The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-03-13
FARMERS
UNION NEWS
Practical Thoughts for Practical
Farmers.
Conducted by r. w. Dabbs, Pres
ident 8. G. Farmers Union.)
Stme Random Thoughts.

Last week 1 made a very interest
ins visit to Clemson College at the
Invitation of President Riggs, who
gave me every opportunity in the
limited time that l had at my dis
workings of the college. My only re-
gret was that / did not have several
days more to stay. for / would have
liked to attend the agricultural class
es.
There Is no question that the agri-
cultural side of the college has not
been developed as highly as the me-
chanical. DR.. Riggs says the me-
chanical equipment is as near perfect
Ss Ii can be made. and that it is his
aim to now make the agricultural de-
partment as near perfect as possible.
The recent meeting OF the State
Farmers Union commended the col
lege for its arrangement with the
United States Farm Extension work,
and also advised the college to pay
more attention to trucking for
two-fold purpose: to supply the table
fare of the students with a moro
wholesome diet, and to enlist the stu
dents In more diversified agricul-
ture.
On these subjects Of diversified
agriculture. and varied and more
wholesome diet. we had long and
earnest conference. and l feel sure
the suggestions Of the State Union
will bear fruit. have since con-
ferred with Mr.. Manning. one of the
trustees, and find he is heartily in
sympathy with the idea Of the State
Union; that the Clemson farm should
be so conducted as to give a concrete
example OF the value of its teachings,
so that We can say to the farmers Of
the State: this system Of agriculture.
which We advise and teach is proved
on the Clemson farm and in the
Clemson dining room. both practical
and profitable.
In the matter Of the establishment
of a chair of scientific marketing,
fear we will have no easy task. 1t Is
looked upon as an unknown quantity.
In fact It's teacher will have to "blaze
the trail" Prof. Morrison. the teach
er of political economy, came up to
me Immediately after my remarks to
the boys and the faculty. and said he
would take pleasure in teaching 1t, IL
would just show him what to teach.
Whether new text books will be need
I'D OF not can not say without time
to read those now in use in teaching
political and domestic economy. But
am inclined to think there Is enough
IN print to make good beginning
when Ii Is culled. classified and ar
ranged in proper sequence. In the
hands of the right man, whose heart
rs well as head. is thoroughly awake
TO the needs and the possibilities Of
such a chair, II would soon command
the respect of all educators. and
I'LL a want that has long been felt i'm
vague sort of way. and is now be-
ing thoroughly realized.
Senator Smith writes me. Am de-
lighted to know you are going to agi-
tate the question Of marketing. This
has been neglected too long" will
take the matter up with the authori-
ties of other colleges as have time
to confer with them.
In Anderson / found they are be-
ginning To establish produce eX-
change under the leadership of the
Farmers Union and with the coop
Grafton of the Board Of Trade | was
asked To give them the benefit of our
experience In Sumter for publication,
hut do not know when will have
time. In my talks at several places in
The county | gave them some of the
points tc be stressed. one will bear
repeating to my readers here i'm