THI KD

ANNUAL REPORT

1 > [' rm-;

I

State of Georgia,
For the Year 1876.
WKIOHT, VVlVAi: Pia.VfEl?.

THIRD
ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

12664262

5555

1

OF THE
State of Georgia,
For the Year 1876.

H. G. WRIGHT, PUBLIC PRINTER. 1 876.

REPORT.
State of Georgia, Department of Agriculttre,
Atlanta, Dec. 25, 1876.
To His Excellency Jas. M. Smith, Governor of Georgia :
The organization of the working force of the Department continues the same as at the time of the last report, with the exception of Messrs. Hunter, Barnett and Humphreys, whose resignations were accepted, to take effect respec tively on January 1st, June 30th and August 22d of the present year.
The preparation of the Hand Book has occupied much of the time of the clerical force of the Depariment, to the exclusion of other important work, which would otherwise have been completed and published this year.
fertilizers and fertilization.
Regarding the restoration of our worn soils, and the preservation of the fertility of those still fertile, as questions of prime importance to our people, much attention has been given to the subject of the inspection and analysis of fertilizers, and to the careful "soil test" of the various brands offered for sale in the State. The utmost vigilance has been used in carrying out the intention of the law for the inspection and analysis of fertilizers, and two circulars have been printed and widely distributed among the farmers for their information and protection.
The analyses of all the fertilizers that were inspected

2

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

before the 10th of January last, were published and issued on the 15 th, in order to anticipate the purchasing season, and thus afford to farmers an opportunity of making selec tions of brands suited to their soils and crops. With the analysis, selling price, and commercial value of each brand before him, the farmer has all the information which can be given him, except the actual results of soil test on his own farm. This is furnished him in the results of soil tests in different parts of the State, on every variety of soil, which is described in each case, so that almost any farmer may find an experiment which supplies the remain ing information, as nearly as can be, from outside sources. The object, therefore, of the issue in J anuary, of the circu lar containing the analyses, prices, commercial values and results of the experiments of the preceding year, was to place in the hands of the farmers of Georgia all available information which would aid them in selecting the brands best suited to their purposes. In addition to the above, formulae for composting commercial fertilizers with manures saved on the farm, were included in the circular referred to, in order that provident farmers might economise in the purchase of fertilizing material, by utilizing in the most available manner, their home manurial resources.
A very large proportion of the farmers of the State availed themselves of the information thus furnished, and, judging from the multitude of letters written to the Department, expressing gratitude for the protection thus afforded them, and asking for future publications, as well as from the results of soil tests conducted by farmers in every part of the State, much money has been saved to the farmers in the State, this year, by economy in fertilization, resulting from the publication of the circulars of the Department.
Circular No. 26 (issued last June) shows in a strong light some of the advantages of the inspection and analysis of fertilizers, and the publication of the analyses, commercial

Report of Comrnissiofier of Agriculture.

-3

values, ,ete., in such a manner as to contrast the quality and cost of the different brands.
The following extract from this Circular, presents an unanswerable demonstration of the utility of the system adopted for the information and protection of farmers against fraud and imposition in the sale of fertilizers:
Since the publication in circular No. 12, last year, of the analyses, com mercial values, and prices of the various brands of fertilizers sold in Georgia, the competition between the manufacturers has been increased to such an extent as to cause considerable improvement in quality, and, at the same time, a reduction in price. Placing the analyses, commer cial values and prices in such juxtaposition, enables the farmer to select with reference both to quality and price.
By a comparison of the analyses, prices and statistics of the season of 1874^'75, as published in Circular No. 12, last year, with those of the season of 1875-76, just ended, it is found that the average commercial value of the various brands sold in Georgia during the season of 1874-75was |86.68. That of the season of 1875-76 was $44.83, showing an improvement in quality of $6.15, or nearly 16 per cent, in one year.
It is thus seen that the fertilizers sold in Georgia during the last season average six dollars and fifteen cents per ton better in quality than did those of the season before; so that in the quality alone the farmers of Georgia saved 16 per cent.on the values of 1874-75 in their purchases of fertilizers during the last season. There has not been such an improve ment in every brand, but in the average quality of the whole.
Again, notwithstanding the improvement of 16 per cent, in quality, there is a reduction in price of $3.73 per ton, or 7.4 per cent, on the average price of 1874-75. The average price in 1874-75 was $50.38 per ton; in 1875-76, $46.65 per ton.
Taking together the improvement in quality and the reduction in price, we have a practical reduction in favor of the consumer of twenty-three and four-tenths per cent., $9.88 per ton; or on the 56,596 tons sold in the State, a saving to the whole State of $559,168.48--mainly the result of (the publications issued from this Department, through which the various brands have been brought into direct competition on their merits.
Again, the sale of several brands of low grade has been forbidden. Others have-been driven from the market by the contrast which was .made of their quality with that of other brands of high grade.
In addition to the above, the publication of formulae for composting, and the results of soil test, demonstrating the .advantage of ^composting over the use of the commercial fertilizers alone, has stimulated the saving of home manures under shelter for the purpose of composting them. This

4

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

alone adds largely to the productive capacity of the State, while it reduces the expense of fertilization.
The results of the test of fertilizers distributed to farmers in different sections of the State, this year, show that there is economy in using even the commercial fertilizers, if they are followed by good cultivation. They demonstrate st ill more clearly the economy of using such composts as have been repeatedly recommended by this Department.
The five hundred pounds required of each brand was -distributed to select farmers, each brand being sent for test as far as possible to each of the three sections of the State, North, Middle and Southern Georgia, in order that farm ers may ascertain, by the results of the experiments, which fertilizers are best adapted to different kinds of soil. In order, too, to satisfy those who were still skeptical as to the virtue of the compost recommended by the Depart ment, ammoniated and non-ammoniated brands were sent to the same parties in different parts of the State, for the purpose of comparing the effects of the commercial fertili zers with those of composts on every class of soil. The results thus far reported show very conclusively the econo my of the compost system.
The results of these tests will be published by the 15th of January next, in conjunction with the analyses of fertili zers to be sold this season.
Copies of the Circulars containing the analyses of all the fertilizers sold in the State, are kept constantly on hand for distribution to faimers who wish them.
The investigations and publications of this Department have very materially stimulated the saving of home manores on the farm, and a spirit of inquiry into the economy of fertilization.
Many letters are received from all parts of this State, and some from other States, inquiring for the best methods of utilizing such materials as marl, muck, etc.

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

5

RAILROAD STATISTICS.
During September of 1875, letters were addressed to the authorities of the leading railroads of the State requesting statistics of shipments and receipts over their respective roads. The Georgia Railroad responded very promptly, furnishing the facts contained in circular No. 23, the pub lication of which has done much to stimulate farmers to additional efforts towards the production of necessary farm supplies.
The influence of the statistics from this road was so marked and satisfactory, that renewed efforts have been made to secure similar statistics from all the roads of the State, with most gratifying results. Blanks have been fur nished the Superintendents of all of the railroads in Georgia^ The reports, when received, will be consolidated as promptly as possible, and published for the information of formers. I take this occasion to thank the authorities of the railroads for the manifestation of an enlightened public spirit in heartily co-operating with me in efforts to supply this most important information. It is hoped that when the farmers of the State are informed of the vast amounts annually paid for supplies which can be produced in this State as cheaply as elsewhere, they will be convinced not only of the importance, but necessity of a more diversified husbandry. I am especially indebted to General McRae, Superintendent of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, for valuable suggestions and assistance in the preparation of the blanks.
FISH CULTURE.
The Legislature, at its last session, passed an Act directing that $500 of the annnal appropriation to thisDepartment, to the purpose of propagating fish in our streams. Immediately after the passage of the act, corres pondence was opened with Prof. Spencer F. Baird, U. S. Commissioner of Fisheries, and Mr. Seth Green, Superin

6

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

tendent of Fisheries for the State of New York, in regard to supplying some of our rivers ; but it was found that the season was too far advanced to make even a beginning, so that the effort was abandoned until this Fall. Correspond ence was re-opened last month, with a view to the artificial propagation of shad ins everal of our streams, but as yet no satisfactory arrangements have been made.
My wish was to establish a hatching station in Georgia ; and this Mr. Milner, the U. S. Deputy Commissioner, thinks would be the proper plan, but says "$500 is too small an amount to begin with." He says: "with the amount you have to use, I see nothing better than to move California salmon now, or shad next Summer, from our Stations to the rivers you wish to supply but says that $500 would move only 60,000 salmon to our streams. I have, therefore, decided to wait until Spring, when the United States Commissioner proposes (if Congress makes the necessary appropriation) to hatch shad on the Potomac, and to charge only the cost of removing them, since I am convinced that the small sum at my command can be most profitably devoted to the introduction of the largest possi ble number of this fish into our streams. While I think the introduction of 60,000 salmon into our mountain streams, at a cost of $500, would eventually prove a good investment for our people, I have not deemed it proper to devote the whole appropriation to that purpose, especially since there is a prospect of accomplishing more good by the introduction of shad at the same cost. Mr. James W. Milner, Deputy U. S. Commissioner of Fisheries, who has had large experience in artificial hatching, expresses the opinion that $2,500 is the least amount with which hatch ing stations could be established with a reasonable hope of success. The subject of restocking our rivers with food fish is one worthy the careful consideration of our states men and political economists.

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

7

DISTRIBUTION OF SEEDS AND SAMPLE DISPLAY.
No seeds have been received during the present year from the Government of the United States, as anticipated by the Act establishing this Department. In addition to the means employed to bring producers and purchasers of seeds in communication with each other, small quantities of seeds of varieties of peculiar merit have been purchased and distributed in such manner as to introduce them into every section of the State. The inquiry in stituted through the questions to the crop corres pondents developed the fact that a variety of wheat, known as "Dallas," is peculiarly hardy and adapted to our soil and climate, having escaped the rust for a number of years, under circumstances under which other varieties were seriously injured. A few bushels of this wheat were, therefore, purchased and distribited to every section of the State. An effort was made to secure an exchange of seeds with Foreign Countries, through their representatives at the Centennial Exhibition, with only partial success.
I have collected a number of samples of the various pro ducts of this State, which are properly exhibited in the Department, for the double purpose of illustrating the variety and quality of the productions of our soil, and to place those wishing to purchase pure seeds of the best kinds in communication directly with the producers.
Many farmers have been supplied with pure seeds by these means, and new varieties of merit have been thus rapidly disseminated. The rapidity with which the rust proof oats have been spread over the State, illustrates the advantage of such a medium of communication between the farmers of different parts of the State as this Depart ment affords. The same is true of the practice of Fall Seeding of oats, which was confined to a few localities before the establishment of this Department, and the investiga tions and publication of the results, of Fall and Spring seed ing, in the monthly crop reports.

8

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

Farmers were invited to send samples of seeds of pecu liar merit for display in the permanent exhibition of sam ples, and also to state the price of the same and the quan tity for sale. Many have done this, and thus afforded me the means of answering satisfactorily the multitude of in quiries received from farmers of this and other States, in regard to the sources from which pure seeds may be ob tained.
I am indebted to the managers of the fairs of Thomas,. Bibb, Spalding and Rockdale counties, for samples of pre mium, and other articles from their exhibitions, for display in the collection in the Department.
In order to illustrate the different varieties of wool, and to show our people the results of proper breeding and at tention to sheep, samples of wool have been obtained from the principai growers of the different kinds of wool in all parts of the United States, and properly displayed in frames prepared for the purpose, with the names of the growers accompanying the different samples, for the convenience of visitors who wish to communicate with the producers. This is both an attractive and instructive feature of the per manent display.

LIBRARY.
For convenience of reference, and for the use of scien tific employees in prosecuting their work,'a small library of standard works has been purchased. This was found to be a necessity, in consequence of the multitude and variety of inquiries received, embracing a wider range of subjects than any one man, however well informed, could answer without resort to books.
Besides, the preparation of the differet manuals to be issued on the plan of that already published on sheep husbandry, would be difficult, if not impossible, without access to the works of standard authors.
The object had in view in the publication of the pro-

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

O*

posed manuals, as in that already published, is to furnish, our farmers with necessary information embracing the. accumulated knowledge of the best informed in a condensed form, and at the least possible cost. The sheep manual, already issued, cost less than four cents a copy. If the demand for it, which has reached from Texas to Maine, and from Florida to Minnesota, is an index of the estima* tion in which it is held, its publication was a profitable investment. It has brought capital to the State, and induced many already here to embark in sheep husbandry;; and others who were previously so engaged have purchased improved bucks for the purpose of crossing their inferior natives. Although it has been published more than a year, extracts from its pages still appear in the leading; journals of the country, and a week never passes without the receipt at this office of letters from this State and others, asking for copies of the manual.

HAND-BOOK.

The Act establishing the Department of Agriculture requires the Commissioner to prepare, under his own. direction, a Hand-Book of the State. This has been done, and with the aid of Dr. George Little, the efficient State Geoligist, a map, representing the geological formations oF the State, as ascertained from the present progress of thesurvey, has been prepared to accompany the book. I am' also indebted to Dr. Little for that part of the work which, relates to the geology of the State.
The book is now in press, and will be finished by thefirst of January.
Though the law above referred to only required thepreparation of the Hand-Book by the Commissioner of Agriculture, I have proceeded to have 1,000 copies printed, and the plates stereotyped, in order that the; General Assembly may be in possession of all necessary information in regard to its contents, and may be better

10

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

-able to decide the question of the number of additional copies which should be published by the State.
The electrotype plates of the book will be the property of the State, and additional copies of the book and map can be printed at very small cost. Since the book and map will contain not only valuable information for our own people, but will furnish those who wish to immigrate to our State full and reliable information as to the resources, and climatic and other advantages, of our State, a very large number, in my Opinion, should be published for the use of both the above classes. It is confidently believed that the Hand-Book will meet the reasonable expectations of the public, and fulfill the requirements of the law. Its preparation has necessarily occupied much of the time of the employees of the Department, and ren dered the issue of other important publications, which were promised this year, impossible.

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.
In my last annual report I recommended that the col lection of these statistics be either separated from the idea of taxation, by the employment of a different ofificer from the Tax Receiver for their collection, or that the Act approved March 2d, 1875, be so amended as to be better understood by the Tax Receivers and the farmers.
I recommend that the Act above referred to be so amended, as to declare that a certain per cent, of the compensa tion now allowed the Tax Receivers, is paid for services rendered in the collection of these statistics, the same to be withheld by the Comptroller General, until he is notified by the Commissioner of Agriculture that this duty has been properly performed. Such a large number have failed to collect accurate and reliable statistics this year, that no consolidation can be made for the State. It is due in justice to some of the Receivers to say that they have performed their duty well and faithfully, but so many have

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

11

cither failed to make returns, or performed their duty im perfectly, that it would do the State great injustice to con solidate those that have been received. Statistics imper fectly collected are worse than valueless, as they misrepre sent the productive capacity of the State. The Receivers seem generally to have imbibed the impression that they .are paid only for collecting the tax returns while they re ceive nothing for the labor performed in the collection of agricultural statistics, which they regard as extra duty im posed upon them without compensation.
Farmers in some instances, associating the collection of statistics by the Receiver of Tax Returns with taxation, have refused to respond, but these are exceptional cases, which seldom occur with a Receiver who is willing to do his duty.
Accurate statistics of the productive resources of a State, are as essential to intelligent legislation, as an accurate ac count of the business of an individual is to the successful conduct of the same. I therefore earnestly recommend the adoption of more efficient measures for their collection.

CURRENT STATISTICS.
The current and comparative statistics collected through 300 intelligent farmers in all parts of the State, and pub lished in monthly reports, cost nothing, except the postage, printing, and the labor of consolidation and preparation for the press in this office.
These correspondents willingly perform the duty of re porting for their neighborhoods, for the public good ; the only compensation which they receive being the publica tions issued from the Department. The soil test of fertili zers is also made by farmers without cost to the State, thus to some extent supplying the place of an experimental farm. Their services are mentioned in this connection, since the results of their inquiries partake somewhat of the nature of statistics. These, added to the number of crop

12

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

reporters, constitute a corps of more than 400 intelligent farmers scattered over the whole State, who give their services gratuitously to the public in the interest of pro gress in agricultural knowledge.
I am indebted to them for substantial assistance in carry ing out the intentions of the law, since they have been the source of much valuable information.

LABOR.
A general improvement is reported in the conduct of agricultural labor throughout the State. This is attributa ble mainly to two causes:
xst. The general increase in the provision crop of the State, has so far reduced the cost of living as to remove the laborer to some extent from temptation, the cost of the necessaries of life being now but little more than half that of five years since.
2nd. Farmers have perhaps given more personal atten. tion to their business, and with their sons, have performed more manual labor on their farms this year, than during any previous year in the history of Georgia agriculture.
The influence, both of the presence of the proprietor and. of his example, has increased the efficiency of the hireling. The laborer, too, in Georgia, of either race, feels that he enjoys the protection of just laws impartially executed. This exerts a moral influence, which results in quietude and contentment, both of which are essential to efficiency in labor.
There has been an improvement in the efficiency of agri cultural labor, due partly to the above mentioned causes, and partly to the decreased demand consequent upon the general contraction and concentr.ation of farm operations. The supply of labor has been, in some portions of the State, in excess1 of the demand, and hence its control has been less difficult.
Farmers are, from necessity, counting the costs and

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

13

considering the prospect for profits more carefully than formerly.
The price of our staple products, especially of cotton, is so low, that the wages of labor are necessarily lower than formerly, but the cost of provisions and standard dry goods has been more than proportionately reduced ; so that the present wages of an agricultural laborer* will pur chase more of the necessaries and comforts of life, than did the higher wages of five years since. So great is the prejudice of the negro against everything which reminds him of his former condition of slavery that he rebels against the supervision of any one except the landlord, considering the employment of an "overseer" as an in fringement of his liberty. This accounts in a great meas ure for the general unwillingness of the negro to hire for wages by the year, since under this system, he, to some extent, surrenders the control of his time. Recognizing these prejudices of the negro against supervision, and wishing to supply its place by an appeal to self-interest, the landlord flattered his pride by resorting to the share and renting system, which made the negro either a partner with the landlord, or a temporary proprietor. Unfortu nately, however, the pride of proprietorship and imitative propensities of the freedman, have too often exceeded their acquisitiveness, and so little labor performed, that no prof its accrued to either landlord or tenant.
The freedman is now, however, becoming accustomed to his freedom; is no longer deceived by the warning of designing men that his liberty is in danger; no longer allows his credulity to be imposed upon by the deceptive promises of designing partisans, but recognizing the fact that the acquisition of property depends upon industry and frugality, is gradually retiring from politics and devoting himself with greater persistency to productive industry. Many of the more restless annually emigrate to the South west, allured by the promise of higher wages on the cotton and sugar plantations of that section.

14

Repott of Commissioner of Agriculture.

It is believed that with the ijipre general resort nowbeing had by our farmers to a diversified agriculture, in cluding a more general attention to raising .stpck, we have passed the most difficult period of this most difficult question in our agricultural economy.

HORTICULTURE.
This branch of industry has been sadly neglected in Georgia, in consequence of the absorbing devotion of our farmers to cotton culture. With the reaction, however in favor of a more diversified and self-sustaining system and policy, this important interest is receiving more atten tion. I have availed myself of every opportunity to en courage the bestowal of more attention by our farmers generally upon the production of not only ample supplies for home consumption, but of a surplus for sale to other sections of our country less favored than we are in soil and climate.
The Georgia State Horticultural Society was chartered last July, and on the 16th of August following organized under favorable auspices on a very substantial basis, and promises much good by organized effort at the promotion of the important interests to which its energies are devoted. Several local societies have also been formed within the last few months. At the request of the Atlanta Pomological Society, questions relating to pear blight and grape, rot were sent to fruit-growers in every part of the United States, in order to ascertain the practice of skilled growers under different circumstances of soil, climate, etc. The results of these inquiries have been prepared for publica tion, but are awaiting the preparation of other matter intended to accompany them. Every assistance at my com mand will be rendered to all organizations and individuals in efforts to advance either the science or art of Agri culture and Horticulture in our State. With proper development, the horticultural products of Georgia may

Report of Conttnissiotier of Agriculture.

15*

become an important source of revenue to our people, as well as a source of economy and comfort on the farm.

STOCK RAISING.
The increase of the grain crop of the State has naturally increased the disposition of farmers to raise more stock, and of a better quality. The manual of sheep husbandry stimulated that branch of industry, and is still exerting its. influence. It was my expectation when I presented my last report, to present to the public this year similar man uals on hogs and cattle, but the preparation of the Hand Book for the press occupied so much of the time of the working forte of the Department, that they have neces sarily been postponed.
The major portion, however, of that on hog-raising has been prepared and will be issued during the early part of next year. The advantages of our State for stock-raising, are but little understood even by our own people, because their attention has been absorbed in the production of our great staples, while the stock have been left to take care of themselves.
Such are our advantages of climate and productions, that we can attain equal results with our Northern brethren with far less labor and expense. There is much inquiry now for improved breeds of stock of every description, and a decided tendency to embark in stock-raising as a refuge from the vexed question of labor. After a careful investi gation of the whole question, I am convinced that stock of every description can be raised more cheaply in Georgia^ than in the Middle and Northern States.

*2

OOFKTIKB.

5


"ol
P

1876.
Bibb............................ July 17 Bulloch.................. August 23 Bulloch.................... . July 17 Bulloch...................... July 17
Burke......................... July 14
Burke........................ Angus' 98 Chattahoochee......... May 31 Clay............................. Feb. 7
Clay............................. August 24 Clay............................ May 30 Decatur...................... July 17 Decatur .................... July 17 Effingham................ . May 21
Effingham.................. July 17
Hall.............................. August 2* Jefferson.................... Jan. 31
Jefferson.................... Jan. 31 Johnson...................... July 17 Macon......................... May 30 Macon......................... May 30
Muscogee.................. March 7
Quitman.................... July 11
Babun......................... July IT
Rabun......................... July 17 Screven...................... [July 11 Stewart..................... May 30

Table of analyses of soils. Work of the Laboratory connected with the Department of Agriculture--P. H. Mell, Jr., Chemist.

o'*^ I2Ha?
98 <2

OHAKAOTBB AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OP SOILS AND SUB SOILS.

6

LOCALITY.

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s| CHARACTER OF GROWTH. s*

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Potasl] Soda.
ic M atter W aier. T o ta l

196 Red hill soil.................... Fe rnginous Pebbles found in this andadjoij
197 Dark gravelly soi ... 198 iYellow gravelly soil.. 13 'Gray sandy soil ... .
138 Yellow sandy soil.... 1.9 Sub-soi . 121 Dark Sandy Sub-soil..
123 Soil........... .................. 165 Pine woods soil.... 180 Dark gray hill soil (hammock) 181; Gray cultivated flat-ridge soil 187 Dark gray sandy loam.. 188 Yellow sandy sub-soil.. 115 Gray sandy sub-soil ...
Hill soil.................... .... Bottom soil ...................... Dark sandy upland soil. Up and soil ....................
Upland sub-soil................ Soil....................................... Stiff i ed upland soil...
Red clay soil, bottom land Red clay sub-soil, bottom land Dark sandy loam soil Sub-soil........................

5msS E.Macon on river road Blackjack, pine..

7 in.

W. A. Wood ............ .. W A. Wood ... Va entice Fulcher..........
Valentine Fulcher .... Wm. Woolfolk................... Lot 394, 7th District........ Lot 345, 7th District........ John Stark's, Sandy Creek. Lot ^60,21st District........ Lot 341,21st l-istrict .... Ebenezer ............................ Ebenezer.................... ...
Hartwell................................ Hon R P. Little's farm.
Hon R. P. Little's farm. Sandersville road
Mr. Lowe's... Mr. Lowe's...
Dr Bussey... Cuthbert road Richey's land.
Richey's land. Enoch's laud..
J. A, Glenn-..

Pine, wiregrass........

6 in.

Pine, wiregrass........

15 in.

t ine, oak, blackjack

7 in.

Pine, oak, blacujack 18 in.

Pine, hickory............

3 in.

Swamp & red oak, pine 7 in.

Long leaf pine ....

7 in

Long leaf pine ... .

Hickory, pop ar, pine.. 7 in.

l ine, wiregrass........

7 in

Oak, hickory, dogwood. 6 in

Oak, hickory, dogwood. 22 in.

Oak, hickory, pine........ 9 in.

Pine, wiregrass.

6 in. 6 in. 6 in.

Post-oak.blackjack,pine 5 in
Oak and poplar................ 10 in.
Oak and ptoplar.............. Oak and pine.................. 6 in. Red oak, o.ue jack .... 9 in.

85.5442
47.4110 93.4075 93.8526
93 9162 96 0883
86.2991 61.9933 63.4542 95.1-32
93.6973 96.2346 93 5618 96 6633 76 3031
s 7.8825 89.2895
92.5809 78.5666
90.4111 76.2787 82.5196
57.1818 59 9817
91.0495 91.1243

.2962 .1690 .8653 1.2462 .7244 .8223 .1470 6.2700 1.1103 .2468 .4796 .7643 1.4271 .4082 1.1109
.2725 14.7402
.2421 1.8937 .2062 1.5 '09 .3285 1.4338 1.2402

.1645 .0274
.1666 .3634 .0118
trace .2804 .3183 .1002 .2202 .1226
.0443 trace
.1349
.0582 .0922 .0079 .3459 .2536 .8013 .0582 .0474 1 1526 .1363
.1063 .4628

.2632 .0480
.1843 .82/0 .0141
trace .2602 .5389 .1/04
trace .0 '42 .0254
trace 0792
.1824 ,0i39 .0025
.1278 .2855
.5802 .1789 .1906 1.6851
.1576 .0299 .5482

.3111 ;0* Q . .1174
' .23:7 0325 .1083
.4185 1.2288
.5509
.6483 .1227
trace .3223
.1837 .2577 .2360
.1384 .1673 .5038
.3241 .7219 .2112
.3390 .3372
.1278 .8350

3'87 0 77 2282
.2583 *824 .0074 .0234
trace .0.34 3112
.0 61 0092 JK)86 .0!) 76 .0041
.0813 .1224 2807 .0732
.1080 .06 8
.4684 .13 2 .5411 .0836 .1645

1.8264

5.4354

.'708

43 940

8776

1 90'4

.4103

2 0478

.4015 .6786 .6741

.0:30 .6992 1.0487

.4320

6.4466

.4471 5 3537 5.6632

0'14I 13.16(1 7.2956

trace

1.5715

.44 2

1.9742

.0498

1.0240

1.34 0

1.4818

.12- 4

1.4898

.0 c8 3.3603 5.3520

.1653 5.2508

.1817

.2555

1 0*6

2.8491

.'640

2 8777

3.6475

3 2503

l 1 i 6 1 681 2.7409

4 4 '77 2. .209 3.4112

.150112.10 . 0 6.9317

.8''.>4jll.4~88 12.9540

.2822

2.7603

.432c

2 2019

.6080 .0530
.5090 .3669
.OIL .0109 .0>55 .3055
.419 .3624 .3276
.3072
.1248 .1170 .2619 .2356 .1932 .0744 .7500
.1463 .5821 .16!8
.1788 4965
.4613 .2436

.0864 4.8768 99.6909 14 9 8.8 40 100.2378 .2179 2.327i 100.7970 .2374 1.5521 10J 8997 .0769 1.78 2 (00.6 43
.1127 1.47*2!100.4010 .2:91 6.7071 100.2789
2 1473 16.3588 100.7101 .3741 13.7858 100 460 .0817 3 1350 <00 6633
.0940 2 6841 99 8806 .0442 1 5241 100.0346
.0681 1.8261 00 1186 .0618 .7654 1(0.1423 .2866 13.5702 100 7502 .3409 16 1267 1 0.4552 .1086 9.7960 100.0987 .0361 2.0687 99.'895 .1729 1.2521 99 9-99
.1661 .8715 10J 49*8 .931 15 0865|100 8835 A 970 5 6 08; 00.1478 .4244 18 4003 00.1789
.3571 13 038. 100,5853
.1938 4.02941100.5519
.4907 2.4397 1 99.5819

17&18

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

19

MARLS.

No. i.* From Macon county, near Montezuma--re ceived from). S. Odom. Yellow; white; dry; friable; coarsely granular. Small fragments of coral in large quan tity. Surface sample.

Sand, etc................................................................................... Oxide Iron and Alumina...................................................... Manganese (Oxide)................................................................ Magnesia................................................................................... Carbonic Acid........................................................................ Lime......................................................................................... Phospboric Acid.................................................................... Sulphuric Acid....................................................................... Soda........................................................................................... Potash........................................................................................ Organic matter and water....................................................

21.505 5.100 0.307 0.182 32.070 37.180 0.429 1.600 0.038 9.366 1.027

Total........................................................................... 100.404

No. 2.* From same locality as preceding. Taken from

a depth of 20 feet.

Sand, etc................................................................................... Oxide '-f Iron and Alumina................................................. Ma% nese (Oxide)................................................................. Magnesia...................................................................................

12.300 2.085 0.307 0.182

Carbonic Acid................... Lime........................................................................

37.550 44.574

Phosphoric Acid...................................................................... Sulphuric Acid....................................................................... Soda........................................................................................... Potash.......................................................................................

0.426 1.600 0.038 0.366

Organic matter and water.................................................... 1.027

Total........................................................................... 100.455

No. 3. From Crawford county--received from W. L. Jones. White ; impressions of shells; readily reduced to powder; very dry; granular.

Sand, etc.................................................................................. 8.6329

Oxide of Iron and Alumina.......................................

1.8144

Manganese (Oxide)................................................................ 0.3438

Magnesia.................................................

0.5523

Carbonic Acid.......................................................................... 38.6529

'Analyzed In 1375.
A2

20

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

Lime....................................... Phosphoric Acid.................. Sulphuric Acid..................... Soda....................................... Potash.................................... Organic matter and water.
Total,

47.4051 1.2431 0.4821 0.4229 0.1253 0.5925
100.1673

No. 4. From Glynn county--received from M. J. Carson, Brunswick. White ; containing shells; granular; and very dry; acid in reaction. Before useing should be treated with lime:

Sand, etc............................

45.1306

Oxide of Iron and Alumina................................................ 1.3900

Manganese (Oxide).................................................................. 0.0646

Mangnesia................................................................................. 0.1153

Carbonic Acid.......................................................................... 24.5747

Lime........................................................................................... 27.4222

Phosphoric Acid...................................................................... 0.5012

Sulphuric Acid............ ............................................................ 0.1203

Soda............................................................................................ 0.0256

Potash....................................................................................... 0.1490

Organic matter and water.................................................... 0.8604

Total ........................................................................ 100.3539

No. 5. From Camden county--received from James

Posted, St. Simon's Island. Pure white; compact;

readily crushed:

Sand......................................... Oxide of Iron and Alumina. Manganese (Oxide)................ Mangnesia................................ Carbonic Acid........................ Lime........................................ Phosphoric Acid.................... Sulphuric Acid........................ Soda......................................... Potash..................................... Organic matter and water....

16.7191 0.6021 0.1940 1.1859 35.6863 44.6108 0.1442 0.3131 0.0303 0.0798 0.4897

Total

100.0553

No. 6. From Washington county--received from Dr.

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

21

H. N. Hollifield, Sandersvillef White; granular; and slight

ly compact; readily pulverized :

Sand, etc..... .....................................................................

5.7S0T

Oxide of Iron and Alumina.................................................... 1.59o2'

Manganese (Oxide).................................................................. 0.6452r

Magnesia..................................................................................... 0.2171

Carbonic Acid.......................................................................... 42.8374

Lime......................................................................................... 44.0943-

Phosphoric Acid....................................................

0.2654

Sulphuric Acid.......................................................................... 0.0116:

Soda...............................................................................

0.0831

Pmash......................................................................................... 0.1424

Organic matter and water...................................................... 4.3376

Total......................................................................... 100.0000

No. 7. From Charlton county--Burnt Fort. White;;

friable; granular; impressions of shells:
Sand, etc............................................................

9.0225

Oxide of Iron and Alumina.................................................. 0.2825

Manganese (Oxide).................................................................. 1.0272

Magnesia................................................................................... 0.2748

Carbonic Acid.......................................................................... 35.3419

Lime.......................................................................

49.3719

Phosphoric Acid...................................................................... 0.3369

Sulphuric Acid....................

0.1636t

Soda........................................................................................... 0.2141

Potash.....................

0.2736'

Organic matter and water.................................................... 3.6919

Total.......................................................................... 100.0000

No. 8. From Macon county, near Montezuma. Yellow

'white in color; loose and readily reduced to powder; acid'

in reaction; should be treated with caustic lime before

application to the land:
Sand, etc................................................................................. 46.9569

Oxide of Iron and Alumina.................................................. 7.0187

Manganese (Oxide).................................................................. 0.5702

Magnesia................................................................................... 0.1114

Carbonic Acid........................................................................... 18.8283

Lime.......................................................................................... 19.0808

Phosphoric Acid...................................................................... 0.2423

Sulphuric Acid.......................................................................... 0.52S3

Soda........................................................................................... 1.1232

Potash....................................................................................... 0.9244

Organic matter and water.......................

4.6145-

Total ...................................

100.0009

22

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

No. 9. From Chattahoochee county--Bagley's Mills. Blue micaceous sand predominating; impression of shells, friable and quite acid in reaction. This substance would scarcely pay for the hauling, especially if transported some distance--too much inert matter:
Sand, etc.................................................................................. 83.7774 Oxide of Iron and Alumina................................................ 1.8247 Manganese (Oxide)................................................................. 0.5794 Magnesia................................................................................... 0.0684 Carbonic Acid......................................................................... 4.5944 Lime.......................................................................................... 4.6564 Phosphoric Acid.................................................................... 0.0316 Sulphuric Acid....................................................................... 0.4634 Soda........................................................................................... 0.2445 Potash....................................................................................... 0.3304 Organic Matter and Water..,.............................................. 3.4294

Total............................

100.0000

No. 10. From Burke county--Sapp's Mills. Light yel low color ; granular in structure :

Sand, etc.................................................................................. 14.6767

Oxide of Iron and Alumina................................................ 1.4289

Manganese (Oxide)............................................................... 0.4327

Magnesia................................................................................... 0.1324

Carbonic Acid........................................................................ 32.7948

Lime.......................................................................................... 46.3046

Phosphoric Acid.................................................................... 1.3315

Sulphuric Acid.....................................................

0.4525

Soda............. ............................................................................ 0.0372

Potash...................................................................................... 0.3136

Organic matter and water.................................................. 1.4339

Total......... ............................................................... 99.8388

No. II. From Screven county--Crockett's Spring.

Pure white; compact; granular structure :

Sand, etc.................................................................................. 7.4623

Oxide of Iron and Alumina......... .................................... 0.3601

Manganese (Oxide)............................................................... 0.1885

Magnesia.................................................................................. Trace.

Carbonic Acid..................

42.5169

Lime.......................................................................................... 44.1490

Phosphoric Acid.................................................

0.2521

Sulphuric Acid.........................................................

0.2620

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

23

Boda......................................................................................... Trace. Potash...................................................................................... Trace. Organic matter and water.................................................... 4.8058
Total......................................................................... 99.9966

No. 12. From Burke county--9^ C. R. R. Yellow

in color; friable; contains a large amount of sand; acid

reaction--must be treated with lime or exposed to the

action of the atmosphere before application :

Sand, etc................................................................................... 63.4373

Oxide of Iron and Alumina................................................ 5.2489

Manganese (Oxide)................................................................ 0.1859

Magnesia................................................................................... 0.0086

Carbonic Acid...............................................

10.7096

Lime.......................................................................................... 16.3350

Phosphoric Acid.................................................................... 0.2192

Sulphuric Acid........................................................................ 0.0577

Boda.......................

0.0408

Potash...................................................................................... 0.3490

Organic matter and water.................................................. 3.8235

Total............................................................................100.2155

No. 13. From Chattahoochee county--received from N. J. Bussey and J. H. Wooldridge. Bed is 6 feet from surface and about 3 feet in thickness--yellow in color; a friable mass of shells and earthy matter:
Sand, etc................................................................................... 63.2073 Oxide of Iron and Alumina................................................ 3.4046 Manganese (Oxide)................................................................ 0.1162 Magnesia.................................................................................. 0.0461 Carbonic Acid.......................................................................... 11.1190 Lime.......................................................................................... 11.1076 Phosphoric Acid.................................................................... 0.1149 Sulphuric Acid.............................. .'....................................... 0.2269 Boda ......................................................................................... 0.0079 Potash...................................................................................... 0.1378 Oi'ganic matter and water.......................................... ,,.... 9.9118
Total.......................................................................... 99.4012

No. 14. From Chattahoochee county--received from Myles Green, one mile North of Jamestown. Bluish gray in color; micaceous; friable mass; acid in reaction, and

24

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

on account of the large amount of inert matter would not pay for transportation to any great distance:

Sand, etc.................................................................................. 78.0822

Oxide of Iron and Alumina................................................ 3.8696

Manganese (Oxide)................................................................ 0.2307

Magnesia.................................................................................. 0.0218

"Carbonic Acid.......................................................................... 1.4477

Lime................

8.6183

Phosphoric Acid.................................................................... 0.2581

Sulphuric Acid...... ....................... ....................................... ,0.3444

Soda......................................................................................... 0.2061

Potash....................................................................................... 0.2491

Organic matter and water..............................................

10.6129

Total......................................................................... 99.8903

No. 15. From Stewart county--from J. A. Cade's Mill, one mile south of Jamestown. Bed is known to be from 18 to 20 feet in depth--the extent is not known. Sample analyzed was taken from a quantity thrown from a mill pit. Grayish-blue in color; contains a quantity of sand; impress ions of shells:

Band, etc..............................................

82.6556

Oxide of Iron and Alumina................................................... 1.4198

Manganese (oxide).................................................................. 0.4354

Magnesia ......................................................

0.100

Carbonic Acid ...................................................................... 28.2509

Lime ....................................................................................... 30.1012

Phosphoric Acid...................................................................... 0,2818

Sulphuric Acid ....................................................

0.4888

Soda......... .................................................................................. 0.1214

Potash.............................................................................

0.0511

Organic matter and water...................................................... 6,0931

Total............. .......................................................... 100.0000

No 16. From Stewart county--received from J. H. Wooldridge--found in the neighborhood of Y. F. Wright's Mills in great quantities. Grayish blue in color; mica ceous ; friable, and readily reduced to an impalpable powader ; contains fragments of shells and calcareous matter.

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

25

Slightly acid in reaction; must be mixed with caustic lime before using, or exposed for some time to the air.
Sand, etc................................................................................. 69.5047 Oxide of Iron and Alumina.................................................. 4.1968 Manganese (Oxide).............................................................. 0.4514 Magnesia.................................................. ............................... Trace Carbonic Acid....................................................................... 6.4036 Lime............................................................................................ 9.5850 Phosphoric Acid.................................................................... 0.4509 Sulphuric Acid........................................................................ 0.0869 Soda............................................................................................ Trace Potash........................................................................................ 0.8510 Organic matter and water....................................................... 8.6385

Total...........................................................................100.1688

No. 17. From Stewart County--obtained near Lumpkin by Mr. Smith. Dark gray-blue in color ; micaceous ; friable, and sandy. Acid in reaction, and about worthless as a fertilizer.

Sand......................................................................................... 83.2096

Oxide of Iron and Alumina........................................

5.6646

Manganese (Oxide)............................. ................................ Trace.

Magnesia.................................................................................. Trace.

Carbonic Acid..............................

1.6625

Lime..........................................

3.8566

Phosphoric Acid........ ........................................................... 0.5623

Sulphuric Acid........................................................................ 0.6529

Soda......................................................................................... Trace.

Potash...................................................................................... 0.6242

Organic matter and water.................................................. 3.8473

Total........................................................................ 100.0000

No. 18.. From Stewart county--received from W. B.

Blanchard, Green Hill. White; compact, and granular in structure; impressions of shells.

' Sand, etc.'....,........................................................................ 23.1723

Oxide of Iron and Alumina................................................ 1.1690

Manganese (Oxide) .............................................................. 0.3821

Magnesia................................................................................. Trace.

Carbonic Acid............................

33.8146

Dme..... ................................................................................... 34.6487

Phosphoric Acid................................................................... 0.3765

26

Report op Commissioner of .Agriculture.

Sulphuric Acid........................................................................ Soda.......................................................................... Potash...................................................................................... Organic matter and water....................................................

0.2329 0.0370 0.1862 5.7124

Total........................................................................... 99.7347

No. 19. From the banks of the Withlacoochee river, on the borders of Florida and Georgia--received from Messrs. Drew & Bucki, Florida. Found in great quan tities. Yellowish whitein color ; compact in structure.

Sand, etc................................................................................... 2.8694

Oxide of Iron and Alumina......................

1.0960

Manganese (Oxide)..... ........................................................ 0.6700

Magnesia.....................................................................

0.2062

Carbonic Acid......................................................................... 43.5804

Lime......................... i............................................................... 47.5009

Phosphoric Acid................................................................. . 0.4525

Sulphuric Acid........................................................................ 0.1539

Soda........................................................................................... 0.6900

Potash....................................................................................... 0.3185

Organic matter and water.................................................... 2.4628

Total.......................................................................... 100.0000

No. 20. From same locality as No. 19. Sent by same parties. Found in great quantities. White shell marl; compact; readily reduced to powder; dry.

Sand, etc.................................................................................. 0.8493

Oxide of Iron and Alumina...........:...................................... 0.4115

Manganese (oxide)................... ........................................... Trace.

Magnesia............................................................................. .. Trace.

CarbonicAcid.....................................................

46.4323

Lime.......................................................................................... 50.5780

Phosphoric Acid..................................................................... 0.2658

Sulphuric Acid........................................................................ 0.2825

Soda..................

0.0570

Potash....................................................................................... 0.1220'

Organic matter and water.............................................

1.0016

Total......................................................................... 100.0000

No. 21. From Quitman county, Hatchie Station. Blue

Repoi t of Commissioner of Agriculture.

27"

gray in color; coarsely granular and friable; contains a large quantity of sand ; acid in reaction.

Sand, etc.........................................................................

78.8681

Oxide of Iron and Alumina.................................................. 6.6820

Manganese (Oxide)............................................................... 1.0085

Magnesia................................................................................... 0.0230

Carbonic Acid.......................................................................... 4.4164

Lime..................................................................................

7.3734

Phosphoric Acid...................................................................... 0.6463

Sulphuric Acid......................................................................... 0.4590^

Soda..:....................................................................................... 0.0621

Potash ....................................................................................... 0.1243'

Organic matter and water.................................................... 0.4232

Total......................................................................... 100.0823

No. 22. From Burke county, Shell Bluff. Nearly purewhite ; granular; contains fragments of shells; extremely dry.

Sand, etc................................ Oxide of Iron and Alumina Manganese (Oxide)............. Magnesia.............................. CarbonicAcid..... ............... Lime....................................... Phosphoric Acid.................. Sulphuric Acid..................... Soda....................................... Potash.................................... Organic matter and water..

39.0548 2.2762 0.5744 Trace. 26.4087 29.0047 0.1474 0.1673 1.3075 0.8868 0.2722

Total

100.0000

No. 23. From Effingham county, Mrs. Longstreet's place. Dark brown color; granular in structure; mixed with fragments of shells.

Sand, etc.................................................................................. 64.7259

Oxide of Iron and Alumina..............;................................ 3.9471

Manganese (Oxide)................................................................ 0.2040

Magnesia................................................................................... 0.0926

CarbonicAcid...................... ....................................... .......... 10.9128

Lime.......................................................................................... 13.6984

Phosphoric Acid.............................................

0.4228

Sulphuric Acid......................................

1.0619

Soda.......................................................................................... 0.0108.

-"28

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

Potash....................................................................................... 0.2290 Organic matter and water.................................................... 4.6947
Total.......................................................................... 100.0000

No. 24. From Clay county, Brown's Mills, Fort Gaines. Dark brown color; shells and calcareous matter mingled with earth; friable; very dry.

Sand, etc.................................................................................. 67.0776

Oxide of Iron and Alumina.................................................. 3.4602

Manganese (Oxide)................................................................ 0.1696

Magnesia................ ................................................................. 0.1503

CarbonicAcid.......................................................................... 12.1228

Lime......................

15.2046

Phosphoric Acid...................................................................... 0.2768

Sulphuric Acid........................................... ........................... 0.2056

Soda......................................................................................... Trace.

Potash........................................................................................ 0.6075

Organic matter and water...................................................... 0.7252

Total......................................................................... 100.0000

No. 25. From Screven county, Reddick's Quarry. "White; granular and friable; containing fragments and impressions of shells:

Sand, etc.............................................................................

6.6714

Oxide of Iron and Alumina................................................... 0.7787

Manganese ("Oxide).................................................................. 0.5082

Magnesia........................................................................

0.0182

Carbonic Acid........................................................................... 38.5273

Lime........................................................................................... 45.8815

Phosphoric Acid.......................................

0.1340

Sulphuric Acid............. ............................................................ 0.5349

Soda...................................................................................

Trace.

Potash....................................................................................... Trace.

Organic matter and water.................................................... 6.9458

Total......................................................................... 100.0000

No. 26. From Jefferson county--received from A. E. Tarver, of Bartow. The bed is of considerable extent-- sample taken from bed four miles from No. 11, C. R. R.,

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

29

onLimestone Creek. Nearly white; very compact, and rather hard to pulverize ; no impression of shells apparent:

. Sand, etc................................................................................... 17.9787

Oxide of Iron and Alumina......................... ........................ 1.9242

Manganese (Oxide).................................................................. Trace

Magnesia.......................................................

Trace

CarbonicAcid................................................

33.1323

Lime.......................................................................................... 36.9039

Phosphoric Acid..................................................................... 0.3247

Sulphuric Acid.......................................................................... 0.5000

Soda................................................

trace.

Potash....................................................................................... 0.2547

Organic matter and water.................................................... 8.9815

Total..........................................................................100.0000

No. 27. From Decatur county, near Bainbridge. Yel lowish white in color; granular and friable; somewhat inclined to be compact; impressions of shells. The sub stance, upon examination, proved to have lost all trace of lime, the calcareous matter having evidently been dis placed by silica, thus forming what is known as "burr Stone"--97 per cent, of insoluble matter.

No. 28. From Houston county--received from Joseph Palmer--Perry. Found in vast quantity, yellowish white in color; composed of small fragments of shells and coral; granular; and readily reduced to powder. Dr. Palmer states in his letter that cotton planted in the immediate vicinity yielded 40 lbs. lint to the 100 of seed cotton':

Band, etc ............................................................................... 4.1411

Oxide of Iron and Alumina.................................................. 1.7561

Manganese (Oxide).................................................................. 0.1687

Magnesia................................................................................... 0.4946

Carbonic Acid.......................................................................... 39.3103

Lime.......................................................................................... 47.6988

Phosphoric Acid...................................................................... 1.0061

Sulphuric Acid........................................................................ 0.9189

Soda...........................................

1.5085

Potash.......................................

0.9680

Organic matter and water................................................... 2.0289

Total

.100.0000

80

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

This is a valuable marl, not only on account of the large per cent, of carbonic acid and lime, but also on account of the unusual amount of phosphoric acid, soda and potash. In composition and general appearance it resembles Nos. i and 2 from Macon, and I am inclined to the opinion that the three samples were taken from the same bed or forma tion, though the two localities from which they were drawn are_widely separated.

No. 29. From Marion county--received from G. W.

C. Munro, Buena Vista. Bluish gray color; very com

pact in structure; difficult to pulverize; contains impres

sions of shells--sample taken from an old well dug about

30 years ago; depth and extent of formation is unknown ;

Sand, etc.................................................................................. 5.6644

Oxide of Iron and Alumina.................................................. 1.7214

Manganese (Oxide).................................................................. 0.5082

Magnesia.....................................................................

0.2629

Carbonic Acid.......................................................................... 89.5824

Lime.......................................................................................... 42.5129

Phosphoric Acid...................................................................... 0.2936

Sulphuric Acid.......................................................................... 1.5311

Soda........................................................................................... trace.

Potash........................................................................................ 0.4265

Organic matter and water.................................................. 7.5466

Total..........................................................................100.0000

No. 30. From Macon county--received from J. W.

Belvin, Marshallville. Same characteristics as Nos. 1, 2

and 28--rather more compact, however, and the impres

sions of shells and coral not so perceptible as in the above.

Mr. Belvin writes that several kinds of bones have been

found in the formation, and^that the bed is of great ex

tent :

Sand, etc................................................................................... Oxide of Iron and Alumina................................................ ManganeseTOxide)................................................................ Magnesia....................................................................

9.4191 2.1231 0.3570 0.2213

Carbonic Acid........................................................................ 87.8000

Lime.......................................................................................... 41.6657

Phosphoric Acid........................

0.2789

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

31

Sulphuric Acid........................................................................ 0.0397 Soda.......................................................................................... 1.3534 Potash...................................................................................... 0 7941 Organic matter and water....;.............................................. 6.2281

Total........................................................................... 99.7084
A very valuable marl, as the analysis shows the lime, soda and potash are in large quantities.
No. 31. From Clay county, near Fort Gaines. Bluish gray in color; very nearly of the same composition as No. 24, which was taken from the same locality.

No. 32. From Camden county--received from Alex. Lang, Owen's Ferry, Satilla river. Bed 8 to 12 inches thick, overlying a stratification of blue clay ; white ; granu lar; friable. From analysis, found to be about the same as No. 5.

No. 33. From Wayne county--received from Mr. Hazlehurst--obtained from Jas. F. King's place, Waynesville. Dark blue color; adhesive ; numbers of well pre served shells found in the mass; readily pulverized ; acid reaction:

Sand, etc.................................. Oxide of Iron and Alumina. Manganese (Oxide)............... Magnesia.................................. Carbonic Acid...................... Lime......................................... Phosphoric Acid.................. Sulphuric Acid...................... Soda......................................... Potash..................................... Organic matter and water ..

50.8551 2.7351 1.0684 0.027* 15.7387 24.1017 0.2673 0.3200 0.3604 0.2892 4.0257

Total

99.7888

No. 34. From Macon county--received from J. D. Frederick, Marshallville. Upon examination, found to correspond with No. 1.

32

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

No. 35. From Camden county--received from J. M, Cooper. Yellow in color; compact in structure ; dry :

Sand, etc.....................

5.9613

Oxide of Iron and Alumina................

5.5033

Manganese (Oxide)................................................................ 0 5715

Magnesia.................................................................................. 0.0206

CarbonicAcid..................................................

41.3100

Lime.......................................................................................... 44.3305

Phosphoric Acid.................................................................... 0.4378

Sulphuric Acid........................................................................ 0.3200

Soda......................................................................................... 0.1481

Potash...................................................................................... 0.2684

Organic matter and water.................................................. 1.4589

Total.......................................................................... 99.3205

No. 36. From the same person and locality as pre ceding (35). Blue gray in color; containing large quan tity of earthy matter ; slightly acid in reaction:
Sand, etc................................................................................... 54.6247 Oxide of Iron and Alumina................................................... 8.8916 Manganese (Oxide)................................................................ 0.5781 Magnesia........ ............................................................................. 0.0462 Carbonic Acid........................................................................ 12.4548 Lime.......................................................................................... 18.5945 Phosphoric Acid....................................................................... 0.2435 Sulphuric Acid.......................................................................... 0.1293 Soda............................................................................................. 0.3416 Potash........................................................................................ 0.3004 Organic matter and water..................................................... 4.6863

Total....................................................................... ..100.8910

No. 37. From Stewart county--received from D. B. Fitzgerald, Florence. Blue color; compact; inclined to be granular ; micaceous; acid reaction. The inert matter pre dominates to too great an extent to render it a valuable; marl.
Sand, etc................................................................................. 77.5495 Oxide of Iron and Alumina................................................. 2.3882 Manganese (Oxide).............................................................. 0.6075 Magnesia................................................................................. 0.1024 Carbonic Acid........................................................................ 3.5936

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

33.

Lime...................................................................................... Phosphoric Acid.................................................................... Sulphuric Acid........................................................................ Soda.......................................................................................... Potash...................................................................................... Organic matter and water....................................................

9.5761 0.4116 0.5475 0.3270 0.2681 4.8291

Total........................................................................ 100.2014

No. 38. From Wayne county--received from Mr. Hazlehurst, Waynesville, sample obtained from the Satilla river. Blue color; adhesive; particles finely divided; no impressions of shells, but several fragments of bones were found in the sample. Cut with the knife it has the ap pearance of soap; acid in reaction.

Sand, etc.................................................................................. 51.6148

Oxide of Iron and Alumina................................................ 17.3635

Manganese (Oxide)...............................................

0.4867

Magnesia..............................

trace. .

Carbonic Acid..............................................................

2.4743

Lime......................................................................................... 3.3495

Phosphoric Acid.................................................................... 0.3616

Sulphuric Acid........................................................................ 0.6411

Soda.......................................................................................... 0.4865

Potash...................................................................................... 0.4536

Organic matter and water.................................................... 23.0898

Total......................................................................... 100.3213

No. 39. From Early county--received from J. B. Mul ligan. White ; granular ; impressions of shells; dry.

Sand, etc ................................................................................ 22.1624

Oxide of Iron and Alumina................................................ 2.0623

Manganese (Oxide).............................................................. 0.8155

Magnesia................................................................................. 0.0064

Carbonic Acid........................................................................ 35.3783

Lime.......................................................................................... 37.1951

Phosphoric Acid.................................................................... 0.3268

Sulphuric Acid........................................................................ 0.2587

Soda......................................................................................... 0.2662

Potash...........................

0.8018

Organic matter and water.................................................... 1.6366

Total........................................................................100.4100 A3

1

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

No. 40. From Chatham county--received from Geo. W. Scott, of Atlanta. Found on Mr. Charles N. West's place, Chatham county, known as "Emanuel Pond De posit." Yellow white in color; granular; no indications of shells, but in a comminuted condition. Two samples of the same character of deposit were received from the parties, but they only differed in the amount of moisture contained --one being thoroughly saturated, and the other being par tially dry.
Sand and loss.......................................................................... 0.9427 CarbonicAcid.......................................................................... 48.9824 Lime.......................................................................................... 50.0201 Phosphoric Acid.................................................................... 0.0548
Total......................................................................... 100.0000
Besides the above, several other samples of marls have been received in this Laboratory, but on account of great pressure of other duties, have not, as yet, been analyzed. I give below a list of these, and, as soon as possible, I will examine the samples and notify the parties of the results.
No. 41. From Stewart county--received from D. B. Fitzgerald, Florence. Blue gray in color; granular; impressions and fragments of shells.
No. 42. From the same person and locality. Blue gray in color; compact, and difficult to crush into powder; impressions of shells.
No. 43. From Muscogee county--received from A. M. Allen, of Columbus. Dingy white; granular; impres sions and fragments of shells.
No. 44. From same locality and same party. Blue in color; micaceous; and quite readily reduced to powder.
No. 45. From Effingham county, below Ebenezer, on the Savannah river--received from Amos F. Rahn, of Springfield. White, with a slight'tinge of yellow; impres sions of shells.
This Laboratory has also received a number of samples

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

35

iof earthy matter, supposed by parties to be marls. The list will be found below, with a description of each sub stance :

No. t. Blue Siliceous Clay--received from J. H. Wooldridge, Jamestown, Chattahoochee county. Fpund near Rooney's Mill, on Oswichee creek, one mile east of the Chattahoochee river.

No. 2. Brown Earth--received from J. H. Wool dridge. Found near Y. F. Wright's Mill, Stewart county. Sample, I judge, must have been taken from a strata overlying a marl bed, as the specimen contained impressions of .shells. The lime, I suppose, was washed out by the rains.

No. 3. Blue Clay--received from J. H. Hand, Calihoun county. Worthless as a fertilizer.

-SPECIAL ANALYSES MADE IN THE CHEMICAL LABORATORY
DURING THE YEAR 1876, COMMENCING JAN. 1ST.
No. 1. Sample of Clay--W.B. Jon^--supposed by him to be a marl. Specimen was taken from a well 45 feet in depth, from which he exhumed remains of vertebrated animals.
No. 2. Sample of White Clay--W. B. Jones.
No. 3. Sample of Oyster Shells--W. B.Jones--contained no trace of lime, the silicate having taken the place of the calcium.
No, 4. Sample of Blue Clay--W. W. Humphries, Chauncy, Dodge county--sent as a sample of marl.

No. 5. White Talc Clay, supposed to be marl--sent by .some one near Macon, May 16th.
No. 6. Fresh Bat Excrement, found in Nickajack Cave,

A3

36

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

Dade county, Ga., by Dr. George Little, State Geologist; formation half inch in thickness.
Per Cent. Moisture..................................................................................... % 6.618 Soluble Phosphoric Acid........................................................ 6.494 Reduced Phosphoric Acid...................................................... 1.864 Insoluble Phosphoric Acid...................................................... 2.679' Potash.......................................................................................... 5.888 Ammonia.................................................................................. 4.724 Undetermined........................................................................... 71.329
Total............................................................................ 100.000

The Phosphoric Acid is equivalent to 21.91 per cent, of pure Bone Phosphate.

No. 7. Dry Bat ExcrenTent; same locality as above:
Per Cent. Moisture..................................................................................... 2.166 Soluble Phosphoric Acid....................................................... 4.261 Reduced Phosphoric Acid..................................................... 1.395 Insoluble Phosphoric Acid..................................................... 13.419 Potash........................................................................................ 8.379 Ammonia................................................................................... 2.341 Undetermined........................................................................... 68.039
Total............................................................................ 100.000

The Phosphoric Acid is equivalent to 41.87 per cent, of Pure Bone Phosphate.

No. 8. Mineral Water--Dr. McTyier, Thomasville, Ga., Thomas county:
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS.
Chloride of Lime--good reaction. Oxide of Iron--very small quantity. Bicarbonate of Lime. Soda. Potash.
No. 9. Popplein's Silicated Superphosphate of Lime. Determination of Soluble Silica or Vegetable Silica, 33.172 per cent.

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

3T

No. io. Sample of National Ammoniated Soluble Bone-- Pratt's patent--sent by E. M. Hooten, Milner, Ga., to test the accuracy of article. Specimen was the average of samples from nine barrels of the fertilizer. Sample was sent to Department in a bottle corked with a wad of paper:

Per Cent. Moisture (exp. at 212 deg. F.)................................................ 17.573

Soluble Phosphoric Acid.......................................................... 8.140

Reduced Phosphoric Acid........................................................ 5.250

Insoluble Phosphoric Acid.....'.................................................. 1.110

Ammonia....................................................................................... 1.264

Potash.................................................................................

2.005

Analysis indicates sample to be genuine and of good quality.

No. ii. Rock from the farm of Dr. Thos. P. Janes,. Commissioner of Agriculture, Greene county, Ga.:
Per Cent.
Insoluble Matter...................................................................... 98.1163 Iron (Oxide) and Alumina.................................................... 1.2265 Lime (Oxide).................................................................................. 0341 Sulphuric Acid............................................................................... 0052 Black (Oxide) Manganese............................................................0973 Magnesia................................................................................... trace. Potash................................................................................................2084 Soda................................................................................................... 0613 Phosphoric Acid............................................................................ 1204 Moisture, etc.................................................................................... 0465
Total......................................................................... 100.0060

No. 12. Samples of Kaolin sent by Geo. R. McRee, Valdosta, Lowndes county, Ga., supposed by him to be of agricultural value. As a fertilizer it is worthless.

No. 13. Muck--Capt. J. R. Robinson, Brooks county,. Georgia:

Organic matter and water.

.62.7655 per cent.

38

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

No. 14. Specimens of Limestone--received from B. F. Martin, Milner, Ga. Sent to be identified.

No. 15. Red Ochre--received from G. G. Deverili, Woodville, Ga.

No. 16. Sample of Fertilizer--received from W. A-

Black, Greenville--supposed by him to be impure. No

name on the package :

Per Cent.

Soluble Phosphoric Acid........................................................ 9.188

Reduced Phosphoric Acid..................................................... 5.576

Potash.......................

S.S70

Ammonia................................................................

1.694

Undetermined........................................................................... 81.272

Total............................................................................. 100.000

Very good quality of fertilizer. If the quantity pur chased by Mr. Black yields as good results as the above sample, he need not hesitate to apply it to his land. Fifi teen per cent, of available phosphoric acid renders the fertilizer a very desirable one.

No. 17. Specimen of Galena or Sulphuret of Lead--

received from R. W. Davis, Blakely, Ga.:

Per Cent.

Lead............................................................................................. 30.000

Undetermined........................................................................... 70.000

Total.................................................................

100.000

No. 18. Specimen of Lime--received from W. L. Jones, Crawford county:

Lime......................................................................... 46.2246 per cent.

No. 19. Sample of Fertilizer, sent by A. E. Sturgis. No name attached to-package :
Per Cent. Moisture (expelled at 212 deg. F.)......................................... 11.404 Soluble Phosphoric Acid........................................................ 3.888 Reduced Phosphoric Acid...................................................... 3.511 Insoluble Phosphoric Acid....................................................... 2.902 Ammonia................................................................................... 5.100 Undetermined............................................................................. 78.245

Total........................................................................... 100.000

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

39

No. 20. .Sample of Muck--received from J. S. Meall. Dark brown in color; mixed with partially decayed vege table matter:
Oganic matter........................................................ 11.781 per cent.
No. 21. Sample of Iron Pyrites--received from B. F. Harris, to be examined for copper. No trace of copper.
No. 22. Package of Ground Bone--received from Mr. Columbus Heard, of Greensboro, Greene county. Sent to be examined for impurities--supposed by the gentle man to be adulterated with sand and clay. Upon exam ination I find 48.03 per cent, of organic matter, and but a small amount of either of the above impurities.
No. 23. Sample of Limestone--received from Messrs. Drew and Bucki, of Ellaville, Fla. The specimen is almost a pure Carbonate of Lime, with a very small amount of Phosphoric Acid :
Per Cent. Carbonate of Lime.................................................................... 98.168 Undetermined........................................................................... 1.838
Total............................................................................100.000
No. 24. Two specimens of Minerals, sent by J. P. Brown, of Sugar Valley, Gordon county :
No. 1. Iron Pyrites or Sulpburet of Iron. No. 2. Quartz containing a small quantity of Lead.

No. 25. Specimen of Kaolin. Too impure to be of much value.
The following specimens have been received but not yet analyzed:
Three specimens of earthy matter, from H. S. Crawford, of Kingston, Ga.
Two samples of soil, from James A. Adams, of Reynolds, Ga.

One specimen of muck, from Capt. J. R. Robinson, Mile Creek Swamp, Brooks county.

WEATHER REPORT.--Department of Agriculture, State of Georgia.
Atlanta--Latitude, 330 45' 19.8". Longitude, 84 23' 29.7". Elevation above sea level, 1,087 feet. Monthly Record of Meteorological Observa* tions from the \st of February, 1876, to the \st of fanuary, 1877, inclusive. Taken by P. H. Mell, Jr., Chemist to the Department of Agriculture.

Total am ount of Rainfall for M onth.
1
G reatest velocity per H o u r-
expressed in miles.
M inimum velocity per H o u r-
expressed in miles. Average velocity for whole M onth--expressed in m iles--
from ail observations. Prevailing direction of W inds.

Evaporation (total for the Month) expressed in inches.

P er cent, of Cloudy W eather.

_ ..

Per cent, of Fair W eather.

Per cent of Hazy W eather.

P er cent, of Clear W eather.

observations).

for the M onth (from all

Average degree of M oisture

tim e.

M oisture in the Air at any one

^M inim um p e r c e n t.o f

jM axim um p e r cen t.o f M o istu re in the Air at any one tim e

TEMPERATURES.

Heat of Sun's Bays.

Radiation from Earth.

Temperature of Air during the Day.

of

Temperature Air during the
Night.

BAROMETER.

HUMIDITY IN AIR.

I

WIND.

STATE OP THE WEArasR

i

M ean H eight of all observations for M onth.
:

J

M inim um Height.

Mean of all observations for M onth.

Mean of all observations for Month. M aximum.

Mean of all observations for Month.

M aximum radiation observed during the
M onth. M inimum radiation observed during the
M onth.

M ean of all observations for M onth.

observed during the 1

j

M inimum radiation

observed during tbe

M aximum radiation j

MONTHS.

M onth.

M onth.

+5

jsfl

M inimum.

s
3s

a

' *s

*5
1

a

S'

roS ;

a!

1

i

1

1876.

degree degree dearee degree dearee dearee degree dearee degree degree dvaree degree

75 25

74

54

14* 73 134

54 1.3 38

80 23 53.4 78 13 49.4

1H3 58 19,7

63 82 46

88 34 62.5 85 34 59

Mi\

81 is*

*6? 95 14*

60 34 64 45

5529.9

87 96

43 69 65 78

84 38 63.8 88 69 72.6

July............... 16i 78 153

71 50 6>

95 62 82.5 91 62 80

August........ 163 1U 149

69 56 62

95 69 82 8 93 69 78.9

September.. 159 119 139

61 40 50

93 51 73.2 88 47 70.3

October....... 150 67 131

71 80 44

SO 37 60.6 77 36 56.0

November.. 140 49 108

90 20 3i

77 '-0 48.1 72 24 44.5

December... 118

39 89,.08 49 4

2-t.8 62 11 36.21 55

4 30.95

29.944 29.255 29.270
29 176 29.070 29.083
29 094 29 086 29.180
29.136 29.170

'28.843 28.390 28.280
28.746 28.697 28.599 28.772 28.808 28.635 28.627
28 484

29.065
28.861
28.974 28-973 28.874 28.924
28.924 28.947 28.955 28.864
28.919

96 29 83 100 21 50
93 28 48 100 30 58.4
100 26 63.4 100 29 69.3
100 40 67.5
100 40 64.2 94 32 58.3
100 47.5 70.3
100 37 72.8

2.87 15.0 0.46 5.75 W. 44 5

55.5

w. 1.64 19.8 2.10 9.04 W. 54.0

2.09 14 0 1.90 6.70

57.0

46 0 43.0

5.34 1.96 2.53

13.5 10.6
72

1.90 4.70 E. W
w. 1.79 4.84 w. 0.90 3.25

53 0 55.0 29.0

3.2

47.0 45.0 5.4 62.4

8.99 6.21 6.30 1.46 7.44 1.91

5.7 Calm. 8.4 2.0
9.7 2.5

3.76
4.59 5.75

wwE..

17.2 10.7 37.6 34.4
42.4 10.0 18.8 27.8 64.5 9.6 5.4 20.5

4.80 2.56 12.9 2.2 6.40 N.W. 28.8 21.0 10.0 40.2

5.24 4.35 15.0 2.7 6 90 W&E 43.0 48.4 4.3 4.3

The night of the 9th of December was the coldest known at this point for a great many years--the thermometer reaching as low as 4Q above zero. In December, 1873, tne murcury went down to 6" above zero. The highest temperature during the year was 96. The greatest amount of rainfall at any one time was 5.34 inches. Total fall since 1st February, 31.83 inches. The prevailing direction of the wind was from the West. The amount of clear weather during the whole year is about equal to amount
of cloudy weather for the same period.

41-42

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

43

DIVERSIFIED FARMING.
The farmers of Georgia are in a far better condition than at the end of last year. There has been generally a good ^rop of corn,made in the State--enough, if uniformly dis tributed, to supply the home demand. A larger crop of small grain than usual has been seeded notwithstanding the dry Fall, which prevented early sowing.
There is more attention being paid to the production of supply crops of every description. Never in the history of any people, has a more wise and prudent economy been practiced than by the farmers of Georgia during the preseht year.
While more than one year will be required to recover from the disastrous consequences of the mistaken policy which has prevailed until recently, our farmers having once broken the shackles which bound them to the false policy of making cotton to purchase supplies, show no disposi tion to retrace their steps. Georgia is to-day on a better footing than since the war, and is acknowledged by her sister States to be not only the "Empire State" of the South, but in progress and development, is outstripping many of her Northern sisters. In a recent issue of the " New England Farmer, " published in Boston, the follow ing language is used in reference to the reports from this Department. The Editor says " we never receive one of these circulars without feeling that Georgia is ahead of Massachusetts, and the other New England States. "
There is much less restlessness and discontent among the agricultural classes than for some years--less disposi tion to leave the farm, and a more fixed determination to make Georgia agriculture what our natural advantages of soil and climate demand that it should be.
SUMMARY OF TWO YEARS' WORK.
It may not be amiss to take a retrospective view of the "Work done by the Department of Agriculture since its

44

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

organization. Being organized so late in the year as the month of August, 1874, but little more could be done that year than prepare for work.
There was no precedent to be followed, since Georgia was the first State to establish a Department of Agricul ture. There was, therefore, no chart mapped out by any other State for the guidance of the Commissioner in exe cuting the intention of the law. The experience and prac tice of the Department at Washington was utilized as far as they could be adapted to a State. The first effort made was to ascertain the true status of agriculture in Georgia. To do this, questions were addressed to the most intelli gent farmers in every section of the State. The answers to these questions were consolidated and published for the information of the farmers. This exerted a very salutary influence upon the agricultural policy of the farmers, and was the entering wedge which has revolutionized the whole policy of farm economy in the State.
There had been so much complaint, and such frequent litigation arising from refusal on the part of farmers to pay for spurious or practically worthless fertilizers, that the inspection and analysis of fertilizers offered for sale or dis tribution in the State was considered of the first impor tance. The utmost vigilance was, therefore, exercised in securing thorough inspection and accurate analyses of all fertilizers offered for sale within her borders. At the close of the first season, in the Spring of 1875, the analyses and com mercial values of all the brands were published in pamphlet form, and widely distributed. Many brands were found to be of very low grade, but allowed to go to sale that season, with the warning that those grades would be rejected in future. Others were not allowed to be sold at all, as their analyses showed that they did not contain a reasonable amount of plant food. Others, still, were with drawn from the market, conscious of their inability to bear the test of inspection and analysis. The farmers of

Report of Commissioner of, Agriculture.

45

Georgia were saved by the expulsion of low grades of fer tilizers from the markets of the State, in that season, more than enough to defray the whole expense of the Depart ment for that year, besides escaping the expense and annoy ance of law suits.
In addition to the analyses, the pamphlet contained for mulae and directions for composting, with much informa tion on economy of fertilization.
Those manufacturers who were selling inferior fertilizers were taken by surprise. Many of them were under the impression that thfeir compounds contained larger percent ages of the elements of plant food than chemical analysis indicated, and at once prepared to improve their formulae.. The contrast between the high and the low grades was so striking, that the manufacturers of the latter were com pelled to elevate their standard or withdraw from the market.
This year, the analyses of all the brands that were inspected by the loth of January were published, in con nection with the results of the soil tests of the preceding year, in order that the farmers might have all necessary information to guide them in making selection of fertilizers suited to their purposes.
Again, at the close of the season, the analyses, com mercial values and statistics of the whole season were pub lished.

THE EFFECT OF THE INSPECTION AND ANALYSES THE SECOND
YEAR.
The effect of contrasting the quality and prices of the different brands in these publications was to reduce the average price 7.4 per cent in one year, and to elevate the standard of quality sixteen per cent, in the same time. Taking these two together, there was a saving to the farm ers of the State who purchased fertilizers of ^5S9>I68.4S on the number of tons sold in the State during the last

46

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

season. The very low grades are entirely driven from the markets of Georgia. In many of our judicial districts, where the dockets of the courts were two years ago crowd ed with fertilizer cases, they now have none. Again, our farmers have learned through these publications to econo mise in the use of fertilizers by incorporating home mate rial with the phosphates, thus obviating the necessity of very large outlays, and stimulating the accumulation and protection of home manures. I feel satisfied that in the single item of the protection against spurious brands of fertilizers, afforded by the Department, the annual ap propriation for its maintenance has been well invested for the people of the State.
It has been useful, however, in many other respects, to our people. It has stimulated stock raising among our people, and induced immigration, by the publi cation of information in regard to our natural advantages of soil, climate and productions. It has, by the dissemi nation of statistical information, demonstrated the fallacy of our exclusive culture of cotton, and stimulated the adop tion by our farmers of a diversified, self-sustaining system of agriculture, as shown by the full barns and cribs all over the State. It has, by publishing information as to im proved varieties of seed, and the distribution of the best, as well as by a demonstration through its statistics of the best time and manner of planting certain varieties, largely increased the actual productions of the State.
Through its monthly crop reports, it has kept the farmers informed as to the true condition and prospect, and finally of the comparative yield of each staple crop, thus placing them on an equality, as far as infor mation is concerned, with the speculator, who, previous to their publication, had opportunities of exaggerating yields, and thus depressing prices. It has collected in formation from the most advanced farmers in all parts of

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

47

the State, and published it for the benefit of the masses, and distributed it at less cost than could have been done by any other means. It has prepared, with the assistance of the Geologist, a Hand-Book of the State, with a geological map accompanying, which will supply, in a compact form, all information relating to her natural advantages and productive resources. It will contain very much valuable information never before published. It has become a central medium of communication and informa tion to the people of this, and those of other States of the Union.
It has introduced Georgia to the people of the United States in entirely a different aspect from that in which she has previously been viewed. She has been presented to the world as a great agricultural State, unsurpassed in richness and variety of productions, with a climate, as shown by the meteorological records, unsurpassed by that of Italy, and with facilities for stock-raising equal to the best on the continent. Extracts might be given from the highest authorities in the Union, showing the estimation In which the work of this Department is held by citizens of other States, and acknowledging Georgia's leadership in agricultural progress and development; but they are on file in this office, and open to your inspection.
Tennessee and Kentucky have followed Georgia's example in establishing Departments of Agriculture and Statistics. North Carolina has inserted a clause in her new Constitution requiring the Legislature to establish a Department of Agriculture and Statistics, and Alabama is discussing the propriety of following suit.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
I desire to acknowledge the uniform courtesy and sup port of your Excellency in the performance of my official duty, the valuable assistance and co-operation of Dr. Geo. Little, State Geologist, the receipt of reports from the

48

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

War Department, Treasury Department, the Department of Agriculture, and the U. S. Commissioner of Fisheries at Washington, and reports from State Boards and Depart, ments of Agriculture.
I am indebted to many citizens of Georgia for contribu tions of facts during the preparation of the Hand-Bookjof the State. I am indebted to the Crop Correspondents and Experimenters, who have performed much gratuitous labor for the benefit of their brother farmers and the public generally. Their services have been indispensible to the efficient execution of the law, which requires'the collection of information. The co-operation of the railroad authori ties in the collection of the statistics of imports aijd ex ports, is hereby acknowledged. To Prof. W. J. Land, Chemist, for the analysis of fertilizers, I am indebted for valuable services rendered in the discharge of his duty. To the Inspectors of.Fertilizers I am indebted for efficiency and vigilance in carrying out the requirements of the law.
To the Clerk and Employees of the Department, I am indebted for a hearty co-operation in the execution of my wishes, and for earnest, faithful and persistent labor in the performance of their respective duties.
Again, thanking your Excellency for many official cour tesies, and expressing sincere regret that our official con. nection is so soon to terminate,
I remain, very respectfully,
THOMAS P. JANES,
Commissioner of Agriculture.

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

49

APPENDIX.

Circular No. 23.
An Exhibit of the Amount of Farm Supplies Received at and Shipped from Each Depot on the Georgia Railroad and Us Branches, and the Macon and Augusta Railroad, for the Period of Twelve Months, com. mencing April 1st, 1874, and ending April 1st, 1875.
State oe Georgia, Department op Agriculture,
Atlanta, March 25, 1876. Belieying that a statement of the shipments ami receipts of farm pro ducts ou the various Railroads of the State, would be valuable to the people at large, and especially so to the farmers, letters were written last August to all of the Railroad Companies in Georgia, requesting the desired statistics. The hope was entertained that the publication of a statement of the exports and imports of farm products from and into the State, would be instrumental in impressing upon the farmers the necessity of adopting the policy, so often urged in the publications issued from this Depart ment, of devoting more attention to the production of supplies. It is
a source of much regret that only one company has responded to the
request. The managers of the Georgia Railroad, with the enlightened public spirit which has generally characterized their policy, have kindly furnished the following very interesting facts, which are hereby grate fully acknowledged on behalf of the farmers of the State.
The farmers of all sections of the State will do well to study carefully the following figures, which, though taken from only a portion of the State, may be regarded as a fair index of the effects of the ruinous policy of purchasing supplies with which to make cotton.
Through shipments to and from other Railroads connecting with the Georgia Railroad, and the Macon and Augusta Railroad, at Atlanta, Augusta and Macon, are not included in the following statement:

TABULAR STATEMENT OF TOTAL LOCAL RECEIPTS AND SHIPMENTS.

Receipts.

Com........................057.579 bush.

Bacon................... 20,447,811 lbs.

Wheat...................... 342,514 "

Lard..................... 1,338,745 "

Oats.........................116,415 "

Butter................. 138,144 "

Meal......................... 74,950 "

Hay.................... 10,718 bales

Flour....................... 75,695 bbls.

Guano................. 21,914 tons.

Shipments.

Cotton.................... 154,914 bales.

Peas

.997 bushels.

50

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

The following table shows the Cash value of the foregoing receipts ;

also the value of the same at the usual Credit prices, where sales are-

made on time. These values are fixed by the average wholesale cash

prices at Atlanta for the period named, and the usual per centages for

time sales added:
Com..................... Wheat.................... Oats...................... Meal...................... Flour..................... Bacon.................... Lard...................... Butter................... Hay........................ Guano....................

Cask. $1,043,761 11
445,288 20 77,331 25 82,545 00
590,421 60 2,253,737 32
194,108 02 41,443 20 37,513 00 1,120,654 00

Time. $1,503,390 03'
644,551 18 125,728 20 118,421 00 850,054 85 3.476,127 87 '269,749 00 59,400 92 54,125 90 1,343,584 80

Total

$5,886,802 70

$8,445,133 75

TABLE SHOWINO THE VALUE OF SHIPMENTS OF COTTON AND PEAS FOR THE. SAME TIME AT THE AVERAGE CASH PRICE AT ATLANTA.

Cotton............................................................................................. $9,411,055 50

Peas.................. ..............................................................................

1,445 65

Total........................................................................................ $9,412,501 15

BALANCE IN FAVOR OF SHIPMENTS.

*

Cash.

Shipments.................................................$9,412,501 15

Receipts.................................................... 5,886,802 70

Time. $9,412,501 15
8,445,133 75 -

Balance........................................ ;....$3,525,698 45

$ 967,367 40

RECEIPTS IN HANCOCK COUNTY.

Corn............. ..........51,020 bush.

Bacon................. ...1,024,788 lbs.

Wheat.......... .......... 2,475 "

Lard.................... ... 69,672 "

Oats.............. .......... 4,463 "

Butter...............

1,951 "

Meal............ ........... 1,010 "

Hay....................

530 bales

Flour............ .......... 3,660 bbls.

Guano.................... 1,669 tons.

SHIPMENTS FROM HANCOCK COUNTY.

Cotton.......... .......... 9,824 bales.

Peas.................. ...........54 bushels.

VALUE OF RECEIPTS IN HANCOCK COUNTY.

Cask.

Corn............................................................... $ 55,611 80

Wheat............................................................. 3,217 50

Oats.................................................................. 3,347 25

Meal................................................................. 1,111 00

Flour................................................

28,548 00

Bacon.............................................................. 122,974 56

Lard............................................................... 10,102 44

Butter..............................................................

685 30

Hay................................................................. 1,855 00

Guano............................................................. 85,115 00

Time.
$ 80,10140 4,628 25 4,820 04
1,755 38 41,169 18 174,212 96 13,934 40
838 93 2,676 50 102,142 80

Total......................................................$ 312,467 85

$ 426,279_84

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

51

Value oj Shipments.

Cotton...................... ........................................................................ $ 596,808 00

Peas.................................................................................................

78 30

Total........................................................................................ $ 596,886 30

Balance in favor of shipments over the value of receipts at cash value, $284,418.45; over the time value, $170,606.46.

KECEIPTS IN' GREENE COUNTY.

Corn............. ........ 27,941 bush. Oats............. ........ 4,529 " Meal............. ........ 8,034 "

Lard............ ......... 63,113 lbs.
Butter......... ......... 2,310 " Hay............ ......... 75 bales.

Flour.......... ........ 4,934 bbls. Bacon......... ........ 809,284 lbs.

Guano......... ......... 851 tons.

Shipments. Cotton, 11,737 bales ; Wheat, 374 bushels; Peas, 325 bushels.

Corn........ Oats......... Meal........ Flour....... Bacon..... Lard....... Butter..... Hay.........
Guano ....

VALUE OF RECEIPTS IN GREENE COUNTY.
Cash.
$30,455 69 8,396 75 8,537 40 88,485 20
, 97,114 08 9,151 38 693 00 262 50
, 43,401 00

Time,
$47,857 37 4,891 32 12,693 72 55,408 82
137,578 28 12,622 60
893 30 378 75 52,081 20

Total

$231,497 00 $324,405 36

VALUE OF SHIPMENTS FROM GREENE COUNTY.

Cotton......... Wheat..........

.............................................$713,022 75

...............

486 28

Peas.............

...............

471 25

Total....

...............$713,980 20

Balance in favor of shipments on the cash basis, $482,483.20; on the credit basis, $389,574.84.

RECEIPTS IN WILKES COUNTY.

Corn............. ............32,168 bush.
Wheat......... ............ 124 " Oats............. ............ 7,813 " Meal............ ............ 9,802 " Flour............ ........... 4; 174 bbls.

Bacon............... ............929,327 lbs. Lard................. ............ 54,248 " Butter.............. ............ 200 " Hay.................. ............ 350 bales.. Guano.............. ............ 1,050 tons.

SHIPMENTS.
Cotton, 11,551 bales ; Peas, 64 bushels.

VALUE OF RECEIPTS IN WILKES COUNTY.

{~Jfi 9!)

Com....................................................................$ 30,063 12

Wheat.................................................................

161 20

Oats..................................................................... 5,859 75

Meal................................................................... 10,782 20

$ 50,403 76 22188
8,43804
15,48716-

-52

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

Flour................................................................... 82,557 20

Bacon................................................................ 111,529 24

Lard.................................................................... 7,865 96

Butter.................................................................

60 00

Hay........................

1,085 00

Guano................................................................. 51,550 00

46,874 02 157,985 52 10,849 60
8600 1,56550 64,260 00

Total........................................................... $256,513 67

$356,171 48

Value of Shipments.

Cotton................................................................................................. $701,723 25

Peas.....................................................................................................

93 80

Total............................................................................................$701,816 05 Balance in fayor of shipments oh cash basis, $445,302 38; on the credit basis, $345,644 57.

i.--Tabular Statement of Farm Products
Meceived by Rail; and also of Warm Products shipped by Rail, at the various Stations on the Georgia Railroad, and the Motion and Augusta Railroad, paring the fiscal year ending March 31st, 1875.

STATIONS.

Bus. Com*. ` Bus. Wheat. Bus. Oats. Bu. Peas.

Rec'd. Slip d. Rec'd. iShp'd. Rec'diShp'd He'd Sh'd i

Atlanta................................................ 6,098 216,851

37 10,402 357 35,575 377 111

Becatur................................................ 1,921

75

44

19 139

6 75 2

Ktrmf* Mnnntflin

................... 17,440 1,504 528

6 783

14 64

T ithrtnia

............... . 6,118

8 1190

494

9 16

Conyers.............. .............................. 16,219 581 910 410 1,972 34 43 69

Covington ......................................... 26,632

C 2,310 712 5,188

3 44 105

-ftrw'ifll nirclA

........... 19,996

267

9,. 586

`KiiMgHo'G

.... . .?........ 3^301

924 310 366

Madison............................................. . 22,506 1S6 1/ 32 282, 2,17>

2 37 1

"RnrTrhpftA

................

361

12

90

24

3

(irrvnpf*

. .............

a ft7q

8.

7

139

^Trppnpahnrn

...

10,8 U

Union Point...................................... 6,523 30

99 62

45m0l!

2,41)3 855

850 6 -44 20

`CrawfordviJle............ ....................... 10,943 3i6 869

82 2,060

9

Barnett.......................................... .

4,889

Crunn's Mills.................................... 6,247

122

12 209

11 .......... 662

32 22?

Ca m air

3,345

570

25

:S.w 'Hnat. ...

....

4!860

75 9 0

20 55

Thomson .......................................... 33|270

17 835

40 4,115 52 189 149

bearing.......................................... .. 4,249

3

232

5

Berzelia.......... .

.................... 3,603

8

21

511

3 44

Bela-ir ........... .......................... 2,950

475

45

Augusta........ ................................. 523,160 63,818 315,220 2,691 60,206 7,675 2,114 455

Washington Branch.

"Raytown.........

6,787 449

68

502

15

'Wafthin^ton.......... ... ...

32,168

839 215 7,9 2 99 64

Athena Branch.

Woodville........................................... 7,065 Maxeys..... ........................................ 6,35C

81 61

96 86

sr 1,186
s 468

48 35 34 t>9

Antioch.......................................... 4,136

31

32 302 463 99

18

T.pvingfon ... .......... .

20^619

6V 145

11 2 603

4 49

Winterville........................................ 3^339 103 i

7

Athens............................................. .. 44,9-49 2,50i 17,20^

2-49 29 7,921 1,051 108 35

Macon and Augusta Railroad.

Mayfield........................................... : Warrenton.......................................... Culverton.......................................... Sparta................................................. Devereaux. ................................... .. Carr's.............................................. ..
Milledgeville...................................... Haddock's......................................... Macon..................................................

12,767 16,092 7,755 20;566 9.196
l'581 25'645
6,891 2S5

66 871
70 433
12 195 1,048
33 26,563

2,209 400 8 219 49
197 63 14

964

84 1,908 1,159

10 'i 157 ]. ...

10 2;i34

8 62 24

186 39

11 ....

31

2,423 663 as

570

23

129

2,008 60 1

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

53

[continued.]
2.--Tabular Statement of Farm Products.
Received by Sail; and also of Farm Products shipped by Sail, at the various Stations on the Geo gia Sailroad, and the Macon and Augusta Sailroad, during the fiscal gear ending March 31st, 1875.

STATIONS.

BUS.' MEAL. BBLS. FLOUR.
Rec'd. Shp'd. Rec'd. Shp'd.

LBS. BACON.

LBS. LARD.

Rec'd. | Ship'd. Rec'd. Ship'd

Atlanta............................ Tterntiir ........ .............

St. Mountain.................

-Lithonia........................

Conyers. ......................

^Covington...................... Rnniftl nirr.li ..............

Rutledge.........................

Madison.......................... Riip.lrhpnrl...................... Onmipp ......................

trj-rppnpohnrn ...............

Union Point..................1

Crawfordville...............

Harnptt

..........

nnrm's `Mil!

.....

Cn.mfl.1r . ...... Raw Hnat ....................
irrhrmartn ... __ _

/Tlparmor

..........

`RprwpHa

...............

-l^plflir

Augusta.......................... Washington Branch.

Wnshlnortnn
Athens Branch. Woodviile..................... Matpva ... . ... Antinp.h ... . . . T.pvirtptnn..... AAintprvillp ........ ...
Athens............................ Mac'n&A ugus taR.h
Mayfield........................... Warrenton......................

Sparta................. ........... Devereaux...................... Carr's..................... . .
Mil edgeville.................. Haddock's...................... Macon..............................

137 41,297

835

3,363 254

105

6

920

7

1,854

6

1,657

'458

4

13,479 208

545

20

2

6,033 294

1,908

64

802

52

691

643

393

1,486

3|375

12

678

826

10

1,179

12

13,477 10,162

62 9,802

430

2

123

20

46

8,053

2

. 468 281

6 8,585
84 2,638
101 2
2,927 611
23

1,784 2
4 83 316
9 1,764

155 25,857 641,773 4,425,275 51,223 402,333

464

65,030

21 9,072

1,730

4 232^812 2,886 22,230 360

765

9 91,684 2,150 10,204

96

2,497

80 287,502 2 830 34,625 1,506

3,543

15 670,871 6,985 72,403 1,206

2,724

500,509

49j9,S1

'355

2 84;968

85 6)778

4$

3,878

14 765,711 6,836 49,517 451

38

23.477

127

26 905

1 141

2,597

6 371,668 1,105

1,367

i 224,950 14)6005 12)395 240

981

S9 267,947 7,741 12,260

50

624

^7 118

a 59,0

620

157 911

625 fi RRft 150

256

65,900

2,285

510

15)000

l)300

2,639

5 660)000 1,000 14,350

632 ... i 92)432

9,365

148

43)730

200 2)575

145

33 650

l)l90

35,637 8,790 5,950)103 2.537,315 292)785 125,867

559 4,185

13 158,520 12 933)552

830 5,931 3,225 54,248

861 301 215 1,976 *389
7,635

5 203,281 3 93,197 6 71,999 6 469)975 12 44,139
727 1,584,597

1,815 13,099
22 1,895 637 3)214 1 421 30)942 1,589 3)033
210,270 186,163

50
150 12,931

343 1,447
254 2,491
397 196 2,085 261
753

6 167,236 65 833,645 2 203.254 18 536,580
123,530
42)564 130 720,470
2 107,852 1 551 3,393,0501

1,185 12,645
2,918 16,775 618 6,128
f,760 33,195 100 2,281 713 2,246
18,128 34,471 1,686 1,446
839,971 205,790

30 200
495 150 43 1,639 390 45,663

A4

54

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

[CCNTINUBD.]
3.--Tabular Statement of Farm Products
Received by Rail; and also of Farm Products shipped by Rail, at the various Stations on the Georgia Railroad, and the Macon and Augusta Railroad, during the fiscal year ending March SSUt, 1875.

STATIONS.

Lbs. Butter. ] Bna. Hay. Bls. Cotton. Tns. Guano Rec'd. .Shp'd. 1 Kc'd. Shp'd Rec'd. Shp'd. Rec'd Shp'd

Atlanta.......................................... 2,441

Decatur .......................................

464

StAriA `MVvnntjnn .

7 .ifhnnifl....................... ...........
Orm \ frs..............................

CoviD^ton..................................... 342 firu'ifll Pivi'lp
Rnt.tp.d^ ......................

Madison........................................

444

Buckhead.... ...... ........ Oo.OTlP.ft .......................... ......... .

Greenesboro................................ 2,170

Union Point................................

100

Crawfordville.................... .

32

ftnmftt.t.........................................

GOfut.nmnsk's'..M...i.l.l.s.............................................. .. .

23

Saw `nnRt. .... ................. .

Thomson..................................

6c0

Bearing.................. ..............

60

Berzelia.........................................

320

"Rplfiir.......... ............................. .

Augusta........................................ 122,920

Washington Branch.

Raytown .................................

25

Washington............................. .

200

Athens Branch.

Woodville............... ................ ...

60

MftTPVft. ......................................

A ntiop.h................. ........... .. .

Lexington.............. *...............

69

Wintftrvillft.............................

Athens............................ 1.651

Macon cfc Augusta Bailroad

Maydeid.. .......... .......

Warrenton......................... . 175

Culverton................... . .... 64

Sparta............................... 1,897

Deverftftnx... ....................

Carr's.................................

Mii.'edgeville................... . 1,923

Haddock's................. ........

Macon................................ 8,895

2,074 i 5T

28 326 950 949,

73

145

325

344

268

8

90

20 1,635

2 55
47 62
59 11
47 100
173 475
60 67
5,969

2, ,72 10 9

9,187 677

4
61 3 8

911 105,180

23,542 154
2,464 '967
6,S06 9478 6,858
*69 9,816
251 524 4,998 4,144 3,130 1,705 1,911 1,174 1,000 8,179 7*1 166
389

1,000 293

186 14

577 91

733

9

952

3

2,189 608

1,424

'225

9

973

27

24

238

285

264

179

253

106

79

892

231

153

113

454 10,60$

12

1,779 209

&

350

11,551 1,050

35 20 10
2 60 48
254 461 23

2,344 275

1,232

74 97

l'323i 1< 0

1

8.088 621

8'

1,031 248

95 17,090 2,29 9 222

114 308

1

273 1/41 254 3,134' 349

7

22 2

2,326 689 17

301

5 118 3,423 637 135

82

1,481 186

18 775

8

444 877 401

62 63

11

208

4

1,406 78

611

187 1.310 8.398 6T an

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

55

The calculations of values have been mads, in the above tables, on the basis of wholesale cash prices, taken from the reports of the Cham ber of Commerce in the Atlanta papers. The fil from April, 1874, to April, 1875, was examined, and the average of the wholesale cash prices through that period taken for the calculation of the cash values, and then the average per centage added for the credit values.
This is perhaps below the average value at which the products are generally sold, but the only source at command from which the prices could be obtained was used. They are as nearly correct as it was possi ble to obtain them for the general valuations, though they are too low for the county valuations given above. Having no means, however, of ascertaining the average prices in the several counties, the Atlanta priceswere used.
The local receipts have been credited with local shipments, except those from the terminal points--Atlanta, Macon and Augusta--since it isfair to presume that shipments from way stations were either productions of the neighborhood or re-shipments to other stations; while shipments from the above named terminal points were all delivered at some point on the Georgia Railaoad ar^ branches, or on the Macon and Augusta Railroad, for consumption, and therefore could not properly be deducted from the receipts.
The three counties were selected as the only ones on the line of these roads, in which the shipments and receipts at the depots in the counties are quite or nearly all grown or distributed in the counties in which they are shipped or received.
These figures require but little comment, further than to remark that they explain the depression which prevails among the agricultural classes of Georgia.
It will he seen, that at Atlanta wholesale cash prices the people of the sections traversed by these roads purchase, exclusive of ferti lizers, supplies amounting to $4,766,148.70 ; and including fertilizers, $5,886,802.70. The farmers reported last year that 80 per cent, of those who purchase supplies, buy on a credit. The supplies purchased, as shown, at credit prices, amounted to $8,444,733.75.
Admitting that the purchase of fertilizers was necessary, there were, at credit prices, $7,101,148.95 expended for products which could and should have been raised on the farm. Seven millions of dollars, distrib uted among the farmers of the nineteen counties traversed by these roads, would dispel all gloom and restore confidence, prosperty and happiness, not only to the farmers, but to every class of the community. These^figures point as infallibly to the true cause of our difficulties aa does the needle to the pole.

56

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

The counties supplied by these roads probably represent one-fifth of the purchases of supplies of the State ; certainly not more. Under this supposition, the State, in one year, imported of the products named, on the cash basis, $39,434,013.50, and on the credit basis, the enor mous sum of $43,333,668.75. This does not include many articles of prime necessity--such as live stock, clothing, sugar, coffee, etc., and none of the luxuries. Is it then remarkable that we hear complaints of "hard times ?"
The large quantity of fertilizers being purchased this season indicates the intention on the part of the farmers of the State to plant largely in cotton the coming season, as the bulk of purchased fertilizers is applied to that crop. Fanners are, therefore, urged to consider carefully the above figures, and to stop this ruinous drain upon their industry, by planting sufficient provision crops to secure ample supplies of all kinds for home consumption. The conclusion is inevitable, from the above figures, that there can be no prosperity for any class of our people under the present agricultural practice of the State. In view of the difficulties attending raising pork in Georgia, in consequence of stealage and cholera, farmers in sections of the State where the sugar cane cannot be raised, are urged to plant sorghum for the purpoS of making syrup as a partial substitute for bacon in finding their laborers.
However unpalatable the above facts may be to the pride of the fanners of Georgia, they are indebted to the managers of the Georgia Railroad for the above valuable and instructive facts. It is hoped that they will profit by the lessons which they teach, by adopting a more wise and self-sustaining policy in their future farm economy. Renewed efforts will be made to secure similar statistics from the other railroads of the State, with the hope that they may be induced to follow the public spirited example of the Georgia Railroad Company.

Circular No. 24.
Extract from the Consolidation of the Reports of Crops, etc., for the Month of April, 1876.

Department of Ageioulture, Atlanta, May 15, 1876.

This being the first report of the season, it is necessarily longer than

usual, and has, in consequence, been somewhat delayed in its preparation

and publication.

CORN.

It will be seen, from an examination of the following table, that an increase of ten per cent, is reported in the number of acres planted in

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

57

com in the State, and that the preparation of the soil has been seven per cent, better than last year.
Tlie excessive Spring rains have injured the land in some sections, and thus impaired the benefits of the thorough preparation.
The severe cold in the latter part of March so seriously injured the com in all the lower part of the State, that it became necessary to plow up and plant over many entire crops. Indeed, in some sections this was very generally done. The second planting, however, is generally reported up well and promising. The planting in Upper, Middle and North Georgia was not sufficiently advanced to be affected by the cold in March, and was not generally up sufficiently to report the "stands May 1st, when these reports were made. The stand, as far as reported, averages 85 per cent.
Fifty-five per cent, of the corn planted in the State is fertilized, and forty-seven per cent, of this is fertilized with cotton seed or home com post. The increased acreage planted in corn, and the improved prepara tion for the crop, are encouraging facts, which indicate a disposition on the part of farmers to return to a self-sustaining system of agriculture.

OATS.

The acreage in oats, as compared to last year, is reported at 135, or

thirty-five per cent, increase. Sixty-six per cent, of these were sown

last Fall. Only thirteen per cent, of the oats sown have been fertilized.

The average condition, May 1st, was 99. The average is reduced by the

condition of Spring-sown oats, and by the drouth in some parts of the

State.

WHEAT.

The acreage in wheat, compared to that of last year, is 118, or an in crease of eighteen per cent. Its condition, May 1st, is reported at six_ teen per cent, above an average; but rust on the blade is reported in all sections, and in some counties of South Georgia the crop is reported as almost ruined. It was injured only three per cent, by the cold in March, a large majority of Correspondents reporting no injury. Fifty-eight per cent, of that sown is fertilized.

CLOVER. An increase of twelve per cent, is reported in the acreage of clover, and its condition, May 1st, is two per cent, below an average.

OTHER FORAGE CROPS. There is twenty-four per cent, increase in the area of millet sown, and twenty per cent, increase in the area of forage com, compared to that of last year. The introduction of the German millet has stimuated the planting of special forage crops.

58

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

COTTON.
While there is a decrease of ten per cent, in the area in cotton, com pared to that of last year, the preparation of the soil is reported seven per cent, better, and the amount of fertilizers used on that crop nineteen per cent, greater than last year.
The average time of planting is six days later than last year. Fortyfour per cent, of the fertilizers used on cotton were home compost. This embraces the manure saved on the farm and used without the ad mixture of purchased material, as well as the compost of farm manure with phosphates, chemicals, etc. There was not enough cotton up May 1st to secure a reliable esiimate of the stand, but wher up, the stand is generally reported good and the plant healthy.
SUGAR CANE.
An increase of twenty-five per cent, is reported in the acreage of sugar cane, and the condition of seed cane planted thirteen per cent, better than last year. It will be remembered that the condition of seed cane was reported last year fourteen per cent, inferior to that of the previous year, much of it having been injured by frost. It was generally saved in good condition last Winter,
SORGHUM.
An increase of thirty-six per cent, is reported in the area planted in sorghum--an important crop in view of the scarcity of bacon, which it largely supplements in finding laborers. The crop was not all planted in Upper Georgia when this report was made and was not generally up, except in Lower Georgia, where the stand is reported at 93.
GROUND-PEAS AND GOOBERS.
An increase Of fourteen per cent, is reported in the area planted in these crops, principally in ground-peas or pinders, the goober being con fined principally to Southeast Georgia. The stand is reported at 91.
MELONS.
There is an increased area of six per cent, in melons, while the stand is reported at only 82, many reporting them not yet up.
ORCHARDS.
Sixty-nine per cent, of the peaches were killed by the cold spell in March, making the average prospect only thirty-five. This reduction in the quantity will probably have the effect of improving the quality of the fruit.
The apple prospect compared to an average is 97 Pear prospect 83.

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

59

POTATOES.
Irish potatoes are reported at 97. It is gratifying to learn that more attention is being paid to the production of this important crop in North Georgia, with a view to supplying our own markets.
The experiment was mode last year with very satisfactory results, and one gentleman, Mr. C. W. Howard, plants, this year, one hundred bar rels! His example is well worthy of imitation by the people of North Georgia, who could, and should, supply our markets with potatoes during the entire Winter.
Our farmers will find it profitable to bestow more attention to truck farming. Even sweet potatoes were shipped from Mobile and Kichmond to the Atlanta market during this Spring. No country can surpass Mid dle and South Georgia in the production of the sweet potato, or North Georgia in the production of the Irish potato. Why, then do our farm ers allow our markets to be supplied from abroad ?
RICE.
There is an increase of thirty-six per cent, in the area sown in rice. This is due mainly to the increased production of upland rice in the interior. The stand where up is reported at 89.
STOCK.
Hine per cent, increase is reported in the drop of lambs compared to last year. There is only tioo per cent, increase in the stock of hogs compared to that of last year. More attention has been given to hogs, but the ravages of cholera during last year reduced the stock in some sections of the State.
Condition of cattle compared to that of the same date last year is eleven per cent, better. The condition of work stock is two per cent, better than last year.
FERTILIZERS.
Twelve per cent, more fertilizers have been purchased this season than last. Oa\y fourteen per cent, of these were bought for cash--eighty-six per cent, being purchased on time, principally for "cotton option,' payable in cotton at 15c. next November. Forty-three per cent, of these were composted with home manures.
LABOR, Eto.
The average wages paid men for the year is f 100 and board. Laborers .are reported as hiring twelve per cent, more willingly than usual, and as .being seven per cent, more efficient.
Seventy per cent, of the correspondents report that farmers have

60

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

experienced unusual difficulty in securing the necessary supplies for

conducting their farms, and that some have entirely failed. Apprehen

sions are felt in some localities, where excessive drouth prevailed last

year, that unless capitalists afford increased accommodations, many crops-

Will be abandoned for want of supplies. In view of these facts farmers

are urged to bestow all necessary attention upon their com and other-

supply crops, even if the cotton must he seriously neglected. If they

are in debt they will ever remain so, until they raise their bread and

meat. Cotton may be somewhat neglected when young, and yet make

a crop, but earn is ruined if not well worked when young.

Eighty per cent, report that farmers have contracted their expenses--

are practicing close economy, and buying less than usual at credic prices..

Many report this a necessity, since credit is not to be had at all.

Ninety per cent, of the correspondents report the prevalent existence

cf a determination on the part of the farmers to make their supplies at

home. If this determination is fully realized in the harvest of this year,

it will he the beginning of a new era of agricultural prosperity in our

State, which has been so scourged, first by fire and sword, and since by

the folly of our people in following the ignis fatuus of exclusive cotton

production.

Correspondents are especially requested to send to this Department

interesting crop samples from their respective counties, and also speci

mens of any new plants likely to prove valuable acquisitions to our

already great variety of profitable forage plants.

Major Wight also furnished from his records of observation taken

at noon on each day, showing the mean temperature for each week in,
the first four months of the last four years, as follows:

1873.
January 7th.............................. ............. 43 " 14th................. .... ............. 53 " 21st............................. ............. 35
" 28th................................................ 37

1874. 50 43 53 50

1875. 420
35 46 63

1876. 60"
46 57 63

Average per month................. ..................42

49

44

56

February 4th........................... .................. 57

47

41

40

" nth....................... ..................41

52

37

55

" 18th....................... ............. 55 49 " 26th....................... ..............40 ..A 65

51 53

67 52

Average for the month........ .............. 48



45

51

March 3rd......................... ..................30

56

56

50

" 10th......................... ..................59

54

54

63

" 17th......................... ............. 63

58

60

63

" 24th......................... ..................57

61

56

40

" 31st......................... .................70

62

58

59

Average for the month........... .................. 58

2

57

64

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

61

April 7th............................................ ......... 73

66

71

58

" 14th............................................ ......... 61

68

63

68

" 21st............................................ ........ 68

64

58

63

" 28th............................................ ......... 65

64

70

74

Average for the month.............................. 66

66

66

66

Average for the four months........ ......... 53

56

53

59

Mr. J. M. Boardman, of Macon, Ga., makes the following report;

Max.Temp. Min.Temp. Mean.

Month ending December 15, 1875.78 24 47

" " January 15, 1876...74

18

53

" " February 15, 1876..78

23

55

" " March 15, 1876.......76

28

51

" " April 15, 1876........ 83

33

59

Rainfall.

2.18 46
2.92 1.03 10.61

inc<<hes. a
(< 11

CiRotn.ABNo. 25.
Extractfrom the Consolidation of the Reports of Crops, eta., for the' Month of May, 1870.
Department of Aoeiotjltitke,
Atlanta, June 15th, 1876.
CORN.
It will be seen from the general State averages at the end of the fol_ lowing table, that notwithstanding a very large portion of the corn crop of the State was plowed up and planted over, in consequence of the cold spell in March, its condition is reported six per cent, above an aver age on the 1st day of June. The stand is generally good, except on bottom land, where the bud worm has been destructive. Its size is not quite an average, but it is reported healthy and well worked out.
OATS.
The Fall-sown oats are thirteen per cent, above an average in the State, and are reported as extraordinarily fine in Middle and most of Lower Georgia. The principle varieties sown are the Rust Proof and the Winter Grazing--both good winter varieties, and the most profitable for the Georgia farmer. The Rust Proof has very justly grown in favor with rapidity since the facts developed in the reports of the Department last year. The area sown in them last Fall would have been much greater if the supply of seed had been more abundant. Farmers are urged to save carefully an ample supply of seed ol the Rust Proof for their own use, and a surplus for sale to other farmers, as the demand will be still further increased next Fall.
The Winter Grazing oat is more hardy and prolific than the Rust Proof, but is not itself rust proof.

2

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

The Pall sowings are almost universally free from rust, while the spring-sown are often seriously affected.
It is hoped that our farmers will bear these facts in mind, and make their arrangements to sow their entire crop of oats next Fall, of the Rust Proof and Winter Grazing varieties. The experience of the oat growers of the State, collected by this Department, and published in its reports of last year, and this demonstrates the importance, if not the necessity, of Fall sowing to insure success. A few years ago very .few oats were sown in the Pall in this State ; and even as late as last year it was prac ticed in less than half the counties in the State. Much the larger portion -of the last crop was sown in the Pall in nearly every county in the 8tate( .-many reporting the entire crop of their sections Fall-sown.
The Spring-sown is six per cent, below an average, making a dif ference of nineteen per cent, in favor of Pall-seeding. The injury by rust is only seven per cent., confined mainly to the Spring sown.
WHEAT.
Rust on the blade of wheat is almost universal in the State, and in -some parts of extreme South and North Georgia has extended to the stalk, and produced serious injury.
In Middle and Upper Southern Georgia a good average crop has been saved, though the grain, when dried, will be somewhat shriveled from the effects of rust on the blade. Until the rust appeared, the crop was exceedingly promising, as shown by the last report, which made it sixteen per cent, above an average. The crop is estimated to be injured twenty-one per cent, by the rust. The full extent of the injury cannot be determined until the grain is threshed and somewhat dry.
The varieties principally sown are the Tappahannock, Early or Red May, Little White, Fultz, Orleans, and Early Purple Straw.
Several correspondents report a rust-proof variety of wheat. If this proves to be a truly rust-proof variety, it is a valuable acquisition to cur list, and should be generally disseminated.
COTTON.
The stand of cotton is excellent, being reported seven per cent, above an average. Its general condition, stand, size and work considered, is two per cent, better than an average. Eighty-two per cent, of the crop was chopped out June 1st.
MILLET.
The German millet is being introduced in all parts of the State, and is rapidly growing in favor. It is already supplanting the Egyptian, or "Cat-tail" variety, which, until recently, was the only variety sown.

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

63

Some sow the Hungarian, which is a smaller variety than either of the above.
SWEEET POTATOES.
The increase of twenty per cent, in the area planted in sweet potatoes is gratifying. This is an exceedingly valuable crop both for man and beast, and should receive more attention than is usually bestowed upon it.

SHEEP.
There is a very slight improvement in the clip of wool over last year. 'The condition of sheep is three per cent, better than usual. Eight per cent, were killed by dogs during the last twelve months, and four per cent, died from disease, neglect and old age.
It is earnestly hoped that the next Legislature will sufficiently apple, ciate the importance of this branch of industry to afford the necessary protection from the ravages of dogs. The advancement of the material prosperity of our State should now be the central plank in our platform of legislative action.
LABOR, SUPPLIES, WORK STOCK, Etc.
In answer to the question, "What is the general status of the farming interests in your county as regards labor, supplies, work stock, etc.?'> labor is almost universally reported abundant, and more efficient than usual; supplies are scarce and difficult to obtain in nearly eveiy part of the State. In some instances plantations have been abandoned for the want of supplies to feed the labor and stock. This is the case in some sections which suffered so severely from drouth last year. Farmers are generally , practicing the most rigid economy, and avoiding, as far as possible, purchasing on a credit.
Work stock are generally reported in good condition, though in some sections poor, on account of the scarcity of supplies, but hre generally reported improving since small grain has been harvested ; indeed, the small grain crop has in many instances prevented the abandonment of crops, by supplying at a critical period the necessary provender for work stock.
Correspondents generally write in a cheerful mood, and reflect the determined spirit of the farmers in the face of all the difficulties which have beset them. Indeed, they seem now, for the first time, to generally realize the true situation, and to have buckled on their armor, deter mined to bring victory out of defeat.

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

65

ClEOTTLAB NO. 25.
Analyse* and Statistics of Fertilizers sold in Georgia during the Season of 1875-'6.
Department of Agbioultobb, Atlanta, June 80, 1876.
Since the publication in Circular No. 12, last year, of the analyses, commercial values and prices of the various brands of fertilizers sold in Georgia, the competition between the manufacturers has been increased to such an extent as to cause considerable improvement in quality, and at the same time a reduction in price. Placing the analyses, commercial values and prices in such juxtaposition, enables the farmer to select with reference both to quality and price. Those who have preserved Circular No. 12, issued from this Department June 24, 1875, will find a comparison of the tables in that circular with those following in this both interesting and instructive.
In every case where more than one analysis of any one brand was made the average of all the analyses are given. This furnishes a fair representation of the quality of the fertilizer, does full justice to the manufacturer, and protects the consumer.
The basis of valuations is the same as that used last year, viz :
Nitrogen (equivalent of ammonia)...................................... 22 cents per lb. [or ammonia, 18) cents per lb.]
Available phosphoric acid (being the sum of soluble and precipitated)............................................................. 15) cents per ih.
Insoluble phosphoric acid...................................................... 4) cents per lb. Potash........................................................................................ 6) cents per lb,
Though these valuations are too high, they answer for a comparison of the different brands, as well as a comparison of the quality of the same brands during the two seasons, 1874-'5 and 1875-'6.

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

TABLE.

05 P>

M oisture. J Am m onia.
.
Total Bone Phosphate.
C om m ercial Value.
Cash Price per. Ton.
Tim e Price 'per Ton.
Cotton Option. W here sold at
the price named.

AI'fALYS
Phoap \oric j cid.

Is AMES OF FeRTILIZEES.

6
!
r02

SS|

o 2a
'mfl

uA3

For Whom Inspected and By whom and where

Analyzed.

Manufactured.

Atlantic Fertilizer....

8.60

5.28

3.08

3.97

3.20

1.50

26.80

$41.91

$44.00

$50.00

65.00

Charleston

Atlantic Phosphate Co., Charleston ....

Atlantic Phosphate Co., Charleston.

Atlantic Acid Phos'a. 20.20 10.55 2.35 0.35 0.04 1.50 28.88 41.60 28.00 33.00 45.00 Charleston Atlantic Phosphate Atlantic Phosphate Co., Charleston .... Co., Charleston.

Ammoniated Soluble

Bone, (Pratt's)....... 10.45 9.09 5.18 1.10 1.77 2.33 33.21 54.54 50.00 60.00 Bradley's Patent Su-

Savannah. Charles Pratt, Atlanta U. S. fert'r. & ch'l. Co., Camden, N.J

per-Phosphate....... 12.04 6.10 3.47 3.10 3.10 Bradley's Ammonia'd

27.78 43.70 45.00 50.00 60.00 Savannah. Williams, Langston W. L. Bradley & & Crane, Atlanta... Co., Boston........

Dissolved Bone .... 12.15 6.80 3.60 1.40 2.35

25.72 42.02 40.00 47.00

Augusta... Printup, Bro. & Pol- W. L. Bradley & lard, Augusta........ Co., Boston

"RalfiV; C2-rja.nr>____ .... 14 42 2.85 3.25 2.20 1 95 1.38 18 08 25 42 37.50 50.00 50.00 Home....... J. A. Bale, Rome .... J. A. Bale, Rome.

Bale's Chemical........ 7.94 5.00 4.50 2.40 0.95

25.28 35.05 45.00 60.00 60.00 Rome....... J. A. Bale, Rome .... J A Bale, Rome....

Baldwin & Co.'s Am-

Winters, Whitlock & D H Baldwin&Co.,

15.47 11.00 1.50 0.79 3.00

28.97 50.33 41.00 55.00

Marietta... Co.., Marietta.......... New York

Barry's CompoundBi-

Edward Barry & Co., E Barry & Co.,

Phosphatj of Lime 13.52 5.84 5.37 1.48 0.23 5.57 27.66 43.87 43.00 50.00 55.00 Augusta... Augusta................... Augusta

Edward Barry & Co., E Barry & Co.,

Barry's ChemicalFert. 9.80 6.27 4.86 1.76 5.15 0.04 28.10 54.74 50.00 60.00 65.00 Augusta... Augusta.................. Edward Barry & Co., E Barry & Co.,

Barry's Grangers'Fert 19.85 7.71 2.17 3.58 3.19 0.2229.34 45.40 45.00 55.00 60.00 Augusta... Augusta.................. Augusta

--

J. & VV. E. Treadwell, P S Chappell, Balti-

Elhe Bone S.-Ph'ate. 11.67 6.67 3.01 2.19 2.57 ..... . 25.93 41.25

.... ....... Conyers ... Conyers ................... more..... .......... .

Bahama Sol'ble Gna'o 13.83 6.00 4.40 4.00 3.00

31.40 46 71 47 00 60 00

Augusta... Claghorn, Herring & Walton, Whann &

Co., Augusta, Ga... Co., Wilmington.

Brighton Raw-bone

Winfield Peters, Bal Geo. Upton, Bos

Sup. Phos(Upton's) 10.75 3.60 9.30 3.60 3.20

35.74 54 52

timore, Md.

ton. Mass.

Carolina Fertilizer.... 13.87 6.04 3.80 3.80 2.95

29.74 44 61 40 00 44 00

Savannah. Barrett & Caswell, Au W. L. Bradley &

gusta; H.M. Comer Co., Boston.

Report o f Commissioner o f Agriculture.

Cotton Seed Compost 3.31 5.60 0.48 3.42 2.03

20.74 29 46 40 00 45 00

Covington Jno. P. Harris, Cov John P. Harris,

ington, Ga.

Covington, Ga.

Cumberland Super-

Austin & Ellis, Sa Cumberland Bone

Phos. (Ammoni'ed) 11.30 7.13 4.30 3.12 2 84

31.71 48 50 48 00 60 00 60.00 Savannah. vannah, Ga.

Co., Portland,Me

Cumberland DissolVd

Austin & Ellis, Sa Cumberland Bone

Bone......................... 7.63 13.00 5.10 1.30

40.10 54 19 45 00 55 00 55.00 ftrtvannah. vannah, Ga.

Co., Portland,Me

Chesapeake Guano.... 13.04 4.85 5.35 4.10 2.80 1.50 29.95 45 15

67.50 Atlanta.... George W. Parrott & Chesapeake Guano

Bro., Atlanta, Ga. Co., Baltimore.

Chesapeake Acid

Chesapeake GuanoCo. Chesapeake Guano

Phosphate..... ......... 11 68 5.50 6.00 4.00

33.79 39 25

Baltimore, Md.

Co., Baltimore.

Cotton Com. Amm'd

John N. Swift, Li ------- , Baltimore.

Dis'd Bone Phos'te. 13.13 4.80 6.00 5.20 2.25

34.87 46 32

60.00 At Port.... thonia, Ga.

Climax Sup. Phos'te 18.89 7.45 3.20 1.55 3.00

26.48 45 27

Geo. E. 'White, New Geo. E.White,New

York.

York City.

C. C. Coe's Super-

Printup, Bro. & Po>- W. L. Bradley &

Phosphate ............. 15.04 9.00 3.85 1.25 3.12

25.83 49 16 50 00 62 70 62.90 Augusta... lard, Augusta, Ga. Co., Boston.

Crescent Bone............ 16.56 7.00 3.60 3.20 2.25

30.07 43 89 60 00 70 00 70.00 Augusta... J. M. Berry, Augusta, Ralston & Rich,

Ga.

New York City.

Dohb's Chemicals for

S. C. Dobbs, Athens, John R. Long & Co

Composting ...... ... 19.10 11.50 3.50 1.25 0.51

35.25 49 40 56 00 65 00 80.00 Athens... . Ga.

Baltimore.

Dugdale & Co's Am'd Super-Phosphate... 15.93 10.80 3^00 0.55 2.94

32.50 50 83

Winters, Whitlock & John R. Long & Co ... Co., Marietta, Ga. Baltimore.

Diamond Ammoniat'd

Williams, Langston & W. L. Bradley &

Dissolved Bone.... 13.51 7.71 3.71 2.32 2.03

26.76 44 83 45 00 52 00 60.00 A t. Port.... Co., Atlanta, Ga. Co., Boston.

Dickson's Compound. 7.46 1.35 5.00 4 00 3.00

22.34 33 84 55 00 60 00 60.00 Augusta... Dickson Fertilizer Co. Dickson Fertilizer

Augusta, Ga.

Co., Augusta, Ga

Dickson's Fertilizer,
(Diamond A)....... 8.38 1.35 6.80 3.75 3.56

25,71

41 21

60 00

Dickson Fertilizer Co. Dickson Fertilizer

65 00 65.00 Augusta... Augusta, Ga.

Co., Augusta, Ga

05
-ri

TABLE.--CoNTiNUEb.

oAo

W here Sold at the price
1 named.

Time Price per Ton.
Cotton Option.

Ton.

; Cash Price per

ANAYSIS.
Phosphoric Acid.

aV O. S

Commen Value

1Total Bo | Phosphat

Moisture. Precipi tated or Reduced.
1

45

Names of Festilizeeb.

1

in

3a9 "ao.

*o3 3
<31

in C5Oh

For whom Inspected and By whom and where

Analyzed..

Manufactured.

&

|

Defiance Sup-Phos'te. 9.94 7.00 7.25 5.00

I 42.00 $48.67 $35.00 $40.00 47.00 Wh Plains Tappan, Mapp & Co., George E. White, White Plains, Ga... N. Y. City.

Etiwan Guano........... 13.28 6.38 2.42 0.15 3.00 3.75 19.47 42.05 50.00 55.00 67.00 Charleston Etiwan Works, Ch'n. The Etiwan Works

H., Rankin & L, Atl'a Charleston, S. C.

Etiwan Crop Food

Chemicals................ 14.59 7.25 2.41 0.08 0.09 10.00j21.22 42.85 52.00 64.00 70.00 Charleston Etiwan Works, Ch'n. The Etiwan Works,

Etiwan DiSsol'd Bone

H, Rankin & L, Atl'a Charleston, S. C.

24 per cent.............. 15.12 10.74 2.96 0.89 0.05

31.84 43.45 35.00 40.00 50.00 Charleston Etiwan Works, Ch'n. The EtiwanWorks,

Etiwan Dissol'd Bone

H, Rankin & L, Atl'a Charleston, S. C. <v

29 per cent............ 17.04 11.42 2.88 0.12 0.04

30.56 43.20 40.00 45.00

Charleston Etiwan Works, Ch'n. The Etiwan Works, s

Eagle Ammon'd Bone

H, Rankin & L, Atl'a Charleston, 8. C.

Sup-Phosphate...... 12.16 6.37 3.63 2.85 2.60

28.04 42.99 48.00 55.00

Augusta. Barrett & Caswell, W. L. Bradley & A

Excellenza Cotton

Augusta, Ga........... Co.,Boston, Mass

Fertilizer................. 16.18 10.40 2.25 0.90 2.75

29.46 50.00 50.00 70.00,70.00 Athens. 8 C Dobbs, Athens Ga J. R. Long & Co.,

E. Frank Coe's Am'd

55.0o!e7.50

Baltimore, Md.

Bone Sup-Phosphate 16.72 10.35 1.97 0.60 3.03 E. Frank Coe's Dis-

27.03 49.73 45.00

!

Savannah. 1 Purse & Thomas, Sa- Coe & Richmond. ! vannah, Ga............ Brooklyn, N. Y.

8

solved Bones.......... 12.64 17.81 1.06 0.37

41.88 58.82 45.00 55.00 67.50 Savannah. Purse & Thomas, Sa Coe & Richmond, 5S

Eureka Amm'd Bone

vannah, Ga............ Brooklyn, N. Y.

Sup-Phosphate...... 16.17 6.58 3.37 4.23 2.36

32.10 44.74 50.00 60.00 60.00 Augusta. ,Joseph T Smith, Au- Atl'ic & Va. Fer-

! gusta, Ga................ tili'r Co, Orient LI

Echols' Acid Phos'te. 8.01 7.46 5.20 7.18

43.30 45.70 35.00 40.00 40.00 Augusta. | Echols & Co, Aug. Ga J. B. Sardy & Son, Charleston, 8. C.

Echols' Raw Bone

3.00^

Sup. Phosphate...... 7.601 6.00 5.25 3.75

32.70 49.11 50.00 55.00 60.00 Augusta Echols & Co, Aug. Ga ------ , Philadelphia.

Enoch Coe's Amm'td
Bone Super-Phos... 15.55 11.54 3.11 1.53
Farmers' . Fertilizing > Compound.............. 10.34 7.50 3.50 4.80 "'Grange Mix.Dissolv'd
Bone Phosphate. ... 13.40 3.77 7.81 3.85

Guanihani Guano....... 30.80 0.36 7.15 9.45

Guanape Guano*....... 30.54 5.10 6.80 5.35

Georgia State Grange Fertilizer................. 13.64 10.66 1.77 0.86

Georgia State Grange Dissolved Bones.... 9.84 10.63 4.50 3.00
Home-Made Fer. Nol 5.93 6.75 3.85 1.30

Leyden's Ammoniated Soluble Guano....... 9.30 4.40 5.35 5.10

Liebig's Formula (for composting)........... 14.65 5.30; 8.11 3.33

Logan's South. Ferti lizing Compound... ,9.36 11.51 1.68 0.26

`Mathis' Chemical Compound^............. 8.42 5.40: 3.00 1.50

Mapes' JSiitrogenized Super Phosphate...

16.97

9.46j 3.15

1.44

Merryman's Ammo niated Dis'd Bones. 14.9510.15; 1.79 0.88

Merryman's Dissolv'd Bones (non-ammo.) 12.16 7.65 3.40 1.85

Minor's Ammoniated

Super-Phosphate ... 13.74 4.85.

3.35

Minipulated Guano,

Wilcox, G. & Co4 10.03 4.751

4.35

3.85

33.31

0.30

84.43

1.34 3.40 33.66

0.75

36.93

9.00

37.38

8.18

38.97

39.51 4.74 5.14 33.53

3.75

31.14

1.03 3.30 36.03

39.37

i.25

21.58

3.95

28.44

3.06........ 27.64

38.11

3.95........ 38.91

3.84 3.34 39.07

54.03 39.15 47.40 34.47 74.33
50.82
49.57 54.44
44.47 50.63 41.21 31.93 47.98 48.89 35.91 44.61 46.63

45.00 40.00 47.50 30.00 68.00

45.00 67.50 Savannah. Purse & Thomas, Sa- COe & Bichthond,

vannah, Ga.

Brooklyn, N. Y.

50.00

Baltimore. J. M. Patton, Allan- P. Zell & Sons, Bal

ta, Ga.

timore, Md.

53.50

Augusta... M. A. Stovall, Angus- Patapsco Guano Co

to, Ga.

Baltimore, Md.

40.00

Augusta... Wm. M. Read, Au- A Natural Guano,

gusta, Ga

Guaninani Island.

Savannah. R. G. Lay, Savannah, A. Natural Guano,

Georgia

Guanape Island.

41.00 55.00

Savannah. C. C. Hardwick, Sa- D. H. Baldwin &

vannah.

Co., N. Y. City.

31.00

Savannah C. C. Hardwick, Sa- D. H. Baldwin &

vannah, Ga.

Co., N. V. City..

55 00

.. .j Macon....... Hunt, Rankin & La. Hunt, Rankin & mar, Macon, Ga. Lamar, Macon....

Walton, Whann &

52.00 60.00 65.00'Atlanta.... A. Leyden, Atlanta, iJo., Wilm'g'tou.

Georgia

42.00 52.50 52.50;Rome........ Berrys & Co., Rome, Patapsco Guano Co

i

Georgia.

Baltimore, Md. ,

50.00 58.00;........ Macon....... Rogers iS Leman, Ma- Etiwan Works,

can, Ga.

Charleston, S. C.

66.66 83.33125. Sandersv'e A. Mathis & Co. No. -- Baltimore, Md

13, C. R. R., Ga.

&

50.00 60.00;........ New York C. V. Mapes, New C. Y. Mapes, New 5

!

York City.

York City.

"

58.00 65.00;........ Marietta... Winters, Whitlock & John Merry man &

Co., Marietta. Ga. Co., Baltimore.

50.00 60.00'........ Augusta... W. H. Howard & Son >hn Merryman &

Augusta, Ga-

Co., Baltimore.

55.00 65.00'........ Savannah. B. B. Minor, Jr., Sa- Patapsco Guano Co

vannah, Ga.

Baltimore, Md.

55.00 ........J70.00 Savannah. Wilcox, Gibbs & Co., Wilcox, Gibbs &

Savannah, Ga.

Co., Savannah.

Report o f Commissioner o f

M oisture. |

Names op Fektilizeus.

AN ALYS] PhoSjihoric iicvl.

03 3a

c 0)

o 5C3 ^ !=

'fl 'o

a

A m m o n ia.

j

Potash. Total Bone Phosphate.
1 !
Commercial | Valne.
ti

TABLE.--Continued.

m
T im e Price per! Toa. |

U01 a.

O

Id

oa

A

oa

o%

o o

*- 'OU ol

Cw. fl

For whom Inspected and By whom and whero

a) .a

Analyzed.

Manufactured.

g fe

o

Report o f Commissioner o f Agriculture.

Manha'n Blood Guano 15.30 8^00 3.20 2.20 3.40

29.20 $49.02 $55.00 $65.00

Augusta... Franklin & Whitney, Wing & Evans, New Augusta, Georgia. A ork City.

Kation'l Soluble Bone

U. S. Fert zr&Ch'm

(Pratt's).................. 13.03 9.76 4.32 2.97

38.20 46.31 35.00 40.00

Savannah Chas. Pratt, Atlanta, Co.,Camden.N.J.

Georgia.

Narassa Guano Go.,

Navafsa Acid Phos... 15.22 2.85 8.15 5.20

35.92 38.78 32.00 38.00

Newnan... A. P. Burdett, New- Wilmington, N.C.

nan. Georgia.

Navassa Guano Co.,

Kavassa Gu'no (Am'd) 14.54 3.25 6.02 4.95 2.75 1.51 30.48 43.82 50.0(1 60.00 60.00 Newnan... A. P. Burdett, New- Wilmington.N.C.

Obi r's Gen' - Plioanho

nan, Georgia.

G. Ober & Sons,

Pi '.uv'ii Guano, A A 12.45 2.96 5.57 7.65 4.36

36.41 49.18 70 00 80.00 80 00 Augusta:.. Warren. Wallace & Baltimore. Md.

Obrr's Soluble Am d

Go.. Augusta, Ga. G. Ober & Sons,

Sujier-Pbospbate... 16.44 5.90 3.50 3.26 2.28

29.20 40.33 60.00 70.00

Augusta... Warren, Wallace & Baltimore, Md.

Obrr's Soutb CaioUna

Co., Augusta, Ga,

Dis'H Ron.4 Phnsnh in ?.ft 8.55 4.10 4.10 Patapsco Ammon tid ;

36.37 42.96

Ober & Sons, Balt.

Soluble Phosphate. 13.01 1.56 5.82 3.00 3.14 2.15 29.98 48.95 55.00 65.00

Augusta... M. A. Stovall, Au- Patap'co Guano Co,

gusta, Georgia.

Baltimore, Md.

Pei n.Gu'no(chir.cha)* 14.60 5.40 5.25 2.80 10.72

29.31 74.38 75.00

Savann ah R. G. Lay, Savannah, A Natural Guano,

Georgia.

Cbincba Island.

Phcenix Guano (Wil-

Wilcox, Gibbs &Co.. A Natural Guano,

cox, Gibbs & Co.)t 22.10 0.40 5.40 16.00 0.45

47.48 34.04 45.00

60.00 Savannah Savannah. Georgia. Phoenix Island.

Pendleton's Ammon'd

Dr. P. T. Pendleton. George E. White,

10.44 10.00 2.00 2.25 3.40

31.06 51.54

Snarta. Georgia.

New York City.

Popplein's Silicated i

Geo. T. Jackson & G. &. N. Popplein,

Super-Phosphate||. |14.50 3.20 4-10 Q.8Q

17.65

52.50 ......... ....... Augusta... & Co., Augusta, Gai Jr., Baltim., Md,

Palmetto Acid Phos pbate........................ 12.48 8.25 3.60 2.12
Powhattan Raw Bone Super-Phosphate... 12.70 3.25 3.50 7.60
Preston & Sons' Ammoniated Sup-Phos 13.22 9.25 8.20 2.30
Sardy's Phospho-Peruvian Guano........ 18.47 5.50 3.78 2.75
Sardy's Acid Phos phate........................ 9.25 6.85 3.60 7.20
Sardy's DissolvdBone Phosphate............... 9.12 8.10 2.85 6.00
Stono Suiuble Guano. 11.43 5.88 2.21 4.47
Preston & Sons' Acid Phosphate............... 8.50 6.40 4.30 4.55
P B and P Soluble Bone........................ 8.26 10.00 5.50 2.00
Ragsdale's (J C) Am Diss'd Bone Phos... 12.40 4.50 4.80 5.25
Russell Coe's Am'd Bone Super-Phos... 22.74 8.45 2.85 0.70
Soluble Sea Island Guano...................... 16.50 4.50 5.10 2.50
Soluble Pacific Guano...................... 10.56 3.80 3.35 6.12
Soluble Pacific Acid Phosphate............. 15.20 8.85 5.15 2.40
Sea Fowl Guano [B D]............................. 15.21 5.38 3.49 3.02
Sardy's Amm'd Solu ble Pacific Guano... 17.42 5.09 2.77

CO 1C

0.90

25.94

0.85

31.27

8.45

32.15

3.02 2.50 26.59

38.47

0.08

36.95

3.45 1.41 27.38

33.24
...... 38.15

2.00

31.71

2.60

26.15

1.55

26.37

3.06 2.05 32.00

35.75

2.86

27.00

2 61 ........ 27.66

41.89 83.00 30.84 55.00
53.16 45.00
45.27 46.00
38.87 28.00 39.64 30.00 42.37 46.00
R7 2(\ 32.00
49.85 35.00 41) SO
44.72 55.00 50.00
37.63 48.00
41.32 50.00 36.00
45 35.00
40.57 50.00
38.15 ,50.00

Williams, Langston & W L Bradley & Co,

38.00

Savannah. Crane, Atlanta, Ga. Boston, Mass.

Warren, Wallace & Powhattan Phos-

65.00 65.00 Augusta... Co. Augusta, Ga.

phateCOjRicbm'd

J R Anthony, Wash H Preston & Sons,

60.00 WfisihVt.rm ington, Ga.

Green Point, L I

J H Ketner, Atlanta, J B Sardy & Son,

52.00

Charleston Georgia.

Charleston, S 0

J H Ketner, Atlanta, J B Sardy tfc Son,

32.00

Dlmrlfistrm Georgia.

Charleston, S C

J B Sardy & Son, J B Sardy & Son,

45.00

Charleston Charleston, S C.

Charleston, S 0

53.00 65.00 Charleston Joseph T Smith, Au Stono Phosphate

gusta, Ga.

Co, Charleston

H Preston & Sons,

40.00 Wafth'gtrm

Green Point, L I

Printup, Bro. & Pol IT S Fertilizer &

47.00

Augusta... lard, Augusta, Ga. Chm'l Co, Camden

John N Swift, Litho- --Baltimore, Md

60.00 At Pnrt... nio, Ga.

Branch & Smith,' Au Russell Coe, Lin

gusta, Ga.

den, N J

65.00 65.00 Augusta... M W Johnson & W., R L W Rasin, &

60.00 60.00 Atlanta.... Atlanta.

Co, Baltimore

R W L Kasin & Co. Sol Pae Guano Oo,

Baltimore, Md.

Charleston, and

58.00 60.00 Ausrusta... Mathewson&Co Au'ta Woods Holl,Mass

62.50 62.50 Atlanta.... Adair & Bros, Atl'ta,

42.00 42.00 Augusta... J O Mathewson &Co, Sol Pac Guano Co,

45.00 45.00 Atlanta.... Au'ta, Adair&BrosAtl Charleston, and

Printup, Bro & Pol Woods Holl,Mass

60.00 60.00 Augusta... lard, Augusta.

J B Sardy & Son, J B Sardy & Son,

60.00 60.00 Augusta... Charleston, S C.

Charleston, S C

Report o f Commissioner o f Agriculture.

TABLE.--Continued.

Where Sold at the price named

Repott o f Commissioner o f Agriculture.

Time Price per Ton.

Commercial Value.

Potash.

Precipi tated or Reduced. Insoluble

ANALYSIS.

Phosphoric Add.

Names of Fbbtimzebs. a
CO

|<6

d
*o3 3

ac . MaS "S g*

Me si JS

J J

1 GQo

4

'

IS

3

8

For Whom Inspected am By Whom and Where

Analyzed.

Manufactured.

1

Stono Acid Phosph'te 6.78 5.44 7.01 7.72

1.50 43.97 If45 53 $30 00 $35 00 40.00 Charleston Joseph T. Smith, Au- Stono Phos'te Co.,

gusta.

Charleston.

Stem's Ground Raw 7.66

6.75 16.00 4.30

49.59 49 90 55 00 60 00

Winters, Whitlock & Stern's Fer. & Ohm N. Orleans Co., Marietta, Ga. Man'g Co., N. O.

Stem's Ammo'd Sup.

Winters, Whitlock & Stern's Per. & Chm

Phosphate (No. i) 2.96 5.77 8.00 6.40 1.30 .... ... 43.90 53 19 50 00 52 00 64.00 N. Orleans Co., Marietta, Ga. Man'g Co., N. O.

Stern's Ammo'd Sup. Phosphate............... 22.90 7.65 6.75 3.35 2.00
Sea Gull Ammo'd Dissolved Bone Phos.. 12.12 3 35 8.65 3.65 1.90

Winters, Whitlock & Stern's Fer. & Chm 38.47 54 59 50 00 52 00 64.00 JV. Orleans Co., Marietta, Ga. Man'g Co., N. O.
Jones & Orr, New- -------- , Baltimore. 34.11 47 37 55 00 67 00 67.00 At Port.... nan, Ga.

Strong's Ammoniated

C. H. Strong, Allan- W G. Busey,George

Super-Phosphate... 14.82 8.85 3.20 2.00 3.78 2.58 30.62 56 07 55 00 62 00 75.00 Atlanta.... ta, Ga.

town, D. C.

Tennessee Valley Gu-

T. G. Barrett, Angus- A Natural Guano,

35.48 0.76 5.47 3.17 2.60

20.53 31 55 45 00 50 00 50.00 Augusta ... ta. Ga.

f'm Caves in Ten

Wattson & Clarke's

W. H. Beach, Savan- New Jewsey Chem.

(W.X.C) Sup. Ph'e 6.39 AVando Acid Phos'te. 11.78

6.55 9.41

4.59 3.85

3.15 1.30

2.02 0.04

......

31.41 32.74

44 62 42 34

50 00 30 00

60 00

Savannah. nah, Ga.

Co.,----- , N. J.

35 00 45.00 Charleston Wando Min. & Man. Wando Min. & Man.

Co., Charleston.

Co., Charleston.

Wando Fertilizer....... 12.93 5.62 4.27 2.60 2.76 2.26 27.27 45 82 46 00 52 00 65.60 Charleston Wando Min. & Man. Wando Min. & Man.

Co., Charleston.

Co., Charleston.

Whann's Raw Bone

Claghorn, Herring & Walton, Whann &

Super-Phosphate... 9.93 4.10 5.04 2.75 2.95 ....... 25.42 4150 47 00 60 00 dO.OOAugusta... Co., Augusta, Ga. Co., Wilmington

William's & Brumby's

!

Williams & Brumby, Williams & Brumby

Ground Bone........

2.25 26.80 .... .

63.82 31 09 85 OO!

........!Atlanta.... Atlanta, Ga.

Atlanta, Ga.

Report o f Commissioner o f Agriculture.

Whitlock's Vegetator. 14.21 9.72 0.35 5.14 2.72
Zell's Ammoniated Bone Super-Phos... 12.25 5.32 3.44 3.99 2.54
Zell's Cotton Acid Phosphate............... 12.51 5.76 4.82 4.67

32.20
27.83 33.58

45 69
40 00 40 00

60 00
62 00 40 00

70 00 70.00 Augusta... Sibley & Wheless, W. Whitlock, Bal

Augusta, Ga........... timore, Md.

J. Clarence Simmons, P. Zell & Sons, Bal-

60 00 65.00 Sparta...... Sparta, Ga.

timore, Md.

J. Clarence Simmons, P. Zell & Sons, Bal-

45 00

Sparta....... Sparta, Ga.

timore, Md.

(Moisture, 3.03 per c^nt; Caustic Lime, 15.74; Carbonate of Lime, 45.75; Su'phate of Lime, 5 85; Bone Phosphate of Lime, 10.37; Caj>oihei> (Charleston) Maul. < "ilica. Magnesia, Oxide of Iron, etc., 19.56. Inspected for D. H. & J. T. Denning, Augusta, Georgia. PrLe, $12.50,
(cash.
(Water, 15.28: Caustic Lime, 52.80; Chloride of Sodium, 12.22; Potassa (caustic), 1.98; Silicious matter (sand), 6.10; Phosphate Iron, 1.29; Gbat's "FBTir.iziNG Compound. Phosphate Lime, 0 65; Sulphate Lime, 0.42; Carbonates of Lime and Magnesia, 6.U8; Undetermined, 3.18. Inspected for C. W. Gray & Co.,
(Graysvilie, Ga. Price, $16.50, cash; $'0 cotton option. (Moisture, 10.00; Caustic Lime, 24.76; Caustic Magnesia, 16.80; Sulphate of Lime, 8.96; Chloride of Sodium, 8.60; Sulphate of Potash, 0.92; Ladd's Alkaline Fbutilizeb. -(Nitrate of Potash, 0.91; Organic Matter (vegetable mold), 4.43; Phosphoric Acid, 1.10; Carbonic Acid, Silica, etc., lb.42. Inspected for (A. C. Ladd, Atlanta, Ga.; manufactured at CartersviHe, Ga.; $25 per ton, cash.
Land Plaster i^ater (combined and hygroscopic), 20.05; Sulphate of Lime, 76.10; Undetermined, 3.85. For sale by Echols & Co., Augusta, Ga. Price, cash, $16; (time, $20.
The following determinations have been made in Chemical Salts, inspected for, and for sale by Messrs. Hunt, Rankin & Lamar, Atlanta, Georgia, viz:
Muriate Potash--Contains pure Chloride of Potassium, 85.50 per cent. Price, $70 per ton, cash Nitrate op Soda--Contains pure Nitrate of Soda, 85.80 per cent. Price, $90 per ton, cash. Sulphate Ammonia--Contains pure Sulphate of Ammonia, 98.41 per cent. Price, $125 per ton, cash. Note.--The analyses and calculations of commercial value were made by Prof. Wm. J. Land, Chemist of the Department for the analysis of Fertilizers. Guanape Guano is sold at $68 per ton, and Peruvian at $75, retail--both for cash--the ton being 2,240 lbs. tMathis' Chemical Compound is sold for composting--600 lbs. being enough to make one ton of home compost--$20 cash, $25 on time, or for 350 lbs. of lint cotton. tWilcox & Gibbs Fertilizers (Phoenix and Manipulated) are sold for cotton at 17 cents per pound. All others to be paid for in cotton are at 15 cents per pound. |JPopplein's Silicated Super Phosphate has 33.172 of Vegetable Silica.

OS

74

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

MEMORANDA
Of Inspections, Receipts, Shipments, Etc., of Fertilizers during the Season of 1875-fi, made up from the Official Reports of Inspectors.

SAVANNAH.

INSPECTED.
Dr. Means reports having inspected during the season...........30,284 ton*

SHIPPED.
Dr. Means reports the following shipments from Savannah during the

season, viz:

Over the Central Railroad ............

38,595 tons.

Over the Atlantic & Gulf Railroad............................ 4,163 "

Total shipments..................

42,758 "

Deduct amount inspected....................................... 30,284 "

Shipped more than Inspected...................................... 12,474 "
Deduct excess of old stock over that left over May 1st.................................................................. 2,081 "

Balance................................................................. 10,393 " Dr. Means says this excess of shipments over inspections consists of "Through shipments from Savannah to Alabama, Atlanta, Augusta, Macon, Columbus, and other points."

AUGUSTA.

INSPECTED.
Mr. O. P. Fitzsimmons reports having inspected..................... 17,379 tons

EECEIPTS, SHIPMENTS, ETC

Mr. Fitzsimmons reports the receipts of fertilizers at Augusta, for

the last three seasons, as follows, viz :

1873- 4..................................................................

12,360 tons

1874-5................................................................................. 9,830 "

1875-6 ...........

17,379 "

Mr. Fitzsimmons reports the quantity of fertilizers shipped from

Charleston over the South Carolina Railroad to points in Georgia, for

seasons of 1874-5 and 1875-6, as follows, viz:

1874-5, Charleston fertilizers to Augusta,.................. 2,210 tons Fertilizers brought through Charleston from else
where, to Augusta,...................................................... 1,967 "

Total to Augusta........................................................ 4,178 " Charleston Fertilizers to points in Georgia beyond Augusta... 4,857 tons Fertilizers brought to Charleston from elsewhere, and sent to
points in Georgia beyond Augusta........................................ 3,465 "

Total sent to points in Georgia beyond Augusta, from Charleston, over South Carolina Railroad.................... 8,322 "

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

75

1875-6--Charleston Fertilizers to Augusta.................................. 3,686 " Fertilizers brought into Charleston from elsewhere, and sent
to Augusta over the South Carolina Railroad.................... 1,367 "

Total from Charleston to Augusta........................................ 5,003 "

Charleston Fertilizers, through Augusta, to points in Georgia. 6,054 " Fertilizers brought into Charleston from elsewhere, and sent
through Augusta to points in Georgia.................................. 3,839 "

Total to points in Georgia beyond Augusta........................ 9,883 "
BKOAP1TU1ATION.
1874-5--Charleston fertilizers to Georgia................................ 7,068 " " Other fertilizers from Charleston to Georgia................ 5,433 "

Total shipped from Charleston to Georgia, season of 1874-5................................................................................... 13,500 "
1875-6--Charleston fertilizers to Georgia.................................... 9,690 " " Other fertilizers from Charleston to Georgia............... 5,196 "

Total shipped from Charleston to Georgia, season of 1875-6...................................................................................14,886 "

Mr. Fitzsimmons reports the following shipments of fertilizers over

the Port Royal Railroad, from Port Royal to Georgia, for the past two

seasons, viz:

For the season of 1874-5 ................................................................. 4,800 tons

"

" 1875-6...... .......................................................... 13,000 "

Mr. Fitzsimmons reports shipments from Savannah, over the Central

Railroad (in part), during the season of 1875-6, as follows, viz:

For distribution on the line of the branch of the road from Milieu to

Augusta, to Augusta, and to the Georgia Railroad and points be

yond, through Augusta:

Augusta and Savannah branch ot C. E. E. Augusta.

1874-5.......... 676 tons. 3,087 tons.

1875-6........... 741

3,084

Ga. E. E., etc.
3,946 tons. 5,536

Total.
6,709 tons 8,451

Mr. Fitzsimmons reports 1,840 tons "left over' and unsold on the 1st

of May, 1876.

ATLANTA.

Dr. J. S. Lawton reports having inspected 6,660 tons.

ROME.

Dr. John W. Janes reports having inspected 750 tons, and that none was left over; indeed, the demand for fertilizers could not be supplied.

MACON.

Dr. J. Emmett Blackshear reports having inspected 140 tons of Hunt, Rankin & Lamar's home-made fertilizer. He reports left over inMaccn, 45 tons.

76

Report op Commissioner op Agriculture.

GRAYSVILLE.
Dr. George C. Wheeler reports having inspected 103 tons of Gray'a fertilizing compound at the factory.

ATHENS.
Mr. G. W. Mason reports no inspections. He gives the followingreceipts at Athens during the season of 1875-6, and the quantity left over on 1st of May, viz :
Received........................................................................... 5,734 tons Left over...................................... ..................................... 186 "

Sold at Athens during the season of 1875-6........... 5,538 tons

RECAPITULATION.

Am't on hand,

Am't Inspected,

Am't Left over

18i5-6,

1816-6,

September 1st.

May let.

Savannah.........................a,715 tons... ...80,284 tons.................. 634 tons.

Augusta............................. 661

17,379

,840

Atlanta ......................... 403

6,660

65

Rome................................. 13

750

Macon..........................

140

45

Graysville................. .........................

103

Athens...................

107

186

Columbus............................. 88 .....

Totals................ 8,987 ................... 55,816 ............... 3,770
The following interesting facts are derived from the foregoing tables. By a comparison of the analyses, prices and statistics of the season of 1874-5, as published in Circular No. 13, last year, with those of the sea son of 1875-6, just ended, it is found that the average commercial value of the various brands sold in Georgia during the season of 1874-5 was $36.68. That of the season of 1875-6 was $44.83, showing an improve ment in quality of $6.15, or nearly 16 per cent, in one year. It is thus seen that the fertilizers sold in Georgia during the last sea son average six dollars and fifteen cents better in quality than did those of the season before; so that in the quality alone the farmers of Geor gia saved 16 per cent, on the values of 1874-5 in their purchases of fertili zers during the last season. There has not been such an improvement in every brand but in the average quality of the whole. Again, notwithstanding the improvement of 16 per cent, in quality, there is a reduction in price of $3.73 per ton, or 7.4 per cent, on the average price of 1874-5. The average price in 1874-5 was $50.38 per ton--in 1875-6, $46.65 per ton. Taking together the improvement in quality and the reduction in price, we have a practical reduction in favor of the consumer of twenty-three and four one-hundredths per cent., or $9.88 per ton; or on the 56,596-

Report of Commissioner op Agriculture.

7T

tons sold in the State, a saving to the whole State of $559,168.48-- mainly the result of publications issued from this Department, through which the various brands have been brought into direct competition on. their merits.
Again, the sale of several brands of low grade has been forbidden. Others have been driven from the market by the contrast which wasmade of their quality with that of other brands of high grade.
The average time price is $54.94, or 2| per cent, a month on theaverage cash price.
The average cotton option price is $61.13, or nearly four per cent. a. month on the cash price. Since, however, the farmer receives from three to four cents per pound more than the market price for his cotton,, he loses nothing by purchasing his fertilizers at the cotton option prices.
The average cash price of the non-ammoniated fertilizers, 1874-75, was $43.91; in 1875-6, $38.60, a reduction on this class of fertilizers of $5.31 per ton, or 12 per cent, on the price of 1874-5. The average com. mercial value of non-ammoniated fertilizers in 1874-5 was $36.47; in 1875-6 it is $43.65, making an improvement in quality in this class of fertilizers of $7.18, or 16 per cent, on that of 1874-5. The total im provement, therefore, in this class, is 28 per cent. Six thousand four hundred and forty-nine tons of this class of fertilizers have been used this year for composting. Correspondents report forty-six per cent, of all the fertilizers purchased composted.
In accordance with recommendations published in previous circularsfrom this office, those who had failed to protect their home manures used the ammoniated fertilizers for composting: 26,034 tons were used in compost in the State, and 30,562 tons used without composting.
As experience has shown that the compost, properly made, is of equal agricultural value with the best commercial fertilizers, the 26,034 tons composted, making four of compost to one of the commercial fertilizer, were equivalent to 104,136 tons of compost; which, added to the 30,562 tons used without composting, makes the whole number of tons of com mercial fertilizers and compost used in the State this year, 134,698.
These 104,136 tons of compost, at the liberal estimate of an average outlay in cash of fifteen dollars per ton, cost $1,562,040--but little over half what 56,596 tons of commercial fertilizers cost, though of equal agricultural value per ton with the best ammoniated compounds.
The average cash price of fertilizers having over one per cent, of ammonia, in 1874-5, was $53.15; in 1875-6 the average cash price of the same class of fertilizers was $50.07--a reduction in price of $3.08, or 5.8 per cent, less than the price of 1874-5.
The average commercial value of those having more than one per

78

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

cent, of ammonia was, in 1874-5, $40.65; in 1875-6, $46.70--an im provement in quality of $6.05, or 13 per cent., making a practical im provement in favor of the consumer of 18.8 per cent. It will he seen that there has been, at the same time, a greater reduction in the price, and improvement in the quality of the non-ammoniated than in the am moniated fertilizers sold in the State during the season just ended.
The fertilizer season extends from September 1st to May 1st. There were 3,987 tons of fertilizers of the preceding season left over in the State on the first day of last September. There were inspected during the last season 55,316 tons. There were 2,707 tons leftover on the first day of May, the end of the last season ; so that there were sold, of the amount inspected in Georgia, during the last season, 56,596 tons, being 7,948 tons, or sixteen per cent, more than last year. Since the law does not require the inspection of fertilizers sold by parties outside of the State directly to consumers within the State, the quantity thus sold cannot be ascertained, but it amounts to thousands of tons. The 56,596 tons inspected and sold in the State cost, at the average cash price per ton, $2,649,203.40--$559,168.48 less than the same num ber of tons would have cost at the quality and price of the preceding season. The reduction in price is, perhaps, due to the general stringency of the times, but the improvement in quality is due largely to the enforce ment of the inspection laws, and to the publication of the analyses and the competition resulting therefrom.
Crediting the improvement in quality to the work of the Department, it has saved to the farmers of Georgia, in this way alone, $348,065.40 in one year. Add to this the amount saved by the more general adoption of the compost system, in consequence of its recommendation in pre vious circulars, and a million dollars will not cover the amount saved to the farmers of Georgia, in fertilizers alone, by the work of the Depart ment.
The correspondents of the Department report only fourteen per cent, of the fertilizers purchased during the last season paid for in cash, the remaining eighty-six per cent, having been bought principally at the cotton option price, to be paid for in cotton next November at fifteen cents per pound. The fertilizer account of the State stands, then, about as follows:
Paid in cash...................................................................................$ 369,628 47 "To be paid in cotton next November.................. ................... 2,975,353 59
Total....................................................................................... $3,344,982 06
It will take, omitling interest on the outlay, 7,467 bales of cotton,

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

79

weighing 450 lbs. each, at eleven cents per lb. to pay for that bonght for
cash.
It will require 44,079 bales of the same weight to pay for that bought
for cotton, or 51,546 bales to pay for the wiaole; 50,382 bales would pay
for the whole on the cotton option terms, or 53,337 bales at 11c per lb.
would pay for the whole 56,596 tons at the average cash price. It is
therefore to the farmer's interest to pay in cotton at 15c if the market
price for low middling does not exceed 11c.
Nearly half the fertilizers used in the State this year being compost,
and the interest manifested in the system by the farmers generally is so
rapidly increasing, that the following
FORMULAE FOR COMPOSTING
are printed from Circular No. 22.
If the stable manure and cotton seed have been preserved under shel
ter, and the compost is to be used on oak and hickory lands, use the
following:
No. 1.
Stable manure................................................................................................... 750pounds. Cotton seed (green).......................................................................... 750 " Acid Phosphate or Dissolved Bone...............................................500 "
Making a ton of.................................................................... 2,000 pounds.
DIRECTIONS FOR COMPOSTING.
Spread under shelter a layer of stable manure four inches thick ; on this sprinkle a portion of the phosphate; next spread a layer of cotton seed three inches thick; wet these thoroughly wilh water and sprinkle with phosphate; next spread another layer of stable manure three inches thick. Continue to repeat these layers in the above order until the ma terial is consumed. Cover the whole mass with stable manure or scrap ings from the lot one or two inches thick. Allow the heap to stand in this condition until a thorough fermentation takes place, which will require from three to six weeks, according to circumstances, dependent upon moisture and the strength of the materials used. When the cotton seed are thoroughly killed, with a sharp hoe or mattock, cut down verti cally through the layers; pulverize and shovel into a heap, where the fermentation will be renewed and the compost be still further improved. It is now ready for use.
FOR COTTON.
Apply in the opening furrow 200 pounds per acre, and with the plant ing seed 75 or 100 pounds per acre, making in all 275 or 300 pounds per acre. If it is desired to apply a larger quantity per acre, open furrows the desired distance, and over them sow broadcast 400 pounds per acre ; bed the land, and then apply 100 pounds per acre with the seed.
FOR COEN.
Apply in the hill, by the side of the seed, half-pint to the hill. An additional application around the hill before the first plowing will large ly increase the.yield of grain.
For sandy pine lands, dissolve sixty pounds of muriate of potash in warm water, and sprinkle a proportionate quantity of the solution on

80

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

each layer of stable manure and cotton seed. The same weight of cotton seed and manure, or 60 pounds of the two, may be omitted when the potash is used.

If lot mature, or that which has been so exposed as to lose some of

its fertilizing properties, is composted, use--

No. 3.
Lot manuure............................................... Cotton seed.................................................. Acid Phosphate......................................... Sulphate of Ammonia.............................. Muriate of Potash.....................................

660 pounds
650 " 600 "
60 "
.40, "

Making a ton of..................................................................... 3,000 pounds
Mix as in No. 1, except that the Sulphate of Ammonia and Muriate of Potash must be dissolved in warm water, and a proportionate part of each sprinkled on each layer of manure and cotton seed.
Directions for the use of these composts have been given only for corn and cotton--the two crops to which fertilizers are principally applied in Georgia. Experience, however, has shown them to be equally effica cious when applied to other crops, either field or garden.
From 300 to 400 pounds to the acre on small grain have produced perfectly satisfactory results.
By reference to the foregoing tables of analyses, etc., it will be seen that Acid Phosphate or Dissolved Bone of high grade can be purchased at from thirty to thirty-five dollars per ton, so that the actual outlay need not exceed $7.60 per ton of the compost, when 500 pounds of Phosphate are used, as in formula No. 1.
In making these composts the proportions of stable manure and cotton seed may be varied to suit the supply at command, though care must be taken, if the cotton seed are largely in excess, to avoid excessive heat and consequent cooking of the seed. When killed, the seed should be soft enough to be readily mashed between the fingers. If only cotton seed and Acid Phosphate are composted, the seed should be rolled in the phosphate, and shoveled into a heap to ferment. If composted in layers without stable manure the seed will cake together.
In the above formulas the potash may be omitted on lands compara tively fresh, and on which the original growth was oak and hickory ; but if such lands have been much worn, it will be well to retain it. The presence of oak and hickory, or other potash-consuming growth, is an indication of the presence of potash in the soil. When such lands, however, have been so worn that when turned out stunted Oldfield pinea spring up, it is safe to assume that the addition of a moderate quantity of potash will increase production.
The economy and profit of the compost system is no longer a debata ble question with practical farmers. However much the pseudo scientist, who rejects facts which his theories fail to explain, may en-

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

81

<]eavor to turn it to ridicule as "unscientific," with the true economist and practical agriculturist, the solid facts derived from the crucial test of nature's laboratory, will outweigh all his theories and the shallow sophistry by which he seeks to sustain them.
The true scientist, however, does not shut his eyes to the facts, but uses them as material of which to build his theories.
The compost system is being put to a very thorough test by practical farmers and planters this season in all parts of the State, on every char acter of soil and every variety of crop. The effects of equal weights of compost and commercial fertilizers are being carefully compared in every section of the State.
The result of these experiments will be published next January for the information of the farmers of Georgia.
The following circular was sent to each experimenter in order to secure uniformity and accuracy in the conduct of the soil tests.

Spatoai. Ciucct.ar No 1.
Directions for Conducting the Soil-Tests of Fertilizers, for 1876.
Dkpartment op Ageicultcee,
Atlanta, February 3, 1876.
The Commissioner of Agriculture, in pursuance of duties imposed
upon him by the Act of February 28, 1874, requiring that a fair sample
of all fertilizers sold in this State shall be thoroughly tested by him,
hereby issues the following rules for conducting said tests:
Persons to whom samples of fertilizers are submitted for thorough and
practical test, are required to conduct their experiments in a manner that
will set forth results fully and fairly, and report the same promptly by
the first day of December to this Department, giving full details, as fol
lows :
1. State the character of the soil and subsoil in which the test is made, whether sandy, clayey, marley, or calcareous, and whether upland or bottom.
2. Select a plat of land as nearly uniform in character and fertility as possible.
8. On this plat lay off rows, if the test is made with cotton, three feet wide, and either 85 or 70 yards long. Apply each fertilizer to four consecutive rows, leaving four rows unfertilized between those fertilized with different brands; thus, A four rows ; without fertilizer four rows ; B four rows; without fertilizer four; C four, etc., through the plat. When the crop matures, weigh carefully and rjport the production of the two middle rows of each four, fertilized and unfertilized.
4. State the treatment of the soil on which the test is made, both as to crops cultivated and fertilizers used for several previous years, and, if practicable, select a plat which was not fertilized in 1875.
5. In this experiment use each fertilizer or compost at the rate of 200 pounds per acre, regardless of cost.
6. If compost is used, state the formula adopted in composting, giving

82

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

the quantity and character of each ingredient, and the method employed' in composting.
7. If convenient, purchase on the market some f the same brands asthose submitted for test, and report the results as directed in No. 4 above
8. Use on the same plat any other brand which you may have. 9. Use a portion of the samples submitted for test in contrast with any others you may have, on any other crop on your farm or garden, and; report results. 10. In conducting these tests, be careful to have the preparation, planting, stand, and cultivation identical on each four rows, the only difference being in the kind of fertilizer used. Without this the test will not be reliable. 11. 8tate the time and manner of preparation, time and manner of planting, mode of cultivation, seasons, both as to temperature and rain fall, and any other facts of interest connected with the test of fertilizers. 12. In giving the yield of cotton, report the number of pounds of seed cotton produced by the two middle rows of each four, fertilized and unfertilized. If the test is made on small grain, report the bushels ot grain and pounds of straw per acre. If it is made on corn, report the bushels of grain and pounds of fodder per acre. 13. Conduct any other test in any manner you may prefer, and report results and facts as above requested. 14. When an acid phosphate or dissolved Bone--not ammoniated--is tested, compost it by formula No. 1 for composting, given in circular 22 of this Department. 15. Preserve a fair sample of every fertilizer you test. Put it in a bottle and seal it up, and lable it correctly. A common quinine bottle full is about the proper quantity to save, and is most convenient.
These experiments, to be valuable, should be conducted with great-
care, and the results accurately reported as soon as they are ascertained.
The sample of each brand submitted for the soil-test, by the manufac
turers and dealers, was, as far as possible, placed in the hands of intel-
ligent farmers in each of the three sections of the State--North, Middle,
and South Georgia. Every effort was made to secure fau-ness and
thoroughness in these soil tests. One hundred and ten practical farmers
have undertaken these tests. The foregoing circular of " Directions ''
was first sent to each, and no fertilizer was submitted to any one till the
Department had a promise to conduct the test according to the rules
prescribed.

[Cieoulas No. 32.]
Buies and Regulations for the Inspection and Analysis of Fertilizers in Georgia.
Depabtment op Agriculture,
Atlanta, October 24th, 1876. The Act of the Georgia Legislature of 28th February, 1874, Section 1, reads as follows: " From and after the passage of this Act, it shall not be lawful to sell, or offer for sale, any fertilizers manufactured in this State, or to bring into the State, for sale and distribution, any fertilizer manufactured

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

83'

beyond the Hmifs of this State, unless: Before offering for sale, or the sale or distribution of the Same, there shall be an inspection and analysis made of it by the Inspector appointed, or to be appointed under existinglaws, in the county where manufactured, or in the district, or pon of entry, where the same shall be introduced from without the State.
The Act establishing the Department of Agriculture places the analy sis of fertilizers under the "special charge" of the Commissioner, who is "empowered to make all necessary rules and regulations for the purpose of carrying out the design and intentions" of the Act.
The Commissioner of Agriculture, therefore, in pursuance of duties imposed upon him by law, hereby issues the following Rules and Regu lations for the Inspection and Analysis of Fertilizers in Georgia :
I. Fertilizers imported into Georgia for sale or distribution, must enter the State at some one of the following points, viz : Savannah, Brunswick, Augusta, Columbus, the Western and Atlantic Railroad, the Atlanta and W est Point Railroad, or the Atlanta and Richmond Air-Line Railroad.
There is an exception at each of the following points, viz : Savannah, Brunswick, Macon, Columbus, Augusta, Atlanta, Athens and Rome.
Consignors wishing their fertilizers inspected in Savannah, Augusta, Brunswick, or Columbus, must notify the Inspector at the point of des tination to that effect, stating, also, the date of shipment, name of con signee, and the number of tons shipped.
If consignment is made through any of the above-named ports to any other point within the S ate, the consignor shall notify the Inspector at the port or point of entry of the point of destination, and give the name of the consignee and the number of tons shipped. On the receipt of such information the Inspector there shall at once notify the proper Inspector of the fact, and make a record of the same, noting the num ber of tons passing through without inspection, and the name of con signor and consignee.
If consignments enter the State by either of the railroads named, the consignor must, at or before the time of shipping, notify the Inspector at Atlanta of the date of shipment, number of tons, and the name of consignee and point of destination; and the Inspector at Atlanta shall notify the proper Inspector, if the destination is beyond his own district.
All fertilizers manufactured in this State for sale or distribution must be inspected and analyzed before being removed from the mill or factory.
II. The law requires that the Inspector's brand shall be stamped upon the package containing the fertilizer. Tags will not be recognized as a lawful brand. The Inspector's brand shall, in all cases, be applied by or in presence of the Inspector himself or his sworn assistant.
The Inspector's brand, when applied as required by law, is a recogni tion that the fertilizer so branded is authorize I to go to sale or distribu tion. Inspectors are, therefore, required to take all samples in person,.

*84

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

and to select them from several vertical sections, if the fertilizer is in bulk; or, if in packages, from a sufficient number to insure a fair aver age sample of the whole.
III. The samples taken at each inspection shall be thoroughly mixed together, and from this mixture the Inspector shall fill three glass bot tles, securely seal them, stamp them with his private seal, and properly label them.
He shall deliver one of these in person, or by express, to the Chemist -of this Department for the analysis of fertilizers; forward one by ex press direct to this Department, and retain the third in his office.
The samples taken must be promptly delivered or forwarded.
IV. The manifest of each cargo or shipment of fertilizers; or chemi-cals for compounding the same, shall be furnished to the Inspector as a basis of the quantity to be inspected and returned to the Commissioner.
Each shipment or cargo of every distinct brand shall be inspected.
V. Wm. J. Land, of Atlanta, is the duly appointed Chemist of this Department for the analysis of fertilizers, and chemicals for manufac turing the same, to be offered for sale or distribution in Georgia.
VI. Each Inspector is required to keep a book, in which he shall care fully and correctly make the following record of each inspection made by him, viz:
1. The name in full of the fertilizer inspected. 2. When and where samples were taken. 3. When samples were forwarded. 4. When and by whom branded. 5. The name of the manufacturer, and where manufactured. 6. The name and place of business of the dealer, agent or person for
whom the inspection and analysis were made. 7. The price at the place where inspected and branded, giving the
cash, time, and cotton option prices separately, 8. The number of tons of each brand inspected. 9. The mechanical condition of each cargo inspected.
A copy of this record shall be filed in this Department on the first day of each month.
In addition to the above, each Inspector is required to report to this Department the following:
1. At the beginning of each season he shall report to this Department the number of tons of each brand of Fertilizers then on hand in his inspection district, which was left over from the last season
2. At the close of each season he shall report the quantity of each brand left over.
3. At the close of each season he shall make a consolidated report of the operations of the season.
4. At all times to report any fact or item of interest that may be val uable to this Department, or the farmers of Georgia.

Report of Comtnissioner of Agriculture.

85

VII. The current season for the inspection and analysis of fertilizers, and chemicals for manufacturing the same, shall be from the first day of September to the first day of May following.
VIII. The following determinations will be required in the analysis of fertilizers, yiz:
1. Moisture (at 212P)......................................................................per cent. 2. Soluble Phosphate Acid................. ...... .................................... " " 5. Precipitated or Reduced Phosphate Acid................................ " " 4. Insoluble Phosphoric Acid......................................................... " " 5. Ammonia, by Nitrogen determination...................................... " " 6. Potash (over 2 per cent)............................................................ " " 7. Organic Matter.............................................................................. " " 8. Undetermined Matter--i. e.,Sulphuric Acid, Lime, etc.... " " 9. Total Bone Phosphate................................................................ " " 10. Mechanical condition................................................................... " "
In analysing fertilizers based on the Mineral Theory, the determination of the principal ingredients will be required.
IX. The law requires, in addition to the sample to be analyzed, that "a fair sample of all fertilizers sold in this State shall be first submitted to the Commissioner, and the same shall be thoroughly tested by him," to enable him to pronounce on their practical value.
It is therefore required, that all manufacturers of fertilizers within this State, and ail manufacturers, dealers, agents, or others, who shall bring or receive within this State, fertilizers manufactured without the State, and intended for sale or distribution in the State, before offering the same, shall reserve, or cause to be reserved, not less than 500 pounds of each distinct brand of such fertilizers, to be delivered r distributed by such manufacturer, dealer, agent, or person, to such parties, and in such quantities, as the Commissioner of Agriculture may direct; to be, by said parties, thoroughly tested in the soil. Each package thus distri buted shall be accompanied by the official analysis of the same, and shall be properly branded or marked, with the name of the fertilizer, and the person or firm by whom it is manufactured, and the place where manu factured, and shall also have on it the brand of the Inspector.
It is hereby made the special duty of Inspectors to see that this re quirement is complied with.
X. The Commissioner of Agriculture desires, by the 10th of January, 1877, to issue, for the information of farmers, a circular, giving the analysis of all the fertilizers to be sold in the State for the current sea son, that farmers may know the constituent elements of all the com pounds in the market, in time to make their purchases for the Spring crop.
Manufacturers are, therefore, earnestly requested to have their fertil izing compounds, intended for sale and distribution in this State, in that
A6

86

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

readiness which will enable Inspectors to obtain samples and hare them analyzed in time to accomplish this object.
Inspectors are required to aid the Department in effecting this object.
XI. The standard of analysis upon which a fertilizer is admitted tosale or distribution, must be substantially maintained for the entire fer tilizer season.
The Commissioner congratulates the manufacturers on the decided improvement in the quality of many of their compounds, as well as a disposition manifested by many of them to sell fertilizers of high grade at reasonable prices.
The railroad authorities of this State, and the officers and agents of steamships and other vessels, are respectfully requested to afford all necessary facilities to the Inspectors for carrying out the provisions of the law, and the above regulations made in pursuance of the same.

Speoiad Ciboulab No 30.
Circular Letter of Instruction to Inspectors of Fertilizers :
Department of Agriculture,
Atlanta, October 26th, 1876.
DearSik: Your position as sworn Inspector renders you an impor tant factor in the execution of the laws relating to the inspection of fertilizers, for the protection of the farmers of this State against fraud.
Much depends upon your vigilance and fidelity in the discharge of your duty.
You are therefore expected to co-operate heartily with the other Inspectors of this State, and with the Commissioner in the execution of the law of which you are, in your district, the official custodian.
You will, in the performance of your official duty, be governed by the following instructions, in addition to those contained in Circular No. 32.
All samples must be taken by yourself, in person, as directed in sec tion II, of Circular No. 32, and required by law, within the limits of this State.
No inspections made beyond the limits of Georgia will be* recognized. You shall provide yourself with such samples as will penetrate to thecenter of the bulk or package to be inspected. All samples must be sent in common quinine bottles, each having, pasted upon it one of the lables supplied- from this Department, with each blank correctly filled. Each bottle shall be well stopped and sealed, with wax, with a piece of tape passing across the stopper and extend ing down to the neck of the bottle. On the ends of this tape shall beplaced more sealing wax, on which shall be stamped your private seal. You shall guard carefully your brand, which must never pass from, the control of yourself or your sworn assistant. The brand may be ap-

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

8T

plied at the time and place of inspection on the receipt 'of the written guarantee of the proprietor of the fertilizer or his agent, that the analy sis, when made, shall be such as will, under the decision of the Com missioner of Agriculture, entitle it to go to sale; and with the expressed understanding that if condemned by the Commissioner, the brand, and all sales under it, shall be null and void.
Before your brand is applied you shall demand an older for 500 pounds of each distinct brand for soil test, unless you are reliably in formed that such requisition has already been filled. In case the person seeking the inspection refuses to comply with the requisition, you shall withhold your brand until the requisition is filled. As soon as the order for the 500 pounds for soil test is given you shall notify this Department of the fact, giving the address of the party who is to furnish it, the full name of the brand, and the kind and weight of package, whether bar rels or sacks.
The district of the Inspector for Chatham county shall embrace Chat ham county, the Central Railroad to the line of Bibb county, and the Eatonton branch, the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad, and the Savannah river up to the line of Richmond county.
The district of the Inspector for Richmond county shall embrace Rich mond county, the Georgia Railroad to the line of Fulton county, and the Washington branch, the Macon and Augusta Railroad to the line of Bibb county, and the Waynesboro Railroad from Augusta to Millen.
The district of the Inspector for Bibb county shell embrace Bibb county, the Southwestern Railroad and branches, except that from Fort Valley to Columbus, and the Macon and Western Railroad to the line of Fulton county, and its branches.
The district of the Inspector for Glynn county shall embrace the connty of Glynn, the Macon and Brunswick Railroad to the line of Bibb county, and the Brunswick and Albany Railroad.
The district of the Inspector for Muscogee county shall embrace Mus cogee county, the railroad from Columbus to Fort Valley, the North and South Railroad, and the Chattahoochee river.
The district for the Inspector of Fulton county shall embrace Fulton county, the Western and Atlantic Railroad, the Atlanta and West Point Railroad, and the Atlanta and Richmond Air Line Railroad.
The district of the Inspector for Floyd county shall embrace Floyd county, the Rome Railroad, the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad, and the Coosa river.
The district of the Inspector for Clarke county shall embrace Clarke county, the Northeast Railroad, and the Athens branch of the Georgia. Railroad.
Whenever you are informed of the shipment of a fertilizer through your district, consigned to a point in the district of another Inspector, you will at once notify the proper Inspector and this Department of the fact, giving the name of the brand, names of consignor and consignee, and the place of destination.

88

Repent of Commissioner of Agriculture.

You shall'keep such a record of all inspections made by you as will
enable you, at the end of the season, to report full statistics of all fer tilizers inspected in your district, including the railroad from which they were delivered.
You will be expected to accurately fill the blanks furnished you from this Department from your books of record, and to make your reports punctually at the beginning of each month and at the end of the season. You will also be expected to make a semi-annual report on the 10th of January next, of all the fertilizers inspected by you up to that time, with full statistics of the same.
You shall refer all questions not covered by the rules and regulations or these instructions to the Commissioner for decision.

ClBOUXAR No. 2T.
Extract from the Consolidation of the Reports of Crops, etc., for the month of June, 1876.

Depaetmkxt or Aoeioulturk,
Atlanta, July 15th, 1876.

GENERAL STATE AVERAGES.

CORN.
From the table which follows, it will be seen that com is reported three per cent, above an average. The upland corn is generally reported at a much higher figure, but the bottom lands have suffered from exces sive moisture and the depredations of the "borer," or " bud worm." In some sections the entire crop of bottom lands have been destroyed by overflow.
These casualties to low lands have reduced the general average, pro bably, more than their relative area would justify, since the upland corn is generally reported remarkabiy fine.

COTTON.

While the condition of cotton in the whole State is only an average,

that of the principal cotton producing section is above that standard,

the average being reduced by low reports from counties which produce

hut little of this staple.

RICE.

Rice is reported three per cent, above an average. The cultivation of upland rice is increasing in the interior counties, and would be still further increased if a cheap coffee mill huller could be obtained. These experiments in its production have, thus far been very encouraging, the only difficulty being the slow process of hulling.

The condition of Sugar Cane compared to 100, or an average, is 107, Sorghum, 102; Field Peas, 100; Ground Peas, 103; Chufas, 101; Sweet Potatoes, 106; Millet, 103; Forage Corn, 100; Melons, 93; Peaches, 25; Apples, 72; Pears, 50; Grapes, 94.

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

89

FORAGE CROPS. Fine crops of German Millet and Forage Corn have been made, and are now quite or nearly ready for harvesting. The proper stage at which to cut these crops is a question of great importance. The blade of the German Millet is very rough, and becomes more harsh as the plant approaches maturity, hence only enough to afford an abundant supply of seed should be allowed to ripen. That intended for forage should be cut when the seed is fully in the milk stage. The plant at this stage has the maximum amount of nutriment in the stem and leaves, prepared for the formation of seed. If cut then, the hay, when cured, will be more nutricious than at any previous or subsequent period of its growth. There have been complaints, at the North, of injury to horses from feeding German Millet, perhaps in excess, which should at least put farmers on their guard until the matter is thoroughly tested. There have have been no complaints of injury to cattle or mules. The ripe seed have been said to produce founder in the horse. The suggestions are thrown out, in the absence of positive information, to caution farmers against excessive and exclusive use of the Millet in feeding horses until its effects are better ascertained. Corn Forage is, perhaps, the cheapest provender which the farmer can raise, the only adifflculty being in properly curing the crop after it is made. This is greatly reduced by very thick planting. The soil should be made very rich, and not less than eight bushels of seed sown to the acre, in order to reduce the size of the stalk. It should be cut as soon as fully in tassel, the stalk being sweeter then than at any other stage of growth. Large areas should not be planted at one time, but successive plantings made, so that the whole crop will not need harvesting at the same time. The most successful method of curing is as is follows: Cut and spread so uniformly as possible over the ground; as soon as the blades on the upper side are cured, turn and allow time for the balance of the blades to cure ; next set it up against poles fastened on stakes or forks, leaning the corn from each side, leaving an open space under the poles to admit of a free circulation of air. The poles should be from three to five feet from the ground, according to the length of the corn. After the stalks are cured, the whole should be securely housed, but not in larg bulk until all danger of heating has passed.
WHEAT. As was anticipated in the May report, the yield and quality of Wheat are not as good as was expected and reported before it was threshed. The yield is twenty-one per cent., and the quality is eighteen per cent, below an average. After a careful examination of the answers in regard to Rust Proof Wheat, it seems that there is not, strictly speaking, a Rust Proof variety, though there are some which have, for a number of years es caped, when other varieties were ruined by rust in the same field and under the same circumstances in every respect.

90

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

ClBOULA* No. 29.
Extract from ike Consolidation of the Reports of Crops, etc., for the Month of July, 1876.
Depabtment op Ageicttlttjee,
Atlanta, August 8th, 1876.
GENERAL STATE AVERAGES.
CORN. The condition of the corn crop in the State is nine per cent, above an average, which is six per cent, higher thijn it was reported last month, and twenty-three per cent, higher than on the 15th of August, last year. There are sections in quite a number of counties which have suffered from drouth, but rains have generally been abundant, and, in some counties, so abundant as to be destructive to bottom lands.
COTTON. Cotton was four per cent, above an average on the 1st day of August, four per cent, better than July 1st, and twenty-three per cent, better than on the 15th day of August, last year. Rust is reported in a few localities, and a few fields have been injured or destroyed by the grass hopper.
RICE. Rice is eight per cent, below an average, and four per cent, better than August 15th, last year.
SUGAR CANE. Sugar cane is three per cent, above an average, sixteen per cent, better than last year, August 15th. The condition of other crops compared to an average is as follows: Field peas, 103 ; ground peas, 101; chufas, 104; sweet potatoes, 106 ; sorghum, 106; pastures, 103.
The yield compared to an average of melons is 91. (It has been too wet for melons.) Irish potatoes, 96 ; millet, 102; forage corn, 102; and hay, 102.
Of the reports received in time for the general consolidation, 154 cor respondents report the seasons, during July, favorable, and 43 unfavor able for the growth of crops. Quite a number of reports have been received too late for the general consolidation. All reports should reach this office by the 5lh of the month.

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

91

Ciboui.ab No. 30.
Extract from the Consolidation of the Reports of Crops, etc., for the Month of August, 1876.
Department of Agriculture,
Atlanta, September 12, 1876.
GENERAL STATE AVERAGES.
CORN. The condition of the corn crop is six per cent, above an average, which is three per cent, lower than reported last month, and twenty-one per cent, higher than on 15th September last year. The seasons were gene rally good during the early part of August, thus securing the estimates of last report. The following coincidence is remarkable : The table shows that the com crop in fifteen counties is short, on an average, 7.8 per cent. ; and seventy-eight counties show an average sur plus of 7.6 per cent,, which results, when equalized, show an average surplus of five per cent, for the State. The footing of the column of "`Condition of Corn '' shows that it is six per cent, better than an aver age, thus reaching practically the same result by different processes. It is certain that an abundant supply of corn has been made.
COTTON. Owing to the extremely hot and dry weather of the last three weeks of the month, cotton is reported at fifteen per cent, below an average, or nineteen per cent, below last report (1st of August), though still twelve per cent, higher than 15th September of last year. Rust is reported in many localities, especially in Middle and Southwestern Georgia. Many reports say the crops will all be open and gathered by 1st November.
SUGAR CANE Has fallen off thirteen per cent, since last report--being reported at ninety-four per cent.
Field peas, ground peas, chufas and sweet potatoes are all a little below an average, and sorghum at a little above, etc.
BUYING SUPPLIES ON CREDIT.
To the question "have farmers bought on a credit to as great an ex tent as last year,92 correspondents answer no, and say that the amount so purchased is 39 per cent. less. Three correspondents answer yes. Thirty-six counties are reported as paying in interest on supplies, bought on credit, $800,000 00. Assuming that these 36 counties represent a fair average of the entire State, the total amount of interest paid will be 42,720,000.00.
Now the report for August 15, 1875, Circular No. 16, shows that the Amount of interest paid on supplies bought on credit that year, was

92

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

$4,250,000.00. Deduct from this last sum 39 per cent, of it, and we> have $2,593,000.00--a near approach to the result of the reports now in hand.
This diminution in the amount purchased on credit, is due chiefly tothe large crop of Fall sown oats made this year.
This reduction in the amount of interest indicates a reduction in the amount of supplies purchased on a credit, of over $7,000,000.00.
These calculations are made to show farmers, in dollars and cents, the policy of raising abundant crops of small grain, of close e ;onomy, and, too, the benefits of poor credit.
The average rate per cent, paid last year for supplies was 44; this year 62!
The experience of the past year is overwhelming in support of the policy of early Fall sowing of rust-proof and Winter-grazing oats and large areas. Farmers begin now! secure your seed at once. Commence immediately to sow, and do not let the full corn cribs prevent you from preparing for another large oat crop--greater than the last. The De partment will cheerfully furnish the names of reliable farmers who have rust-proof and other varieties of oats of their own raising for sale.
Last year 20 per cent, of the farmers bonght exclusively for cash; this year, 28 per cent. Let the number be increased to 100 per cent.-- yea, until they shall not buy at all, even for cash, except such articles as cannot possibly be produced at home.
GRASSHOPPERS Have appeared in ` `considerable numbers" in thirty-nine -counties. In some confined localities they have been quite destructive, especially to clover, and, in some instances, cotton, corn, millet and young orchard trees.
In Circular No. 27 the opinion was expressed that they were the "Hate ful Grasshopper" of the West. Further research and correspondenca with persons in the West who are familiar with this great pest have not resulted in confirming this opinion.
The species is believed to be the Acridium Americanwm, which ap pears some years, under conditions favorable to their propagation, in numbers sufficient to cause alarm. It is not probable that there will be any considerable increase in their number next year. The species has never been very destructive, and is not likely to become so.
FARM SEEDS, SAMPLE PRODUCTS, Etc.
The Department frequently receives inquiries for names and address of farmers who have rust-proof and Winter grazing oats, rust-proof wheat, etc., for sale.
The Commissioner again reminds those having such seeds to dispose of to write immediately to this Department, giving name, post office addr;ss, and price--sacked and delivered at the nearest railroad depot-- together with a small quantity as a sample.

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

9?.

These names are carefully entered in a register kept for that purpose, and the samples preserved and properly labeled, thus enabling the De partment promptly to give the desired information. This feature of the Department promises to be very useful, as bringing the purchaser in direct communication with the producer of the seeds, and furnishing for the inspection of all who visit the office samples of the seeds thus offered
for sale. In this connection, the Commissioner respectfully requests fanners-
and others to send to the Department specimen samples of the matured and maturing crops of this year--corn, oats and other grain, stalks of cotton, specimens of forage plants, root crops, fruits, etc. These speci mens will be labeled, with the name of the grower or donor, and prop erly arranged for exhibition.

WEATHER REPORTS.

Major S. B. Wight, of West End, near Atlanta, reports the following: rainfall for the months of July and August of this year, viz:

July 1st, " 2d, " 3d, " 4th, " 9th, " 14th,
" 16th, " 25th, " 29 th,

.05 inches. .31 " .13 " .09 " .05 " .44 "
1.31 " .12 " .39 "

August 1st, 2.44 inches. " 3d, .90 " " 4th, .19 " " 5th, .25 " " 9th, .50 " " 12ih, .12 "
" 14th, .03 " " 25th, .31 "
" 30th, .53 "

Totals............. 3.49 inches.

5.32 inches.

Thus it will be seen that rain fell on an equal number of days each month, but the distribution was not such as to prevent suffering from drouth between the 12th and 30th of August.
Maj. Wight also reports the weekly mean temperature at West End for the months of July and August, of the last four years, giving obser vations taken at 7 a. m., and at noon, every day, as follows :

1873.

1874.

18 75.

1876.

7 A. M. NOON. 7 A. M. NOON. 7 A. M. NOON. 7 A. M. NOON.

1st 2d 3d 4th 5th
6th

weaek u
<t u It

7th
8th

ti (i

9th u

70 78 73 75 74
74 72 70 75

88 85
83 80 82 83 83 88 39

70 75
77 75 70 78 75 71 08

87 85 87 82 84 91 80 80 76

79 89 80 88 82 92
81 92 75 80 73 84 71 81 69 79 73 86

80 80<* 85 82 82 90 74 87
74 83 77 85
76 88 78 91 70 89

94

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

CibouLab No. 31.
Extract from the Consolidation of the Reports of Crops, etc., for the month of September, 1876.

Depabtment of Agriculture,
Atlanta, October 13, 1876.

GENERAL STATE AVERAGES.

. CORN.

The yield of corn in the State is reported 120, or 34 per cent, more

than was made last year. This is indeed gratifying and encouraging,

and is made more so by the fact that the cost of producing the corn this

year has averaged forty-three cents per bushel, which is thirteen cents

less than was reported last year as the average cost of production. With

a supply of home made corn in their cribs, farmers can reduce the cost

of production of every crop cultivated, and at the same time raise more

and better stock, keep their plow animals in better working condition,

and largely reduce the per centage of deaths. The time formerly spent

in hauling corn from the depot will now be devoted to productive labor.

No more horses and mules will be lost by eating damaged Western corn.

No more ruinous interest bills on corn, advanced to make cotton. No

more musty bread from corn that had been heated in bulk. More pleas

ant than all else, however, is the thought that the farmer may again feel

the ennobling influence of that independence which full cribs, and

smoke houses--the latter will naturally follow the former--freedom

from debt and anxiety for the future impart to the tiller of the soil.

It is firmly believed that with this year's plentiful harvest of grain, a

new era of progress, prosperity and independence awaits the farmers of

our State.

COTTON.

Notwithstanding the severe drouth which has prevailed all over the

State, excepting a few counties hr the Northeast, the season was so ex-

-ceptionably favorable during July and the first half of August, that the

cotton crop exceeds that of last year fifteen and a half per cent., being

DO this year compared with 73J, Oct. 15th, last year. Ninety-five per

cent, of the reporters say that cotton picking is as well advanced as at

this time last year; and a large maiority of these report it much more

so. Many say that the crop in their sections will be all picked by the

first of November. Eighty-two per cent, of the correspondents report

the cotton saved in good condition. With the exception of a few coun

ties in which there have been rain storms, the season has been very

favorable for gathering all matured crops, but very disastrous to those

crops, such as sugar cane, sweet potatoes, field peas, and turnips, which

mature late. Besides the increased yield, the cotton crop of this year

will be marketed in far better condition than that of last year, and con sequently command a more uniform price.

Report of Comrtastidner 6j Agriculture.

95

Sugar cane, though reported at 98--83 above last year-- has suffered seriously from protracted drouth.
Sorghum has, for the last two years, received much more attention than formerly, though not more than its importance justifies. The yield is reported 119, just one above the report of last year.
Field Peas are reported only forty-eight, in consequence of drouth in August and September. Some correspondents report a good yield of the early varieties. The crop of last year, notwithstanding the unfa vorable seasons, was reported at 84.
Ground Peas are reported at 93, and Sweet potatoes 88, both having suffered severely irom the recent drouth. Those who planted the early varieties of Sweet Potatoes, especially the St. Domingo Yam, secured good crops in advance of the drouth. Farmers generally would do well to plant at least part of their crops of this variety, which is of fair quality and very prolific.
Chufas are rapidly arrowing in favor as a crop for hogs on account of the moderate cost of cultivation, their extreme fruitfulness and excellen fattening properties. It deserves the attention of farmers as an economic hog food. Hogs in Georgia should be reared and fattened mainly on crops which they can gather themclves, thus saving both the labor of gathering the crop and that of feeding it to the hogs.
Millet has yielded abundantly this year; and the German variety especially is rapidly gaining favor as a forage crop. The yield is re ported at 109.
Turnips--An unusually large area was prepared for Turnips this Summer, but less than half a crop will be realized, in consequence of the drouth in August and September. While the acreage is reported 115, the stand is only 41, and the condition 48. Many report the crop a total failure.
SMALL GRAIN.
A disposition to sow more largely in Wheat and Oats is generally^ indi cated by correspondents, but the season has been so dry that but little has been sown. Some that was sown early died under the combined effects of drouth and a scorching sun. It is too late, however, to seed a full crop in Middle and Lower Georgia. The cotton crop is so far advanced that there will be an admirable opportunity for seeding small grain after the crop is gathered. The large Oat crop produced this year in Georgia was the financial salvation of many farmers who had neither money nor credit with which to pur chase corn. Farmers are again urged to seed down abroad area in small grain, and especially in Oats. If sown in the Fall, either the Winter Grazing or Red Rust Proof varieties should be sown. None but the Rust Proof is certain for a crop if sown in the Spring. In consideration cf the general failure of the Turnip crop, more small grain should be sown for Winter and Spring pasturage. For this purpose Rye is excel-

96

Report of Commissioner of Apiculture.

lent if sown on rich land. In Middle and Lower Georgia the smalj grained, early varieties of Wheat should be sown, and, as a general thing, Red Wheat will be more certain than White in warm climates. This fact is fnlly recognized by the Wheat growing regions of the East. Italy, Spain, Portugal and Southern Russia plant almost exclusively Red varieties, while Northern Russia, England, Canada and the Northern United States plant principally white varieties.

MISCELLANEOUS.
The Fall has been too dry for a second crop of Irish potatoes; ninetytwo per cent, of the correspondents reporting no stand.
Cotton picking is unusually well advanced on account of t he dry season, and has thus far been saved in tine condition, but there is some complaint of cotton opening prematurely on account of drouth.
Hogs have been unusually exempt from disease thus far. Only six per cent, are reported lost by cholera.
In accordance with the October report of last year, in which 81 per cent, of the correspondents reported the farmers increasing their stock of hogs with a view to raising more park, we find seven per cent, in crease in the number of killing hogs, which are reported of better average size than last year. The general reports indicate general im_ provement in the stock of hogs by cross-breeding with improved stock. The improvement in stock of sheep and cattle is reported as partial in many counties but general in none. All forage crops have been saved in unusually fine condition, and generally in abundant supply.

LABOR.
As the time for contracting with labor for the next year is near at hand, it may not be amiss to discuss briefly the leading principles which should guide farmers in contracting with farm labor. This is the most perplexing question with which the Georgia farmer has to deal. The principal difficulty in the way of reaping a profit from labor is found in the extreme anxiety of land owners to secure a full supply, which is too often secured at the expense of a proper prudence and forecast of a reasonable margin for profit.
The average wages paid male farm laborers this year, according to the April report, is $100 and board, which, with house rent, fuel, etc., will make the total cost of the man $160. At the present price of cotton it will take just four bales to pay for the labor of this hand. How many farms produce enough per hand to justify this expense ? Cotton must continue to bo the money crop of much the larger part of Georgia. Its price, then, must regulate the price of every fluctuating factor which enters into the cost of its production.
When cotton was worth twenty cents per pound wages ranged from $100 and board to $144 and board. Cotton now commands just fortyfive per cent, of that price, while labor commands^eighty-two per cent-

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

9T

of the average price of wages ($182) which prevailed when cotton brought 20 cents.
Corresponding reduction in wages, or forty-five per cent, of the then prevailing price would give $54.90 and board for a man for a year's labor on the farm.
The expense of living in Georgia is but little more than half as much as it was seven years ago, and yet farmers are saving but little money. They are, therefore, urged to make close and accurate estimates of farm expenses,and arrange for the year's work on such a schedule as will leave them a margin for a reasonable profit after affording a decent support to their families.
There has been much recklessness on the part of many of onr farmers in laying their plans for the year's work. No expense should be incurred in the production of a crop without a reasonable probability of not only a reimbursement of the outlay, but profit on the capital invested. Many farmers in their anxiety to secure labor on their farms, enter into con tracts, which neither their own judgment nor a sound business policy would sanction. It is not only unjust to himself and family, unjust to the employee and prejudicial to his neighbor, but criminal for a man to contract to perform that which, in all reasonable probability, he will not be able to execute, and yet farmers often, without calculating closely the cost, contract to pay more for the production of a crop than it is likely to bring on the market when produced. Honest and efficient laborers should be amply compensated to remove them from want and the necessity of dishonesty, but there should at the same time, be a rea sonable profit to the employer.
The farmers of Georgia are congratulated upon their return to a more rational system, which promises to redeem them from debt and restore them to financial independence.
SUGAR AND SYRUP.
It is suggested that experiments be instituted to determine the practr cal value of Saccharometers in making sugar and syrup. It is well known that most, if not all, of the syrup made on the farm, though of very superior quality when new, undergoes a change during the follow ing Spring and Summer, and is liable to fermentation. It becomes thinner, of darker color, and less sweet. The Commissioner will fur nish any information that may be desired in regard to the Saccharometer, price, use, etc., and expects to secure the special co-operation of several intelligent farmers to investigate the subject during boiling season.
Maj. 8. B. Wight of West Knd, near Atlanta, reports the following rainfall for September:
On the 11th, .37; 12th, .10; 21st, .29; 22d, .00. Total, ,82 of an inch.
Maj. Wight reports the following rainfall in inches for each week

98

Repot t of Comtnissioner of Agriculture.

during the month of September for the years 1873-4-5-6, giving thenumber of days on which rain fell in each week.

1873

1871

1875

1876=

1 st. wfifikj....... 1 day, 2d week,-....... 2 days, 3d week,....... 1 day, 4th week, ....

.70 2.30 2 days, 2.40 1 day,
2 days,

1 day,

53

.28 2 days, 2.55 2 days, .47'

.04 2 days. .15 1 day,

.99 .37

2

d..a.y..s.,.

.85

Total,

4 days, 5.40 5 days, .47 6 days. 4.64 4 days, .82

Major Wight also reports the following Mean Temperatures for each week in September for the years 1873-4-5-6, giving the means of the observations at 7 A. M., and 12 M., of each day.

1873.

1874.

18 75.

1 376.

7 A. M. 12 M. 7 A. M 12 M. 7 A.M 12 m 7 A.M 12 m.

1st week 68 78 71 82 75 89 71 85'

2d "

65

74

70

80

68

75 70

81

3d "

62

73

65

76

56

65 64

79

4th "

66

76

60

73

60

67 60

75

ClBOULAB No. 33.
Extract from, the Consolidation of the Reports of Crops, etc., for the Month of October, 1876.
Depaktment of Ageicultuke,
Atlanta, November 18, 1876.
GENERAL STATE AVERAGES.
CORN. The yield of com is reported at 122, as compared with last year, being an increase of two per cent, over the estimate of one month ago, and 22 per cent, greater than the crop of 1875. The April . eport showed that 10 per cent, more corn was planted this year than last. It is, therefore, just to conclude that the quantity made is 34 per cent, greater than last year. As was remarked last month, the cost per bushel has been 43 cents, compared with 58 cents for last year.
COTTON. The reports indicate a yield of 97, as compared with last year--an increase of 7 per cent, over last month's report. The cpst of production has been 9.8 cents, against 11 cents last year. This difference is attribu

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

99-

table to a general reduction in wages of labor, together with greater economy in the consumption of supplies. Much less com and bacon have been purchased. This is a very considerable reduction in she cost of production, and with the abundant supply of corn on hand, and the increase in the amount of home-raised pork to be killed this winter, and,, with average seasons, we may expect the cost to be reduced next year to 8 cents.
Fifty-six per cent, of the crop was sold by the 1st of November.

Sugar cane has improved 9 per cent, since last report--195 against 98.. Sorghum syrup is a product of growing importance. Farmers are wisely recovering from the prejudices conceived against it during the war, and are gradually restoring the culture of the improved varieties. It is found to be a profitable crop, even in the upper edge of the sugar cane area. Field peas are reported 34 per cent, higher than last month. Ground peas, 2 per cent, better. Chufas, or earth almonds, as a crop for fattening hogs in the field, is receiving more attention than ever before. Those who have tried them are unanimous in the opinion that for the purpose named they have no superior. They are easily raised, very prolific, very fattening, and are not ditficuit to eradicate from the soil. From actual reports made to this Department it appears that forty to fifty bushels may be easily pro duced on one acre of very ordinary land, at a C' >st not exceeding 15 cents per bushel, if left for stock to gather. If dug for seed, they will cost 75 cents to #1 per bushel. Names of parties having seed for sale are on record in this Department, and will be furnished on application. Turnips, owing to the very dry Fall, have been a comparative failure, the crop being reported at only 50.
SMALL GRAIN.
Wheat--There is a reported increase in the probable acreage that will be sown of 8 per cent. Very little of that sown is up. The Commis sioner is making earnest efforts to discover a more reliable variety, and has distributed this season, to all parts of the State, several bushels, in quart and gallon packages, of a variety called the "Dallas," grown in this State, and represented to be very hardy and comparatively rust proof. No reasonable effort will be spared to procure and distribute samples of varieties of foreign wheats, which promise to supply the great desideratum--a rust-proof wheat.
OATS.
The present and prospective acreage is 11 per cent, greater than last year. There is a growing conviction that in the near future the oat is to become the great provender crop of the South.
Farmers are again urged to sow with unsparing hand. They may Lesown until the first of December.

100

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

MISCELLANEOUS. The cotton crop, except in a very few localities, has been nearly all housed, and in fine condition.

FINANCIAL CONDITION.
Of 159 correspondents who answer the questions propounded, 129 say that farmers are in a better condition than last year; thirty say no better.

SUPPLY OF GRAIN.

One hundred and thirty-one correspondents say that a full supply has

been harvested; 43 of this number report an average surplus of 22 per

cent.

Twenty-nine claim that there is a deficiency amounting to an average

of 18 per cent,

MARKET PRICE OF CORN

Is reported as averaging 62 cents per bushel, which leaves a margin for profit of 19 cents per bushel on cost of production.

DEPREDATIONS ON FIELD CROPS.

A very large majority report less than last year, and that the amount of loss from this source is exceptionally small. This is gratifying, and is evidence of the presence of unusual plenty, if not of improved moral

perceptions.

SEASONS DURING OCTOBER

Have been remarkably fine for gathering all crops, but rather unfa vorable for sowing grain.
KILLING FROST. No general killing frost had occurred up to the 1st November.

A RETROSPECTIVE VIEW.
And now that the harvest is about ended, and the year is drawing to a close, it is well that we calmly review the year's operations.
Let each farmer closely examine and criticise his plans and policy of the year--in the light of the results attained--and while memory is clear, let him begin to mark out a wise course for next year. Let him settle up his debts in full, if possible, wind up the year's work, and begin on the new year before Christmas.
Lei him map out his year's programme, mark the dangerous places, avoid them, hew oat new and shorter roads, steer wide of the pit-fall of debt, correct his blind wanderings of the past.
In this connection the Commissioner advises farmers to adopt some simple system of keeping accounts with the farm. How can a just and true balance be struck if there be kept no accounts of the incomes and outgoes of the farm ?
How would a merchant, doing a large business, selling on credit, come out at the end of the year if he kept no books? How could he

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

101

succeed without an invoice showing the cost price of his wares ? The farmer supplies his fields of com, cotton, oats, and wheat with horse power, manual labor, fertilizers, seeds, use of wagons and implements, machinery, interest on investments, wear and tear, and last, though not least, with brain labor. He should price all these supplies at cost and charge them up regularly against each field. When the harvest opens give credit for every item of produce at the market price, and then strike a balance sheet--see which side the balance is on. In this way alone may the farmer know what he is doing--whether he is making cotton at a cost of 15 cents and selling it at 9, or corn at 75 when his little oat crop cost only 25--in a word, he mae know' whether he is making or breaking--and if making, he will know on what crop--by what plan.
He will know where to cut down expenses, where to invest more labor, which crop to increase, which to diminish or leave off. He will perhaps see that it will not do to buy bacon at 17 cents, when it can be produced at a cost of 10 to 12.

IN CONCLUSION.

Notwithstanding the low price at which the cotton crop is selling, farmers are paying up more promptly than for several years past; there is a cheerful spirit prevailing, less disposition to leave the farm, less of the feverish desire to "go West," and an evident inclination on the part of men now engaged in other business to embark in farming. As a business, it has reached the ebb, confidence is being restored, and there are indications of a returning tide of prosperity and progress.
WEATHER REPORT.

Maj. S. B. Wight, of IVest End, near Atlanta, reports rainfall for October: On the 19th, .78; 20th, .69; 23d, .34. Total, 1.81 inches,

lie also reports the rainfall for October during the years 1872-'73-'74 -'75-'76, giving the number of days on which rain fell in each week :

1872.

1873.

1874.

1875.

1876.

1 .t. ivoolr

1 day, .40

9e1 wppk ........

1 dav. .74 1 da^ .34

Sri wpplr ........

1 day, .03 1 day, .02

2 days, 1.47

4th week........ 1 day, .08 1 day, 1.20il day, .04 3 days, .63 1 day, .34

Totals.......... 4 days, .74 2 days,1.23 3 days, .80 5 days,1.50 3 days,1.81
Major Wight also reports the following Mean Temperature for each week in October for the years 1873-4^5-6, giving the means of the ob servations at 7 A. M. and 12 M. for each dgy :

1872.

1873.

1874.

1875.

1876.

7a.m. 12 M. 7a.m. 12 M. 7a.m. 12 M. 7a.m. 12 M. 7a.m. 12 M

1st week.... 60 72 57 70 60 74 55 72 51 65 2d week.... 48 66 50 63 48 65 54 72 52 66 Sd week.... 56 70 45 61 56 70 51 62 49 64 4th week.... 50 63 55 70 57 70 48 48 54 68
A7

102

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

OlBOULAK No. 3i.
An Extract from the Supplemental Report of Comparative Area and Yield of Crops, Prices and Profits of Labor, Prices of Products, etc., returned to the State Department of Agriculture, at Atlanta, Oa., December 1, 1876.
Depaktmkjtt of Agmcultcbb,
Atlanta, December 22, 1876.
EXPLANATORY REMARKS.
In order to establish a fixed standard of comparison for future reports of the yield of crops, this Supplemental Report is issued.
The comparison is made with the average of the last five years, such average being fixed at 100, and the comparisons made with it as the standard.
Every crop, except cotton and ground peas, shows an increase in area over the average for five years, as follows:
GENERAL STATE AVERAGES.
1. Area compared with an average of five years past--100 standard : Corn, 114; cotton, 91; sugar cane, 111; rice, 105; wheat (sown in 1875), 114; oats (sown for crop of 1876), 121; sweet potatoes, 106 ; sorghum, 183; ground peas, 87; chufas, 135.
2. Yield of the same crops compared with the average for the last five years: Corn, 110 ; cotton, 93; sugar cane, 92; rice, 92; wheat, 79 ; oats, 113 ; field peas, 82 ; sweet potatoes, 78; sorghum, 112; ground peas, 90; chufas, 100.
The following general questions on farm policy, practice and results, elicited much information and food for thought:
3. What has been the average wages paid this year for full hands (men) per month, with rations? Answer--$8.90.
4. What has been the average wages paid this year for full hands (men) by the day, with rations? Answer--46 cents.
5. What is usually considered the cost of a day's rations ? Answer-- 18 cents.
6. What is the usual rent, in lint cotton, demanded for one-horse farms, owner furnishing only land ? Answer--Average, 782 pounds.
7. What part of the crop is usually given to sharers by owners who furnish land, tools, stock and stock feed ? Answer--60 per cent, report one-half; 21 per cent, report one-third ; and 19 per cent, report one. half the cotton and one-third of the corn.
8. What has been the average number of bales (500 pounds) made per mule (with plenty of com) by those who farm on the wages plan ? Answer--4.6 bales, or 2,300 pounds lint.
9. What has been the average number of bales made per mule (with
plenty of corn) by those who farmed on shares ? Answer--3.7 bales, tr
1,850 pounds lint..

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

108

10. What has been the average net profit on each hand (in dollars), including all crops and improvements, on the wages plan, as in question No. 8? Answer--$55.
11. What has been the average net profit (in dollars) made on each one-horse farm (2 hands), when rented for so much cotton, as in ques tion No. 6 ? Answer--$67.
12. What has been the average net profit made `on each one-horse farm, where farmed on shares, as in question No. 7 ? Answer--$66.
13. What system of labor is most profitable, taking into consideration the improvement of land and permanent fixtures ? Answer--88 per cent, report wages; 4^ per cent, report renting, and per cent, report the share system.
14. What has been the average price paid the past fall for picking cotton per 100 pounds, with rations ? Ans.--38 cents.
15. What has been the average toll paid for ginning cotton ? Ans.1-16.
16. What has been the average yield of seed cotton per acre, in pounds, this year? Ans.--487 pounds.
17. What is considered an average yield ? Ans.--572 pounds. 18. What is the cash price of corn now per bushel ? Ans.--55 cents. 19. What is the cash price of syrup per gallon ? Ans.--Average 55 cents. 20. What is the cash price of sweet potatoes per bushel? Ans.-- Average 49) cents. 21. What is the cash price of cotton seed per standard bushel of 30 pounds? Ans.--Average 13 cents. 22. What is the amount of home raised pork killed, and to he killed, compared with last year ? Ans.--18 per cent, greater. 23. What is net pork worth per pound, cash ? Ans.--8 cents. 24. What is the cash value of a good cow and calf ? Ans.--$23. 25. What is the average cash value of a young broke mule ? .Ans.--
$97. 26. What is the average cash value per acre of farms in average con
dition ? Ans. --$5.42. 27. Is there a greater or less disposition to sell lands than last year ?
Ans.--75 per cent, report less. 28. Is there a greater or less disposition to buy lands than last year ?
Ans.--No change. 29. What is the efficiency of negro labor compared with an average of
five years ? Ans.--Six per cent, greater. 30. Is there a general disposition to more diversified farming ? Ans.--
93 per cent, report yes. 81. Is there a general disposition to give more attention to stock rais-
. ing ? Ans.--93 per cent, report yes. From question 3 we learn that the average wages paid full hands on
the farm is $8.90 per month, or $106.80 a year.

104

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

Prom No. 5 we learn that the average cost of a day's rations is 18^ cents, 'which amounts in a year to $66. He must also have house room and fuel, which latter must be hauled on a farm wagon, the laborer re ceiving his regular wages while cutting and hauling it. These items will add at least $20.00 more to the bill of costs, making the total costs of a full farm hand $192.80.
The farmer who pays at this rate for labor must give it very close supervision and cultivate fertile land if he expects to have a balance on the right side.
Prom question 7 wTe have the surprising statement that 60 per cent, of the correspondents report one-half the crop given for labor alone, the landlord furnishing the land, tools, stock, and feeding the stock. The owner of land must bo exceedingly anxious to secure labor to pay at this rate for it.
The proper and almost universally accepted division of the proceeds of land is one-third for the land, one-third for the labor, and one-third for the stock, feeding stock, tools and repairs of same, fertilizers, etc., usually called "expenses."
If 1,850 pounds of lint cotton is the average yield from a one-mule farm, the landlord, who receives only half the crop, will have but little margin for profit.
It is not surprising that 88 per cent, of the correspondents report the wages system most profitable, even at the very high rate of wages paid.
Partners are urged to make close calculations of expenses, and to keep accounts of all their transactions.
The greatest difficulty in the way of success in farming, next to the efficiency of labor, is the failure to keep accounts. Let each farmer take an inventory on the first day of January, of farm and all property on it, and cash on hand, and then let him keep a full debit and credit account with his farm throughout the year, charging it with every dollar paid out in its cultivation, and crediting it .with everything produced, increase of stock, etc., and repeat his inventory the following January, and he will he able to know exactly what he is doing.
If possible, he will find it to his advantage to keep an account with each crop, so that he may know which is profitable and which is not-- which to reduce or abandon and which to increase.
There are farmers' account books with pages ruled with proper head ings. Those who have but little experience in keeping books will do well to purchase these for their guidance. .
It is gratifying to know that so large a portion as ninety-three per cent of the correspondents report a general disposition on the part of farmers to still further diversify their crops and to give more attention to raising stock. This is sustained by the statement that eighteen per cent, more pork has been raised for the shambles this year than last.
There is cause for congratulation in the general determination on the

Report of Commissioner of Agriculture.

105

part of farmers of the State to abar.don the speculative system of form ing which has proved so disastrous to the productive resources of the State within the last ten years, and to conduct their farming operations on a more business-like manner.
Everything considered, agriculture is on a more substantial basis in Georgia than at any time since the late war.
The fanners of the State will find it necessary to purchase but little on a credit next year, and they are urged to continue the same wise policy in the future that has guided them this year
With economy and prudence in the purchase of commercial fertilizers, care in husbanding home manurial resources, and a proper combination of the two, followed by a judicious application of them to the soil-- with a continuance of the wise policy of diversified farming, already so auspiciously organized--resulting in full barns, and a proper attention to raising stock, we may expect at no distant day to see Georgia the most prosperous Agricultural State in the Union.