The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1914-05-05

I'D III u Iitt oNo SoA PiohN "
as we'll as the interests of commerce.
To grow cotton or tobacco in a region
only adaptable to cattle raising is to
disregard this we'll seasoned advice
and to eventually introduce hard times
when otherwise prosperity would come
to stay.
That Orange county and other
counties in North Carolina in similar
circumstances admit Of these condi-
tions for reasons Of overlooking the
advantages of cattle growing is an
argument we'll established and amply
demonstrated by Professor Henry
Horace Williams. scholar, philosopher,
teacher and cattle grower.
Unlike the college professor who
theories much and takes his own ad-
vice in small doses, Prof. Williams
mixes his theory and practice in we'll
balanced proportions. The philoso-
ply of a Plato, the logic of an Ever
cite or the ethical beliefs of a Wundt,
whose teachings are reviewed in the
class room in search Of the universal
and the individual. do not retard the
University of North Carolina phiiOso-
piers successful pursuit of cattle
growing in Orange county.
This ability to harmoniZe the phi
loSophical teachings of thee lass room
with the work-a-day principles of the
practical needs Of a farmer accounts
for Professor Williams interest in his
1000 acres Of Orange county soil,
much of which has been converted
into pastures for stock and cattle rails
ing. His leisure afternoons, after abb
senting himself from the irkSome du-
ties of the class room, six days to the
week, find the philosopher busying
himself in overseeing and caring for
these farms that branch in all direc-
tions from the little University viii
lage.
In this day and time when the cry
is prevalent in many States that the
functions OF a university shall attain
to the standard of vitality touch all
conditions Of life of a people in the
forms of extension bureaus, lecture
systems. etc. the methods for better
ing rural conditions as advanced by
the University philosopher are highly
significant. That is how. by demon
stration, Professor Williams has
taught the Orange county farmer the
utility OF cotton growing; not in a
negative way, but by everyday eX-
amples that even the most unlettered
tiller of the soil could not fail to I'M
derstand. Herein lies the story of the
methods that the philosopher has pur-
sued by which he could buy dirt
cheap land and within twelve months
see the profitableness of the invest
ment.
The method of cattle raising as en-
ployed by the University professor are
simple and direct, for the most part
entailing little expense. The ultimate
recognition of many of the hand-to-
mouth farmers of the county, after
persistent trials, that cotton and to-
bacco could not be cultivated at a
profit. led to a disposal of their lands
and belongings at dirt-cheap prices
From year to year the tillable LAND
became poorer, while the farmers fer
tilizer bill mounted higher and higher
Facing his rows end in miserable cir.
cumstanceS. the cotton and tobacco
farmer disposed of his home and lane
and liked away to the city or maybe
to the mill village. a large number
of these tracts of deserted farms were
purchased by Professor Williams a
the price OF only a few dollars ar
acre.
Profiting by the glarinS fault of tn
farmer who persisted in growing cot
ton or tobacco, the philosopher imme
diately classified many of these tract
as abandoned farms as far as cult
walton was concerned. He purchase
immense rolls Of barb wire and fenced
entire farms into grazing lands. Cat
tie. big and little, goats n sheer
and other animals of a domestic ten
dency walked in n tool possession
Freedom to roam for ranges of mile
looked inviting n even alluring t
the fiocks of cattle sheep or goats
which classified themselves according
10 their own animal instinct.
To be sure. the trampled farms s
recently vacated by the tiller were a
first scanty of grass and the pick
ings'' for the herds of cattle wer
found in scattered spots. I'm tn
course of months. however the gras
began to crop forth in luxuriant guam
titles in the bottom lands, and eve
the hilsides furnished grazing patche
of green grass. Then it was that tn
cattle WaXed fat.
Spring and summe are not season
all the year long. Then what" ir
quircs the cattle grower that is az
uuainted with all the crooks and turr
in the path. The philosopher-cattl
grower has fortified himself in thu
respect. Out two miles northeast {
the University village Professor Wi
liams has leased from the Universii
75O-acre tract to insure protectio
for his cattle. goats and sheep frol
~, u;ptry hloStS that SWean dnUn n