The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-09-11
Science OF Grading Cotton.

Inc raiuers EuucdtlOnal ana CO.
Operative Union was organized some
time ago to educate farmers in the
methods of grading cotton and to ed
ucate them in other things connected
with the cotton industry. The Union
does not seem to flourish over here
on the Atlantic, but it has been doing
business in Tennessee, Georgia, Ala
bama and perhaps other Southern
States.
The Society has been holding
Summer School at Auburn, Ala. and
the Atlanta Journal tells us that the
school has been particularly success
full. and that the Farmers Education
al and Cooperative Union is living
up to all that the name implies by
paying special attention to the educa-
ton Of students along lines which
hitherto have been deplorably neg
lected." Speaking of the Summer
School at Auburn, the journal says:
'"Tbe most notable feature of 1t was
the plan Of educating students In the
science OF grading cotton and keeping
warehouse bcoks. 1t Is remarkable
In the highest degree that the science
OF grading cotton should have been
neglected as a study in the South so
long. At Auburn the students were
taught this and warehouse bookkeep-
Ing with the special end in view of
discharging those functions in the
Farmers Union warehouses which are
being erected throughout the South
ern States. This ;s but an additional
confirmation OF the fact that the
Farmers Union is proceeding syste-
matically and intelligently in it's edu-
cation and cooperation.
"But aside from the special posi-
tions to which these tudents will de-
vote themselves. the science OF grad
ing cotton is one which should be
taught I'm every agricultural school
In the South. 1t undoubtedly Should
be made special feature OF the cur
riculum in the district agricultural
schools to be established throughout
the state.
1T cannot be denied that the aver
age farmer Is painfully ignorant of
the principles of grading cotton.
Whether or not the buyer and the
long string of middle men ever take
advantage Of his ignorance In this
respect Is comparatively Of no import
ance. Every practical farmer should
at least be instructed In the art of de-
termining the exact grade and conse-
Quent value OF his cotton. and this
can best be done by the instruction
and the actual experience afforded In
such schools as that conducted at Au-
burn by the Farmers Union during
the past summer.
The Farmers Union Is doing a
great many things to educate the
farmers Of the South and to place
tnem In position OF independence
and among those things this summer
school system Is one Of the most val
liable. The idea should be encouraged
and extended wherever possible, and
the education Of the farmer In the
science Of grading cotton, might well
be taken up by every agricultural
school In the South. under whatever
auspices 1t may be conducted"
1t would be good idea for every
young man In the South to learn all
about cotton. They should not only
know how to grade cotton. but they
should know something Of the history
OF the cotton plant, the methods Of
cultivation, the nature, growth and
extent Of the cotton manufacturing
Industry. and cotton lore in general.
1t Is plain that cotton production. cot
ton selling end manufacturing Is more
than ever to be the one great source
OF the south's future wealth.--wil-
mington Star.