Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1886-12-01
may be necessary to maintain the efficiency
of the College and promote its develop

may be necessary to maintain the efficiency
of the College and promote its develop
ment."
On the subject of the proposed agricultu-
raj college, the Governor says: "During the
past year much discussion has prevailed in
the State on the generally Improbable
method of agriculture pursued by our peo-
pie, and the consequent lack of prosperity
that is becoming painfully evident in all
branches of business. A strong sentiment
has thereby been developed in favor of the
establishment of an educational institution,
devoted exclusively to the promotion of ag-
rculture. The sentiment will probably
force itself upon your deliberations in the
form of demand for the founding of such
an institution. The great preponderance of
agriculture over all other pursuits of our
people makes such demand entirely rea-
sonable. The sharp competition and great
advance in all forms of productive industry
all over the world, and especially upon this
continent, renders 4 compliance with 1t
matter of necessity. The vast increase in
the facilities for international commercial
intercourse, in the multiplicity of practical
mechanical inventions, in the adaptation of
scientific discoveries, and, in general, the
exigencies of modern social life Imperative
ly demand that the forces of education
nical channels. One of the conditions OF
success imposed by the spirit of the age is
that young man must begin any pursuit
with fair knowledge of what the world
has already gained concerning it. Starting
with this, and depending upon the small
annual increments of knowledge gained
by his own experience, he cannot hope to
keep abreast of the current of progress and
prosperity moving around him.
"Whether the resources of the State will
bear the expense of establishing and sup
porting an agricultural institution at this
time, is a question to be decided by you who
are the immediate representatives OF the
people. Such an institution should round
out the circle of our educational facilities
without disturbing the status of what has
been already established. To meet the
wants of by far the larger part OF those who
are to be benefited, the course of instruc-
tion should be directed to practical farm
work upon the best models and, at the same
time, afford a good academic training in
science and English branches. The provis-
ion already made in the South Carolina Col.
lege should be fully developed so as to af-
ford ample facilities for high scientific at
tainments to the few whose means or men
tai abilities may enable them to purse a
higher course"
OF the agricultural department Of the
State, the message says: "The department
of agriculture is charged generally with the
promotion and advancement of the agrlcul-
tural interests of the State, and especially
with the protection OF the interests OF the
State in the phosphate territory; the propaa-
cation and distribution of fish; the analysis
of fertilizers, to the end that frauds may be
prevented, and with the collection of agrl-
cultural statistics.
"The annual report of the commissioner,
including the reports of the subordinate OF,
ficials connected with the department, will
be laid before you. It contains full state
ments regarding the work ofthe department
for the year 1886.
The seasons during the year have not
been favorable throughout the State, and
the abundant harvest for which the people
so industriously struggled has not been re-
allied. In addition to the loss sustained on
account of the seasons and the low price OF
cotton, much property was destroyed by
high water. These considerations following
two years of short crops. should impress
upon the farmers and all the people of the
State the Importance of the strictest econo-
my in the conduct of their affairs.
"Nothing has occurred to disturb the con-
dition of farm labor. The relations between
landlord and tenant are harmonious and
pleasant, and all seem to be working for the
advancement of the agricultural interests OF
the State. The same conditions exist in
our manufacturing institutions.
"Upon these facts, considering the strikes
and strife, the discord and destruction of
property, that have been experienced else
where, our State should be congratulated !;
and these facts demonstrate the justice and
the wisdom of legislative vigilance in the
,yoffar of ba ralofiopo hofu,oon nlovor
and employee. The statistics collected by
the department show large decrease in
the amount of supplies purchased by the
farmers within the past few years. In 1882
it was estimated that about S9,000,000 had
been advanced on the growing crops last
year such advances only amounted to about
So, ,OOO, 900. Such reduction, occurring in
the years when the yield of the crops was
below an average, indicates progress among
our people in the management of their af-
fairs.
"The analytical work of the department
consists chiefly of the analysis of fertilizers,
ters, &C., &C.. has engaged part of the time
and attention of the chemist.
"The value of the fertilizers used annual
ly in the State is about $3,000,0OO. It is of
the utmost Importance, therefore, that the
strictest supervision should be exercised,
so that the sale of fraudulent fertilizers
shall be prevented. This important work
the department has endeavored to perform.
Difficulties are involved in the adoption of
effective regulations, but the commissioner
reports that the number of brands found de-
fcient in essential ingredients is rapidly
decreasing, with a corresponding increase
in the chemical value of the fertilizers.
1.-THE department has a thoroughly equip
ped laboratory, under the. charge of faith
full and efficient chemist, and is prepared to
make analyses of any character.
Recently the services of botanist and
veterinary surgeon have been secured. The
botanist has examined number Of speci-
mems of grasses and plants.
''The veterinary surgeon has visited va
rious sections of the State to investigate con-
tagious diseases among farm stock. These
officers will continue their respective duties
under the direction of the board, and will
publish monthly articles of interest to the
farmers of the State.
"The State weather service, recently in
augurated, has been of great benefit in other
sections, and will be valuable here. Care
full study of, and familiarity with the sys-
tenn of weather predictions will be interest
ing and profitable to all who are engaged
in farming or in stock raising"
The report of the board of directors of the
penitentiary, including the reports of the
Superintendent and subordinate officers of
the prison, is reviewed by the Governor.
From these reports it appears that at "the
beginning of the last fiscal year there were
945 prisoners confined in the Penitentiary,
of whom S65 were cOlOred and 80 white.