Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1885-07-09
For the Yorkville Enquirer.
THE OBJECT OF A FARMERS CLUB.

Article End of the constitution of the "Far-
mers' Club of Bethel Township" reads as
follows: "The chief object Of the Club shall
be to advance the interest and improve the
minds of farmers and induce them to work
out the most profitable, practical and acces-
sible plan of intensive farming"
The object of the Club, as thus set forth
by this article of the constitution, expresses
the purpose of the organization; expresses
the purpose for which the members meet
once month to confer with and consult
each other about; but it would more clearly
and forcibly declare the special purpose and
design of Organization, to transform or re-
construct the language embraced, and al
low the article to read in this light: "The
chief object of the club shall be to induce
farmers to work out the most profitable,
practicable and accessible plan of intensive
farming, thereby improving the mind and
advancing their interest" This is the spe-
cial object of the Club to induce farmers to
experiment, to leave the old ruts of farming
in search of new and better roads to success
full farming. We recognize the danger Of
mire or failure in adopting new and untried
theories in the intensive system of farming,
without experience and practical knowl-
edge; hence the necessity and help of the
organization. In presenting the purpose of
the club in the last light, we do not mean
that the minds of farmers should not be
improved and developed on other subjects
than farming, or that their interest does
not extend beyond the cultivated fields;
but that this club has special work in view,
and that work is the gathering Of practical
knowledge Of improved and profitable a agrrl, sro
culture. This is worthy purpose, ana the
necessity of such work no thoughtful far
mer will question.
For the organization to accomplish this
noble aim the cause and conditions must
arouse the latent energies and talents of
men, and put them in action. Being or
gan; zed, and conversing on such topics as
come before the Club, will in some degree
have this effect; but to engender the spirit
of rivalry we have adopted the premium
plan or system which by nature Of the char
acter and disposition of men, will enlist the
whole powers of mind and muscle to excel.
Premiums are awarded, regardless of cost
or profit in the crop raised, the object at
present being to induce the exploration of
regions yet untried in the science and art of
farming.
At some future day, to further induce i'm.
provement, we may award degrees; but
will not base the degree on the fee to be
paid, or the form to be gone through with,
can't has gathered about intensive farming,
and the knowledge to be based on work
actually accomplished.
Farmers need education. I will not at
tempt to argue that it requires as much prep
aration in the different institutions OF learn
ing to become successful farmer, as it does
to become successful practitioner of some
profession; but I do claim that there is
as much room for the logical reasoning
and profound thinking of a thoroughly cul-
tivated and we'll developed mind in the
practice of the intensive system of farming
as there is in the practice of law, physics
or any other profession.
Organizations of any kind that have Wor-
thy objects or aims in view, are stimulant
to general education, as we'll as they are ed
ucators. We know of no better method to
induce man to educate his children than
make him feel by experience the need of
an education himself Words and argu-
ments, however strong and forcibly present
ed, often prove but passing sound. But
bring uneducated men in contact with each
other to transact business where education
and mental culture is absolutely necessary,
and you will make them feel the need of an
education in such a way they never felt be-
fore. The business of organized bodies
serves this purpose, and for this reason and
for social benefits should be kept up in all
communities. z. D. THOMPSON.
Charles McKissick hanged himself on a
tree near his dwelling, in Union county, on
Thursday last. No cause for the deed is as
cioypa6