Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-12-07
VIRGINIA Farmers.

Virginia FARMERS.
Major VIM. T. Sutherlin, president Of
the board of agriculture of Virginia.
has completed his annual report and
forwarded it to Gov. Mckinney. 1t is
as follows:
II have the honor to submit the fifth
annual report of the State board of ag-
riculture, to which your attention is in
vited. The board has found itself
somewhat embarrassed by the terms OF
appropriations while the amount has
been somewhat increased. There is
lack of authority from the Legislature
to use any part ofthe fund appropriated
directly for immigration. The annual
appropriation of $4,000 has, by the
largely increased work Of the depart
ment, been insufficient for the expenses
in properly carrying out the intention
of the Legislature and the wishes Of the
people. The amount received from fer
tilizer fees and work in the laboratory
has in the past been put in gross into
the treasury The last appropriation
act struck out this proviso, but it was
too late in the fiscal year for the board
to avail itself of it fully, and only part
could be used, and 81, 471.62 was retnrn-
ed to the treasury on the 30th of Sep
tember. Legislation distinct and sim
pie is greatly needed in regard to fer
tilizer control and the direct applica
ton of the money arising from the work
of the department laboratory.
G.rC'l,o ho,,J boa. lNoo,, 10 e.,,cooc-
full in holding farmers institutes in diff
ferent sections Of the State, and while
the attendance of farmers hasIbeen
generally small, the addresses of the
distinguished gentlemen invited to adj
dress these institutes have been so full
and so valuble in the interest of agri-
culture and diversified industries that
the board has deemed it proper to pub
lish most of them in the annual report
for the instruction Of the people of the
State.
The inspection and analyses of fer
tilizer has been much larger than in
any previous year and has been attend
ed with greatly increased labor and
cost.
BY action ofthe Legislature the e1-
penscs of the department have been
considerably increased by the cost of
transportation of all officers and en-
ployes of the department, which was
heretofore granted free of charge.
The board has taken active meas
ures to secure at an early day the publ
cation of a handbook, as required I'M
der the law. 1t is their purpose to
make this handbook as full rs posi-
bic, embracing report ofeach county
in the State as well as general report
embracing all the information neces-
sary to give full exhibit ofpopulation
and products, &C., of the different
counties and sections of the State with
an accurate map of Virginia and also
a map and chart Of her geographical
deposits with their location together
with such other literature as may be
deemed necessary for the interest and
information of the farmers of Virginia
and other persons seeking the same.
1t is their purpose to publish a sutli-
cient number of hand-books with an
ample supply of other literature to sup
ply the farmers and others Of Virginia
and also for distribution among the
visitors at the Worlds Fair, which
will. in the opinion of the board, afford
such facilities for making Virginia
known rs she has never been offered
before.
lit is source of congratulation that the
farmers OF Virginia during the present year
have given more attention 10 diversified
crops than heretofore, and while their surplus
of the various products will have to be dis
posed of at low prices, they will have better
supply of food at home than for many years
previous.
We would respectfully submit for your
consideration the enactment of such laws rs
will secure full and accurate annual statis-
teal report as will furnish reliable informa-
ton rs TO population. crops of the various
kinds, new industries. &c, as Will hereafter
show in all respects the growth and improve
ment of the State i'll reliable form rs Is pro-
vided for i'll most of the States.
we would direct your special attention TO
the very full and elaborate report Of the CON-
missioner and the accompanying documents,
and especially his suggestion for the purchase
of an experiment farm, to be operated large
" by convict labor under the direction of the
board.
This is new question in this State. and
while the board is not fully prepared to in
dorse the suggestions of the commissioner they
are of the opinion that under proper regula-
ton of law it might be operated with some
profit to the State and the experiments might /
furnish the farmers and others in Virginia
valuable and reliable information. The oper-
alton and success in other States are well
worthy of your investigation in forming
conclusion on this subject.
I'VE deem it proper to state that the COM
missioner and all the employees have dis
charged their respective duties well and in a
manner satisfactory to the board. We would |
most respectfully direct your attention TO the
suggestions for legislation on various subjects
for the benefit of the farmers of Virginia con-
tanned in our last annual report for such ac-
ton as you may deem proper. We have no
reason to change our opinion upon the recon-
mendations then made, and hope that some
future legislature will take up these various
subjects and give them the consideration we
think they demand
Important.-All persons afflicted
with rheumatism, neuralgia, sore
-, Il,