The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1881-02-16
: PRICE 5 CENTS.
So. 90 PER- ANNUHE

Experiments could be tried with
muck, and compounds of muck and
ammonia, phosphates of lime, ETC.; and
if such experiments we're published,
this alone would save our State
thousands annually. We have, in
! our marshes and muck beds, an mex.
haustible supply of material which
only requires intelligent treatment,
and the addition of a few mineral
substances, to produce a manure
equal to the artificial fertilizers for
the purchase of which we annually
expend large sums.
There are annually sent out by
seedsmen q host of varieties OF vege-
tables, few superior, and many in
terior, to the old varieties. Cultiva.
tors of vegetables test them, and, in a
majority OF instances, to secure dis
appointment and loss. If an expert
mental garden existed, old and new
varieties could be tested side by side,
and definite results ascertained and
published for the benefit of growers.
Through the medium of properly
arranged system of exchange, and
even purchase, new fruits, grains,
grasses, and vegetables, could be an.
nually introduced and tested, and
valuable results attained. AT the
end OF each year phamphlet could
be published, giving definite and re-
liable information regarding the pro.
auctions OF the State as we'll as the
recent iutroductions-a pamphlet of
great value to our citizens, as we'll as
important as an aid to immigration.
much thatNhas been published regard
ing the predictions OF the State has
been BASED on theory, or the expert
ence OF individuals, aud does not carry
with it the same weight rs would be
attached to an oficiall snahl ieati az, !.
+ + + 4. &c you tie large
} sum that we annually expend for
} sugar, when we have the climate and
soil par erceIle7ace for it's culture.
/ Since l849 the mines of the United
States and territories produced of
the precious metals over seventeen
hundred millions of dollars; and dur
ing the same period, we paid over
eighteen hundred millions OF dollars
for imported sugars and allied pro-
ducts. An immense amount of sugar
is grown IN Louisiana, and yet the
season in that State is TOO short for
its successful culture. AS far as nv
knowledge extends, we have but two
varieties of cane in this State, and
would it not be we'll to import and
test other varieties ? To encourage
this important culture, more especi-
ally in the southern portion of the
State, authentic facts and figures
should be published and widely cir.
culated.
Experiments have established the
fact, that banana culture is more sue.
cesstul and profitable in a certain
section of this State than it is in the
West indies. Until recently we i'm
ported our pine-apples from abroad,
yet to-day pines of superior quality
are being produced in the up-river
counties and on Indian river. An
enterprising gentleman has intro
duced into this State a variety of
pineapple that will stand fifteen de.
grees of frost, and we have reason to
believe that the day is not far distant
when even Duval county will grow
pine-apples. If we had an expert.
mental garden, this particular variety
of pine could be introduced, propa-
gated and disseminated.
What applies to the few articles
mentioned will apply to all tropical
and semi-tropical productions, and
we maintain hat it is the duty of the
State to foster and encourage the in
PRODUCTION, cultivation and dissemina.
tion OF anything that is calculated to
advance the genealogical, horticultu.
raj and agricultural resources of the
State. 1t is costly improvidence
to pay other nations and States for
staples and productions which we can
produce and manufacture cheaper
than they can be imported. A diver
sity OF employments, and all indus
trial independence upon other States
and countries, will most effectually
promote the welfare OF our own
people.
Almost every article that is written