMBERS.
Section 2 of the Act allows the
members of the Board except
the Governor, the Sta:e Geologlst
and the President of the Agri-
cultural College, the sum of
three dollars per diem for their
personal expenses while engaged
In the duties of the Board, not
exceeding fifteen days in the
year." These exceptions were,
doubtless, founded upon the as
sumption that the three officers
named would reside
in the City OF Raleigh, and
would incur no expense in atten
OH its meetlngs, but slice
the passage of the act, the Presi-
dent of the Agricultural College,
Hon. X. z. Battle, has removed
his residence TO Chapel Hill.