The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-03-26
pATTFRS'ON'S REPORT
Review ct the Work CT Agri-
cultural Department.
FROM ITS ORGANIZATION
IT'S CHIEF MISSION HAS BEEN
TO PROTECT THE FARMERS.
AS TO FERTILIZER INSPECTION
The retirement OF Commissioner Pat
terson, Who Has Made a Model
Officer, Occasions Much Regret
III IS a Great Pub &c Loss,
III is a Great Pubic Loss.

80 - a NTGdt TuO IL IOSS,
MIR. Samuel L. Patterson, who is clos
ing up his term as Commissioner of Ag-
riculture, has made a model public Of
ficer. No man who has held the position
has been more efficient and capable.
Without ostentation, brag or buster, he
has labored faithfully and with conspic-
uOus success. He is a practical, educat-
ed farmer, having devoted his life to that
calling. He is the best type of the North
Carolina farmer. The State is great
loser in his retirement.
At the meeting of the Board this week,
Mr.. Patterson presented his report, which
is so admirable document, that we
publish it in full as follows:
Mr.. Chairman and Gentlemen:
Coming together for the first time as
full Board, most of you not having
previously had the opportunity Of per-
sonal acquaintance with the work of this
department, it seems proper that l should
go somewhat into detail in setting forth
its origin, scope, progress, achievements
and present condition.
The department was organized ~
years ago, that is by the Legislature Of
1877. The first sentence of the law
establishing 1T is as follows:
"a department of Agriculture, 1mmi-
grafton and Statistics is hereby created
and established, which shall be under the
control and supervision of Board"
The number, constitution and manner
of selecting the Board has been several
times changed, the appointment OF your
seltes by the Governor being the latest
~, the objects of the department are
coincident with the duties of the Board,
which are in a general way to 'investi-
gate such subjects relating to the i'm
provement of agriculture, and for the
inducement of immigration and capital
as they may think proper, but they are
especially charged
/. With investigations relating to the
improvement of sheep husbandry.
2. With investigations relating to the
diseases of cattle and other domestic
animals, having the power OF Quaran-
timing infected animals, and of regulat-
ing the transportation Of stock within
the State.
3. Relating to the ravages Of insects to
gain such information as may be deemed
essential for their abatement.
f. The introduction and fostering Of
new agricultural industries. adapted to
various soils, climates, &c.
5. Drainage and irrigation.
g. Statistics relating to the subject Of
fences, their cost, DC.
The results of all their investigations,
the information obtained, must be pub
Eshed and disseminated for the benefit
Of the people Of the State.
Again, the board is charged with the
enforcement and supervision Of the laws
and regulations enacted in the State for
the control of the fertilizer trade and the
protection of the farmers against fraud
ulent and spurious fertilizers.
In a general way the board is charged
with such Investigations as will best pro-
mote the improvements and extension OF
diversified farming, including the general
rotation of crops, the raising Of home
supplies, vegetables, fruit, stock, grasses,
&c.
The law requires the board to provide
for the holding of Farmers Institutes In
all the counties of the State, in order to
promote improved methods of farming,
and to ascertain the needs and wants Of
the various farming communities.
The board must also publish monthly
bulletin which shall contain the results OF
the investigations heretofore reported to,
as we'll as such other matter concerning
the department as the board in their
direction may direct.
They are directed also to keep a mu-
scum to illustrate the agricultural and
other resources, and the natural history
of the State.
The establishment of such a depart
ment, Of such wide scope, charged with
so many and varied duties, of such vast
Importance to the material welfare OF the
State, was necessarily a venture and its
early history was along untrodden paths.
The laws governing the department have
been changed and modified as experience
proved necessary and advisable.
Many difficulties have been overcome,
and it is not too much to say that the
work of the department is now more
thoroughly systemized, its objects better
understood and more fully appreciated
by the people OF the State, and it's bene-
ficent results more fully manifest as its
development has progressed, than at any
period in its history.
trust it will be the motto Of the board
Of commissioners to take no step back
ward.
The museum provided for in the law is
It's own advocate. Those members of the
board who have not already had the OPP
portunity Of giving it personal inspec-
ton, will doubtless do SO while here. 1t
will be gratifying to them, as it is to US
all, to know that it is considered by ex-
perts the finest and fullest collection in
the South, and one Of the very best in the
United States. Its excellence has been
largely increased by the aid extended it
by the State Geological Survey, with
which 1T has been associated, and to
which it may be said in part to belong.
Its immediate control is under board
of directors, composed of Prof. Holmes,
of the Survey, and Secretary Bruner, Of
your department. 1t is hardly necessary
TO add that the success Of this work is
h. ell cfn mt