Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-16
GROW SUGAR BETS.
THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE
FAvORs THIS INDUSTRY.
MAY SOON HAVE 4 FACTORY.
Mr.. Pace willing to EstnbIish One
IL Assured of Enough Beets to
Justify It-Other Branches Of Farm
WOrI-Thc Years Finance.


terly session In tho State Library build
ing yesterday, and the morning hours
were devoted almost exclusively to the
discussion Of sugar beets, and the prac-
ticability Of their culture In Virginia. A
number OF reports concerning this indus
try were read. and all of them were OF
a very satisfactory nature, showing that
high-grade beets can be raised In this
State.
The meetings of the board were presided
over by Colonel A. S. Buford, president,
and there were present besides him, Colo
mel whitehead and Messrs. A. j. Nc
Math, r. NJ. Mallory. w. w. Brand,
o. Il. Hine. and ]. r. Kemper.
Colonel Buford submitted his report,
which treated of the culture Of sugar
beets and the general conduct OF the
board during the past three. months.
Colonel Whitehead submitted his quarter
ly report, in which he set forth that the
work Of the department in fertilizer con-
troll had been greater than I'm former
years, completely occupying the time OF
the inspector and chemist.
FARM EtS WILL NoI hEfOhl.
The difficulty of securing reports of the
results Of planting from parties tn whom
seed were given was touched on, and
suggestions were made that next year
sugar-beet culture be tested I'm all the
districts of the State In conclusion. the
Commissioner complimented his subordi-
mates, and returned them his thanks. His
financial exhibit showed that $1,000 had
been received during the year. that
l0,794.16 had been expended, and 81, 205.8
turf ed into the treasury.
In connection with his quarterly re-
port, Colonel Whitehead submitted most
interesting formulas for the proper rails
ing o. wheat, corn. oats, grapes. hay
tobacco. cotton, potatoes, and carly vege-
tables in the various sections of the State
The formulas were all endorsed and the
report was adopted, with the order that
the formulas be printed and distributed.
The board took a recess for dinner, and
at o'clock reconvened, and Judge NAL
lory submitted the report of the Finance
Committee concerning the Commission
er's accounts. The report was adopted.
The question of sugar-beet culture was
again taken up and discussed at consid-
cradle length. Colonel Buford said Mr..
James b. Pace stood ready to put up
factory here for converting of beots Into
sugar, and all he wanted was guarantee
that when his factory was completed
beets on which to work would be forth
coming. 1t was stated that the farmers
would not make any such guarantee, and
Colonel Whitehead warmly advocated
that the beets in sufficient quantity be
grown on the State farm.
TO FORMULATE A PUBLIC STATE
MENT.
1t was finally agreed that committee
consisting OF Colonel Buford, Colonel
Hines, and Mr.. McMath, should be APP
pointed to investigate the facts concern
ing the sugar-beet culture, and TO pre-
pare statement to the public setting
forth the results of their inquiry.
proposition from the Southern
Planter TO increase the free distribution
Of that paper among certain farmers
was declined, but the regular appropria-
ton of $3.50 was made. The salaries OF
Mr.. Stratton, the fertilizer inspector,
and William Baker, the janitor of the
department were increased So per
month, making Mr.. STATIONS monthly
salary $50 and Bakers $50.
The board at this juncture adjourned
until $3.50 o'clock this morning. at which
time Colonel Whitehead will read his re-
port to be submitted to the Governor.
a
ment. is exceedingly interesting and in
structve.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS
The first statement in the report has
reference TO the handbook. which. the
Commissioner says, has given general
satisfaction. The most important work
OF the fertilizer department is treated
OF. and it is shown that many improve
mo 10
shown that prospecting and mining for
gold has been increasing all the year,
and that there is a fair prospect that
the old gold-mines of buckingham. Flu
wanna Goochland, orange, Louisa,
Spctsyvania, Fauquier and Stafford
will be worked under new processes and
many new veins are being developed in
some OF these counties. Other mineral
developments are touched upon, and Vir-
ginia Is shown to be wealthy, indeed in
her buried resources.
Much space is devoted by the Commits
sioner 10 the sugar-beet industry, and
after asserting that the lands of Hen
rico, Hanover. and Goochland are, ac-
cording to analysis. above the average
per cent. I'm producing saccharne juice.
the Governor is informed that factory
will be erected in Richmond for the re-
filming OF sugar. provided n supply Of
5000 tons Of beets be guaranteed for
three years. 1t is. therefore, suggested
that, as the production of beets at 81
per ton IS more profitable than staple
crops, the manager of the State farm
be directed to produce the whole amount
Of beets necessary to make the guaran-
tee
The experiments with Habana tobacco
is touched upon in the report. and 1t is
suggested that an early importation OF |
Cuban and Spanish seeds be made |
Other minor crops are treated OF by the |
Commissioner. and he then deals with |
farmers Institutes advocating their con- |
tinuance. asserting. at the same time. |
that they are doing a vast deal of good |
throughout the State.
The general workings of the Agricul- |
tural Department are treated of at /
some length. and then. after urging the |
necessity for good roads. the report con-
cludes with an earnest appeal for great |
er work in behalf of immigration.
To Make Sh ers I'm SfaunfOu