The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1888-11-20
FARMERS IN COUNCIL.
Important Matters Discussed.

important Matters Discussed.
EDITOR FARMER:-A meeting of
Alliance men was held in Raleigh, at
the instance of the County Alliance,
On the 9th inst, for the purpose of
discussing matters pertaining to home
management, and to encourage reforms
in the system as practiced by our
farmers. A. G. Green, President of
the County Alliance, Chairman, with
R. Jas. Powell, Secretary.
The programme, as set apart by the
committee, was as nearly carried out
as possible. The absence of some of
the speakers selected, for the occasion
is regretted.
Four subjects were discussed, to-
wit: "Diversifed Farming" by Col.
L. L. Polk; ."Grapes for the Table
and Market" by S. Ohio Wilson;
"Tobacco from the Plant-bed to the
Warehouse by j j. Rogers; and
Improving Worn Lands" by R. JAS
Powell. ...
Col. Polk discussed practically and
most intelligently the great need of
diversity in crops, not only to the
great advantage and material wants of
the husband-man, but as intelligent
the advantages given US by a lavish
dispensation of Providence. Our soil
and climate are susceptible Of raising
twenty three out of the twenty seven
products necessary to the sustenance
of mankind; and acknowledging as
we do our belief in the wisdom of our
Creator, He made no mistake in fur
nishing the means for bountiful sup
port of His creatures.
He presented three general propo-
sitions, which he said if practically
and logically considered, would con
demn the one crop system:
l. 1t is in contravention of the laws
and demands of Nature, as presented
in our wonderful variety of soil and
climate.
2. 1t is condemned by all agricul-
tural history.
8. 1t is most emphatically con-
demned by the experience of the
Planters OIL Cn0 OOuCn.
On these propositions Col. Polk gave
some impressive and startling facts
and figures, and deduced conclusions,
which will assuredly be substantiated
to the sorrow and ruin of the agricul-
turists of the South, if we do not
change our system. That lecture
should be repeated and studied in
every Alliance and in every farmers
home in the South.
Mr.. Wilson is horticulturist, and
was quite felicitous in the handling of
his subject, in which he impaired a
great deal of practical information,
embracing the propagation, training
and general management of the vine
yard. He urged the general cultiva-
tlon of grapes as a healthful luxury
for the farmers family, and as very
valuable monied crop.
Mr.. Rogers is practical farmer.
and has the happy faculty of impart-
ing his experience in handling tobacco
or any other farm subject. The cul-
ture and handling of tobacco is learned
in the field; experience alone makes
the raising of tobacco profitable. The
burning of plant beds are intended to
kill out the wild vegetable growth in
the soil, rather than as a fertilizer,
that the young plants may not be
smothered down by the wild growth,
and with well-prepared hill you need
not wait for "season " to transplant
your crop, if proper care be had in
pressing the soil to the roots of the
young plant. Awell drained mulatto |
subsoil, with an overabundance of
patience and perseverance, are hides
pensable to the success of tobacco cul- |
ture. Small crops and big profits
large crops and no profits should not |
be forgotten in planting tobacco
;rop-good tobacco pays we'll but re-
1ui1es the most careful and constant |
attention. He advises the cultivation |
Of tobacco only, as a surplus crop.
Mr.. Powell tells us that clean cul-
;ured crops year after year, with the
use of concentrated fertilizers alone,
sxhausts the humus in our soils and
the lands. Thorough |
of the soil-judicious |
neutrality-suspicious. of crops and rest
ng are required to restore the fertil-