The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1891-10-06

| VI SOO~d OCNAOJ CNAAu l. several llST9 nN0r
of particular interest to our locaIitU y
Thousands of letters in the archiyoo
of the Seed Division from farmers
market gardeners, horticulturists and
citizens. bear voluntary testimony to
the good qualities of the seeds die,
tributed, not a few extolIing them 90
superior to varieties pr~ocurable from
seedsmen.
The writer of this bears willing test.
mOny to the good results of the distri-
button of such WheatS as BOughtOn
Dallas, Martins Amber, Fultz, Fulcas,
ter and Extra Early Oakley, all Of
which, from time to time, as they We're
tested, proved greatly superior to older
varieties. And so palpable was this
superiority in yield and quality, that
his crops of the above for years were
sold for seed at prices ranging from 10
to SO cents per bushel profit. The Fultz
paid a profit Of over $4O0 in one year
I'VE older varieties grown the same
year.
The evidences of the utility and bene-
fits resulting from the national seed
distribution might be extended many
pages, but the above is overwhelming
testimony in favor of it's retention, and
utterly cOnfutes the dogmatic declara-
tions and assumptions of Messrs. Mas
sey, Greiner ct id Omner genus.
"Why waste public funds in sending
out such seeds as the Department is
distributing?" says Mr.. Massey. We
reply, that all enlightened, progressive
nations feel it incumbent upon the
body polite to encourage and improve
the foundation industries of the people
in the raising Of food supplies; and to
offOO%11ol1 Tr o0OOoooJ1CL 4I1I4Io Nlr~or,
ments, State and National, set about to
educate the people both by precept and
example, through theoretical and OBJ
ject teaching, and the latter mode is as
| effectual as the first, for a farmer learns
more Of the good qualities of a field or
garden seed after trial than from any
written opinion thereof by the best of
cultivatOrs. Moreover, new varieties.
superior to the old and more profitable
to cultivate, have been introduced and
extended by the Seed Division.
REASONING ANALOGICALLY.
The government has Just as much
right to appropriate funds for the pur-
| chase and distribution of new and i'm
proved seeds, as to appropriate money.
which is being so literally done, to run
agricultural schools and experiment
stations, where the youth of the
try may receive instruction in the best
methods in every department of farm
and horticultural work and learn to
conduct extensive experiments scien-
tifically and practically, that may
benefit the entire rural industries.
There is just as much authority and
utility in eXpending money to dis
tribute free new and improved seeds
and plants, as for paying teachers like
Prof, Massey to teach State students
free, in instructions partially endowed
by the General Government. It is as
true that the seeds sent out may not
always be the best procurable, as the
teachers employed may not always be
the most competent to be found, but
both government seeds and the Pro
fessOr of Horticulture in the N. @. Agri-
cultural College + doing good work,
each in their line, and the distribution
Of the one is as legitimate as the en-
plOyment Of the other.
1t seems that a little reflection on
this aspect of the question ought to
silence all beneiciaries of public Estate
or NationaD patronage, who are dis
posed to declaim against the public
expenditure of money to benefit the
industries of the people, when such ex-
penditures are made through avenues
outside of their sphereO OF manipulation.
There may be good country grist that
passes not through their millS(0
Prof. Massey writes many things we
endorse, and the seed question is not
the only one about which we differ
radically. We honestly believe the
Professor is just as far wrong in his
advice to the farmers of Middle Vir-
ginia and North Carolina, wherein he
advices against grassing the rolling
lands in these States, as he is on the
seed distribution. AS regards the first,
we unhesitatingly affirm, after forty
years experience, and noting the prdc-
tice and results Of oar best farmers and
their management, that terracing and
grassing our rolling hill sides is the
sheet anchor Of correct farm manage
ment for us in Middle Virginia and
North Carolina.
This error here named is mentioned
in no captious spirit, but to remind
Prof. Massey he has not yet graduated
or In possession of all there is to learn
of farm property, and that public
teachers will be criticised when they
teach or attempt to teach error. We
fOrbear to write more on this branch
Of u subject now, except to say that
the opinion of some farmers outside OF
our agricultural schools are entitled to
some weight, if results of practice Of
the most successful are to decide.
WHO IS RIGHT, THE FARMER OR THE PRO
FESSOR?
The reader can now take the case
and decide who is on the right side in
this discussion, the farmer or the Pro
lessor. r. L. RAGLAND.
HycO, Va.
DARE YOU DENY THEM.