The Orangeburg democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1879-1881, 1880-06-25
Editorial Notes,

-etSei tNSASos
On Saturday afternoon last, invited
by DR.. Edward Cooke, President of
Claflin University and State Agricul-
tural College, we visited the farm
connected with the latter institution.
The College'buildings proper stand
on an imposing elevation opposite
tho railroad depot and the farm lies
Immediately in rear Of the buildings,
embracing between forty and fifty
acres Of cultivated lands We sup
pose twenty of these arc rented to
colored people and the balance be-
long to the College farm. It is rather
early in the season to make correct
estimate of the yield Of crop, but
we are disposed to put Dr.. Cookies
cotton at q bale per acre and his corn
at twenty bushels all round, The
thrifty condition OF both crops seems
to warrant these figures, especially if
the seasons suit. The corn is laid by
in excellent order and the cotton, iif-
teen or twenty acres, is green, grow
ing and regular in height. Indeed
we have seen few fields 80 uniform in
growth and promising rs this. DR..
Cooke has succeeded in n remarkable
manner IN adapting himself to the
Southern system of cultivating crops,
and, by his superior knowledge of
science, has been able to utilize the
fertilizihg material SO abundant about
every place and to make it On impor.
tant factor in successful agriculture.
NoNious weeds arc gathered from the
fence rows and ditch edges before the
seeds have attained sufficient growth
to germinatc, the swcepings of the
yard and slops from house and kitch-
en- are cared for end added TO the
compost heap and thus made 10 con-
tribute TO the well being of the farm.
Every aaisnal is kept in sheltered
stables, well Uttered with trash from
the forest and contributes largely to
the common saphy of farm fertilizers.
In this way a farm Of about forty
acres of corn, cotton, rice and pota-
toes has been manured with only
small outlay for guano and made to
promise most satisfactory crop OF
each. These manurcs are made with
reference TO tho special crop for which
they ane intended: Stable manure
and ashes for corn and barn yard
compost and gua,o for cotton-each
receiving I'm abundant supply.
Another commendable feature of
this College farm is the neat and tidy
manner in which the premises are
kept with view to the comfort as
we'll as convenience Of the place.
Ditches are we'll trimmed, buildings
remodelcd and made to suit special
purposes, yard scrupulously clean
aud 3 general air of neatness and
comfort pervades the whole. DR..
Cooke is fortunate in securing the
oversight Of so fine farmer as Mr..
James B. Kelly, who seems to devote
all his energies and time to his work
and is doubtless found an invaluable
help in the management Of the farm.
This experiment Of an agricultural
college, if continued under the same
judicious management, will prove
both q success and blessing to the
colored race. Our visit, though q
short ard hasty one, euabled US to
form a tolerably accurate opinion as
to the practicability Of an agricultu.
raj department in connection with the
education Of colored youths. Its com
plete success needs only. persistent
energy and timely encouragement.
Tea Farm.
Through the earnest efforts Of Con