Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture of the State of Georgia, embracing the years 1885 and 1886

REPORT
77394162
OF THUS
STATE OF GEORGIA,
EMBRACING THE YEARS 1885 & 188(1.
J. T. HENDERSON, COMMISSIONER.
ATI.AXTA, 0K0RG1A : Constitution Publishing Comuany,
FOIl STATU PRINTKRS. 188(1.

77690163

REPORT
OF THE

OF THE
STATE OF GEORGIA,
^EMBRACING THE YEARS 1885 & 1886.

J. T. HENDERSON, COMMISSIONER.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA : Constitution Publishing Company,
FOR STATE PRINTERS. 1886.

ANNUAL REPORT.

To His Excellency, Henry I). McDaniel, Governor :

Dear Sir--I have the honor to submit the following report of the work of the Department of Agriculture for thebi-ennial period end ing September 30, 1886.

OFFICERS AKD EMPLOYES.
Since my last report but few changes have been made in the work ing force of the Department, chiefly to conserve convenience and increased efficiency. On July 7, 1885, Mr. Kor Boyce, Inspector of Fertilizers at Augusta, resigned his position, and his place was sup plied by the appointment of General M. A. Stovall.
Col. Thomas C. Howard, Commissioner's Clerk, resigned his office November 30, 1885, and was succeeded by Captain John W. Murphey, December 1, 1885.
August 31, 1886, Mr. Walter S. DeWolf, Inspectorof Fertilizers at Columbus, and Capt. J. W. Murphoy, Commissioner's Clerk, resigned their respective positions, and each was immediately appointed to the office just vacated by the other--changing places.
The present organization of the Department, and of the Inspec tors of Fertilizers, is as follows :

J. T. Henderson .
K. J. Redding . . W. S. DeWolp . . A. R. McCutchen W. B. Henderson H. C. White . . .
O. T. Rogers . . . M. A. Stovall . .
John H. Pate . .
J. S. Lawton . . .
L. W. Livingston J. W. Murphey Dr. H. H. Cary .

Commissioner. Assistant Commissioner. Commissioner's Clerk. Editing Clerk and Geologist. Fertilizer Clerk. Chemist of Department. Inspector at Savannah. Inspector at Augusta. Inspector at Brunswick. Inspector at Athens. Inspector at Rome. . Inspector at Columbus. . Superintendent of Fisheries. 343

4

DEPARTMENT OE AGRICULTURE--GEORGIA.

INSPECTION AND ANALYSIS OP FERTILIZEPS.
There has been no material change in the course of the fertilizer trade, or in the system of inspecting and analyzing the same. With the experience of seven year's administration of the law, and my observation of the results of its operation, I am more than ever con vinced that some such supervision or control over the fertilizer trade is absolutely indispensable. The enactment ot the original Inspec tion Law of 1868 was very opportune; but the provisions of that law were very inadequate to prevent frauds and afford protection to con sumers of fertilizers. The act establishing this Department (1874) gave to the Commissioner " especial charge of the analysis of fertil izers and the same Legislature made some additional provisions in relation to inspection and analysis. An experience of two years in the administration of the laws as they then stood on the statute book satisfied the then Commissioner of the utter insufficiency of the system, and at his instance the Act of 1877 was passed. This Act was intended to cover the entire ground and to practically supercede or repeal existing legislation on the subject; and, notwithstanding repeated efforts, on the one hand to amend the law, with a view to correcting manifest defects, and on the other hand to abolish the entire system, no important change has been affected by legislative action.
In this connection I beg to refer your Excellency to the views at large on this subject, presented in my report for the years 1883-84, and to re-produce the following extract from the same report:
" Of the features of the present law, I desire to call attention to one only: Section 1553 (6) of the Code of Georgia, provides that, ` It shall be the duty of the Commissioner of Agriculture to forbid the sale of any acid phosphate or dis solved bone, which is shown by official analysis to contain less than ten per centum of available phosphoric acid; and also, to forbid the sale of any ammoniated superphosphate which is shown by official analysis to contain less than eight per centum of available phosphoric acid, and two per centum of ammonia. * * * '
"In enacting this provision, it was probably the intention of the General As sembly simply to prevent the introduction or sale of low grade fertilizers, and not to prescribe the relative proportions of the several elements that usually enter into the composition of commercial superphosphate, or ammoniated superphosphate or dissolved bone. At the time of the adoption of this provision, the standard so erected was considered a high one, and the general effect of the law was to raise all fertilizers to which it was applicable, up to this standard, and there maintain them.
344

COMMISSIONER'S REPORT 1885-86.

5

But with the improved methods and machinery now brought to bear in the man ufacture of fertilizers, a grade of eight per centum of available phosphoric acid and two per centum of ammonia is by no means difficult of attainment. Espe cially is this the case when no other element of value enters into the composition of a fertilizer but ammonia and phosphoric acid. Therefore, the original purpose of the law is no longer subserved, since it is an easy matter to manufacture a much higher grade of simple superphosphate, or an ammoniated superphosphate-- neither of them containing potash or other recognized element of agricultural value. But the effect of the law has been different, in another respect, from what was intended. In the range of formulation to suit the demands of different soils and different cereals, the manufacturer is restricted and embarrassed by the neces sity of so proportioning the ingredient as to always meet the legal requirement. This is not at all times easy of accomplishment. A truck farmer on the coast wants a fertilizer for his early spring vegetables that shall contain six per cent, of ammonia, the same of potash, and, say four per cent, of phosphoric acid. Under the present law (the section quoted) such a formula, notwithstanding the fact that the result would be a very high grade fertilizer, would not pass inspection. It would not contain the requisite eight per centum of available phosphoric acid. To bring it within the requirements of the law, the manufacturer must, in some way, increase the per centage of available phosphoric acid. To do this--while still maintaining the relative proportion of the three ingredients--he must use more expensive materials, and therefore the cost to the consumer will be corres pondingly increased. His formula must be so elevated in standard that it will give eight per centum of available phosphoric acid, twelve per centum of ammo nia, and twelve per centum of potash. As a business proposition this is impracti cable, though easily accomplished in the laboratory by using comparatively pure and costly chemicals. I have stated an extreme case the better to illustrate the embarrassment under which the manufacturer often labors in endeavoring to meet the demands of his customers. The committee bill, to which reference has been made, met this difficulty fully, by allowing a latitude in formulating fertil izers restricted only by the requirement that all such fertilizers shall contain, of valuable ingredients (phosphoric acid, ammonia and potash), not less--in the aggre gate--than the equivalent of twelve per centum of available phosphoric acid. My decided conviction is, that an amendment to the present law, involving sub stantially this provision, should be adopted, and I respectfully recommend the same.
There are other features of the committee bill which commend it to my judg ment, but the foregoing is of the most practical importance, involving as it does, an important principle."
I respectfully renew the recommendations contained in the above extract, as worthy the attention of the General Assembly.
In order to present at a glance the importance of the general sub ject of the fertilizer trade the following statistical information has
345

6

DEPARTMENT OE AGRICULTURE--GEORGIA.

been compiled from circulars from this office, embracing the seasons of 1884-5 and 1885-6
STATISTICS OE FERTILIZERS.
TABLE, SHOWING THE NUMBER OF TONS OF COMMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS INSPECTED DURING THE SEASONS OF 1884-5 AND 1885-6.

INSPECTORS.

Season of Season of 1884-5. 1885-6. Tons, Tons.

0. T. Rogers, Inspector at Savannah................................. ..................... 57,935 53,023-

Ker Boyce, Inspector at Augusta............................................................. 48,332

fM. A. Stovall, Inspector at Augusta....................................................

35,323

J. S. Lawton, Inspector at Atlanta........................................................ 27,021 27,929'

W. S. DeWolf, Inspector at Columbus*................................................ J. H. Pate, Inspector at Brunswick^.................................................... L. W. Livingston, Inspector at Macon................................................

6,790 6,603 19,942 25,99810,123

""

" at Rome....................................................

11,626

Totals............................................................................................................. 170,153 160,702
*Inspector DeWolf was engaged during most of each season in making "special' inspections, etc., which accounts for the comparatively small number of original inspections credited to him.
tThe inspections at Augusta includes, also, large amounts inspected at Charles ton, S. C.
J The work of the Brunswick Inspector, during both seasons, was chiefly done at Savannah, Ga., and of the Macon Inspector for 1884-5 and the Rome Inspector for 1885-6, was done at Atlanta, or in territory tributary thereto.

846

COMMISSIONER'S REPORT 1886-86.

7

1TUMBEB OF INSPECTIONS MADE DURING EACH OP THE SEASONS 1884-5 AND 1885-6, AND THE AVERAGE AMOUNT OP EACH.

Season of 1884-5.

Season of 1885-6.

INSPECTORS.

No. of

Average

No. of

Average

Inspections. amMofeach. Inspections. am'tof each.

Tons.

Tons.

A. T. Rogers.......................................

389

149

355

149

Ker Boyce...........................................

241

200

M. A. Stovall.......................................

204

174

J. S. Lawton.........................................

296

91

242

115

W. S. DeWolf......................................

68

117

53

124

J. H. Pate.................................................

206

97

234

111

L. W. Livingston................................

158

64

195

59

Totals and averages ....

1,348

126

1.283

125

COMPARATIVE TRADE IN FERTILIZERS.
The following table shows the number of tons inspected for each of the last twelve seasons:
There were inspected during the season of 1874-5 ................................... 48,648 tons There were inspected during the season of 1875-6 .................................. 55,816 tons There were inspected during the season of 1876-7 ................................... 75,824 tons There were inspected during the season of 1877-8 ................................... 93,178 tons There were inspected during the season of 1878-9 ................................... 85,049 tons There were inspected during the season of 1879-80 ............................... 119,583 tons There were inspected during the season of 1880-1 ................................... 152,404 tons There were inspected during the season of 1881-2 ................................... 125,427 tons There were inspected during the season of 1882-3 ................................... 125,377 tons There were inspected during the season of 1883-4 ................................... 151,849 tons There were inspected during the season of 1884-5 ................................... 170,153 tons There were inspected during the season of 1885-6 .......................... .... . 160,705 tons

Total for twelve years...................................................................... 1,363,513 tons Average per season......................................................................................... 113,626 tons Average annual per cent, increase.............................................................
The number of tons ot Acid Phosphates or Dissolved Bones in spected in Georgia during the past twelve seasons are as follows:
347

8

DEPARTMENT OE AGRICULTURE--GEORGIA.

Eor the season of 1875-6 .......................................................................................... 6,499tons For the season of 1876-7 ......................................................................................... 12.842tons For the season of 1877-8 For the season of 1878-9 ...................................................................................... 10,291tons For the season of 1879-80 ..................................................................................... 13,906tons For the season of 1880-1 ....................................................................................... 22.036tons For the season of 1881-2 ........................................................................................ 20,602tons For the season of 1882-3 ...................................................................................... 31,017tons For the season of 1883-4 For the season of 1884-5 ...................................................................................' . 35,012 tons For the season of 1885-6 ................................................................................... 37,451 tons

Of the whole quantity inspected, the percentage of Acid Phosphates

for each season is as follows:

For 1875-6 ........................................................................................................ For 1876-7 ........................................................................................................ For 1877-8 ........................................................................................................ For 1878-9 ......................................................................................................... For 1879-80 ........................................................................................................ For 1880-1 ........................................................................................................ For 1881-2 ................................................................. ....................................... For 1882-3 ........................................................................................................ For 1883-4 ........................................................................................................ For 1884-5 .............................................................................. . . . For 1885-6 ................. .......................................................................................

11.60 per cent 12.82 per cent 19.62 per cent 12.22 per cent 11-63 per cent 15.11 per cent 16.42 per cent 24.73 per cent 25.78 per cent 20.55 per cent 23.34 per cent

15,83 39,1

348

COMMISSIONER'S REPORT 1885-86.

9

ANALYSES--GENERAL AVERAGES OF ALL FERTILIZERS.
The following averages for the past twelve seasons will be found Interesting, viz :

Available Phosphoric Ammonia.
Acid.

Potash.

Eor the season of 1874-5 ..........................

9.23

2.55

5.17

For the season of 1875-6 ..........................

10.94

2.53

2.49

Eor the season of 1876-7 ..........................

10.87

2.52

2.75

Eor the season of 1877-8 ..........................

11.43

2.79

2.23

Eor the season of 1878-9 ..........................

11.95

2.70

1.66

For the season of 1879-80 .......................

10.24

2.58

1.33

For the season of 1880-1 ..........................

10.96

2.53

1.41

Eor the season of 1881-2 ..........................

10.88

2.48

1.47

Eor the season of 1882-3 ..........................

11.03

2.53

1.50

Eor the season of 1883-4 ..........................

10.82

2.47

1.55

Eor the season of 1884-5 ..........................

11.13

2.24

1.44

For the season of 1885-6 ..........................

11.01

2.43

1.65

These are the general averages of all fertilizers, including Acid Phosphates for the seasons named. It is proper to remark that the averages of Ammonia and Potash are of those brands only which are shown by analysis to contain these elements, and not of the whole number of brands analyzed.

10

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE--GEORGIA.

AVERAGES OF AMMONIATED FERTILIZERS.

Available Phosphoric Ammonia.
Acid.

Potash.

For the season of 1874--5.......................... For the season of 1875 6 .......................... For the season of 1876 7 .......................... For the season of 1877-8 .......................... For the season of 1878-9 .......................... For the season of 1879 80 .......................... For the season of 1880 1 .......................... For the season of 1881-2.......................... For the season of 1882-3 .......................... For the season of 1883-4 .......................... For the season of 1884-5 .......................... For the season of 1885 6 ..........................

8.73 10.36 10.51 10.83 11.52
9.53 10.30 10.20 10.22
9.78 10.36 10.15

2.84 2.98 2.73 2.79 2.70 2.69 2.53 2.48 2.53 2.47 2.29 2.43

5.31 2.79 2.43 2.25 1.64 1.35 1.45 1.58 1.48 1.57 1.51 1.64

350

COMMISSIONER'S REPORT 1885-86. AVKRAOK OF NON-AMMONIATED FERTILIZERS.

Available 1`hosphoric
Acid.

For the season of 1874-5 ............................................ .... . For the season of 1875-6 .................................................... For the season of 1876-7 .................................................... For the season of 1877-8 .................................................... For the season of 1878-9 ................................................ For the season of 1879-80 .................................................... For the season of 1880-1 .......................... .... . ... For the season of 1881-2.................................................... For the season of 1882-3 .................................................... For the season of 1883-4 .................................................... For the season of 1884-5 .......................... ......................... For the season of 1885-6 ....................................................

11.05 11.99 11.68 13.10 13.20 12.44 12.60 12.48 12.55 12.59 12.87 12.62

11
Potash.
3.85 4.64 4.54 2.16 1.63 1.28 1.30 1.05 1.56 1.48 1.30 1.68

The number of brands inspected, analyzed and placed upon the market for each season since the organization of the Department is as follows:

For the season of 1874-5 ...................................................................................... 110 brands.

For the season of 1875-6 ....................................................................................... 101 brands

For the season of 1.876-7 ...................................................................................... 125 brands

For the season of 1877-8 ..........................................

127 brands

For the season of 1878-9 ....................................................................................... 162 brands

For the season of 1879-80 ...................................................................................... 182 brands

For the season of 1880-1 ....................................................................................... 226 brands

For the season of 1881-2 ....................................................................................... 270 brands

For the season of 1882-S....................................................................................... 354 brands

For the season of 1883-4 ....................................................................................... 836 brands

For the season of 1884-5 ...................................................................................... 369 brands

For the season of 1885-6 ....................................................................................... 345 brands

These are exclusive of chemicals and other preparations for making or composting manures at home.
351

12

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE--GEORGIA.

The number of brands of Ammoniated and Non-ammoniated Fer tilizers for each season is as follows:
COMPARATIVE RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES FOR NINE SEASONS.

Total Amount In spected.--Tons.
Total Fees Collected, a t 50 cents per Ton.
Amount paid into Treasury.
SOE -
Inspectors. S Net Amount of Fees re maining in Treasury.

SEASONS.
1877-8. . . 1878-9. . . 1879-80 . . 1880-1. . . 1881-2. . . 1882-3. 1883-4. . . 1884-5. . . 1885-6. . .
Total . .

Expenses Deduct'd irom Fees Re ceived.

Salaries of Chem ist und In
spectors drawn

6a> a 5030

sbdys-j sC5l?.''os ^ -3 cc d.

H O*
o

$2 ^ x o iZ-~Zo-'tDa-

o

the Trc
,oc

93.478 $ 46,739 $ 1,608 $. . . $ 45,131 $ 3,000 $6,600 $ 35,531

85,049 42.524 2.053

40,472 3,000 6.204 31,268

119,583 59.791 2.582

57,210 2,900 4.871 49,438

152.464 75.986 3.289 436 65 72.260 3,000 5,200 64.060

125,426 62,713 2,882 434 50 59,397 3.000 6.146 50,251

125.377 62,688 2,843 459 41 60,627 3,000 6,816 50,811

151,850 75,915 3,781 600 14 71,534 3,000 6.400 62,134

170,154 65,072 4,110 778 10 80,184 3,000 7,000 70,184

160,705 80,352 3,910 881 60 75,560 3,000 7,200 65,361

1,184,086 $591,780 *27,058 3.590 40 $ 562.375 $26,900 56,437 $479,038

STATE CHEMIST'S REPORTS.
I also incorporate as part of this report the final reports of the State Chemist for each of the seasons of 1884--5 and 1885-6, as follows:--

REPORT OP THE CHEMIST FOR THE SEASON OF 1884-5.
Athens, Ga., June 10th, 1885. Mon. J. T. Henderson, Commissioner of Agriculture, Atlanta, Ga.:
Sir:--I lave the honor to submit annual statement of chemical work done for the Department since date of my last report.
During the season of 1884-5, there have been analyzed 405 official samples of commercial fertilizers, of which 251 were from regular inspections and 154 from special inspections. The samples were as follows:

Acid Phosphates................................... Acid Phosphates with Potash.............. Ammoniated Phosphates...................... Ammoniated Phosphates with Potash Chemicals, etc..........................................

. 57 . 48 . 14 . 255 . 30

405 The number of revisions made was 47.
352

COMMISSIONER'S REPORT 1885-86.

13

I find the goods analyzed to maintain, approximately, the standards of previous years.
In addition to commercial fertilizers, the following have been analyzed under your direction :

Mineral and Artesian Waters........................................................................................... 11 Marls and Minerals................................................................................................................. 5

Under date of January 24th, a detailed report was made to you of the experi ments and operations at the University Farm. A series of experiments has been instituted for the present season, to which you have kindly contributed valuable advice and aid.
I sincerely trust that the General Assembly, at its next session, may see proper to establish an Agricultural Experiment Station for the State, upon a satisfactory and libera] basis.
With sincere thanks to yourself and the gentlemen of your office for many courtesies, I have the honor to be, very respectfully yours,
H. C. WHITE, Stale Chemist.
REPORT OF THE CHEMIST FOR THE SEASON OF 1885-6.
Athens, Ga., June 24, 1886. Hon. J. T. Henderson, Commissioner of Agriculture, Ga.:
Dear Sir:--I have the honor to present the usual Annual Report of the official work of this Laboratory.
During the season beginning September 1st last, there have been examined to date 479 samples of commercial fertilizers. Of these 313 samples were from regu lar inspections, 147* were from special inspections, and 19 were duplicate samples of others previously furnished.
The samples were classified as follows:

Acid Phosphates.............................................................................................................

94

Acid Phosphates with Potash............................................................................................... 47

Ammoniated Phosphates.......................................

7

Ammoniated Phosphates and Potash................................................................................ 294

Chemicals, Bone, Natural Guanoes, etc.................................................................................37

479 The number of revisions made, at your instance, is 67. The fertilizer work has been so engrossing that very few other analyses have been made. These are--

Minerals........................................................................................................ .............................. 2 Mineral Waters (partial and complete)..............................................................................6
A report of the field experiments upon the University Farm has been made to you and published.
-Note.--Of this number, 45 samples were sent by farmers to the Commissioner.--[Com'e.] 353

14

DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE--GEORGIA.

Thanking you and the gentlemen of your office for many courtesies during the

season--the most arduous since the establishment of the Department--I have the

honor to be, respectfully yours,

H. C. WHITE,

State Chemist.

DISTRIBUTION OF SEEDS.
As the distribution of choice seeds to farmers goes on from year to year evidence of the importance of this feature of Department work accumulates. Since I organized, six years ago, on a more extended scale, the gratuitous dissemination of seeds, the apprecia tion by farmers of the importance of using the best varieties of field and garden plants has steadily grown, until many farmers, who before scarcely gave a thought to the subject, are now devoting moi'e or less time and skill to personal observation and comparison of the merits of different varieties of corn, cotton, potatoes, pears, etc., and to the selection of new and improved kinds, and the development of desirable peculiarities. Such efforts will prove no mean factor in the advance of our agriculture towards full prosperity.
In order to encourage the farmers of the State to diversify their crops, and especially to add to the number of " money crops," I have distributed nearly forty pounds seed of the most approved varieties of tobacco. There is good reason to believe that the soils of a very large area of the State are well adapted to the growth of the very finest grades of tobacco. The heavy shipping grades, which are not so choice as to soil and locality, may also be grown to perfection on soils not suited to the finer kinds. As a result of this distribution of seeds and also a "Manual of Tobacco Culture for the Use of Beginners," which I have issued from my office, a considerable num ber of farmers have planted small areas in tobacco. So far as reports have come to hand the experiments in this new culture have been satisfactory in every respect.
It is a matter of regret that the funds appropriated to this Depart ment will not justify a more liberal purchase and dissemination of choice seeds.
I take pleasure in again acknowledging my indebtedness to Sena tors Joseph E. Brown and Alfred H. Colquitt, who have favored this department with government seeds for distribution to the farmers of the State.
354

COMMISSION EE'S KEPOET 1885-86.

15

The following is an approximate exhibit of the aggregate amounts and number of packages of seeds distributed by me during the last two years :--

LIST OP SEEDS DISTEIBUTED.

PALL OP 1884.

Quantity of each Kind.

No. of Packages.

100 bushels Stephens Wheat.............................................................................. 200

spring of 1885.

4 bushels English Peas...................................................................................

3,840

205 bushels Excelsior Cotton Seed................................................................. 7,560

1 bushel Duncan's M. Prolille....................................................

. . 32-- 7,592

15 bushels Mills Maize...................................................................................

14,400

53 bushels S. Prolific Corn..........................................................................

1,700

pall op 1885.

8 lbs. Turnip Seed............................................................................................

128

16 lbs. Mustard Seed.......................................................................................

256

spring op 1886.
37 lbs. Tobacco Seed....................................................................................... 110 bushels Peterkin Cotton Seed................................................................. 107 lbs. Kolb Gem Melon Seed.................................. 100 bushels Spanish Pea-nuts..........................................................................

592 3,200 1,712 3,200

356

16

DEPARTMENT OE AGRICULTURE--GEORGIA.

PUBLICATIONS.
Since October, 1884, the following list of circulars and other pub lications have been prepared and published :

No. of Circular.

SUBJECT.

Pages.

Copies Published.

59 Rules and Regulations for Inspection of Eertilizers--

Season of 1884-5 .................................................................

8

2,000-

60 September Crop Report--1884...........................................

16 16.000

Annual Report--1883-84 ....................................................

56

6,000-

61 Supplemental Crop Report--1884 ...................................

34

8,000

62 Soil-Tests of Fertilizers--1884 ...........................................

39

6.500-

Commonwealth of Georgia--Part I..................................

105

4,500

Commonwealth of Georgia--Part 11.................................

63

2,500

63 Analyses of Commercial Fertilizers. ...............................

21

8,500

64 Analyses of Commercial Eertilizers..................................

9

8,500

65 Analyses of Commercial Fertilizers...............................

12

6,500

66 May Crop Report--1885........................................................

28 17,000

67 June Crop Report--1885. .....................................................

37 10,000

68 Analyses and Statistics of Fertilizers and Chemicals--

Season of 1884-5 .................................................................

24

8,000

69 July Crop Report--1885.......................................................

28 10.000

70 August Crop Report--1885 ................................................

22 10,000

71 September Crop Report--1885 ......................

...

25 10,000

72 Rules and Regulations for Inspection of Fertilizers .

8

2,000

Commonwealth of Georgia (Complete.)........................... 379

2,000

*73 October Crop Report--1885 ................................................

24 10,000

*73 Proceedings State Horticultural Society at Macon, Ga.,

1884, and Augusta, Ga., 1885..........................................

69

2,000

74 Supplemental Crop Report--1885 ...................................

52

8,000

75 A Manual of Tobacco Culture.......................................

16

2,000

76 Analyses of Commercial Fertilizers..................................

6

6,000

77 Analyses of Commercial Fertilizers..................................

7

6,000

78 Analyses of Commercial Fertilizers..................................

10

6,000

79 May Crop Report--1886........................................................

24 10,500

80 June Crop Report --1886........................................................

28 10,500

81 ' Analyses and Statistics of Fetilizers--Season of 1885-6. 24

8,500

82 July Crop Report--1886........................................................

27 10,500

83 August Crop Report--1886..................................................

24 10,500

84 September Crop Report--1886 ...........................................

32 J 3,500

85 Proceedings State Horticultural Society Macon,Ga., '86. 69

1,500

86 October Crop Report--1886 ................................................

13,500

32 * Error in numbering.

1,326 257,500

In addition to the above list of publications of a general character, quite a number of " special " circulars and blanks have been printed and distributed to crop reporters and others as a means of eliciting and collecting the information upon which the above publications were based.
356

COMMISSIONER'S REPORT 1885-86.

17

COMMONWEALTH OF GEORGIA.
On my first accession to. this office I was impressed with the importance of preparing and publishing a more complete and accu rate account of the history, natural resources, climate, civil institu tions, etc., of Georgia, than had ever been published. In my last report I referred to the Hand-Book of Georgia, published, in 1876, by my predecessor, in pursuance of the act establishing this Depart ment, as having then been exhausted, and to the fact that repeated requests were being received from abroad for copies of the book. During the spring and summer of i885, I collected the necessary data and prepared and caused to be printed the Commonwealth of Georgia, for the purpose indicated in my last report. This book comprises 379 pages and is much more complete and correspond ingly accurate than the old Hand-Book.
It is embellished with fifteen colored agricultural, geological and climatological maps, and numerous tables showing the distribution of population, wealth and employments of the people. Altogether^ the character of the work, and the extent of the information sup plied by its pages, has called forth many encomiums from the press; and citizens of the State. Upon the presentation of the finished book to the members of the General Assembly, I earnestly hoped that an appropriation would be made sufficient to print annually several thousand copies for gratuitous distribution in those States of the Union from which it is thought advisable--by the most enlightened citizens of the State--to encourage immigration into Georgia.
In this expectation, however, I was disappointed, the General Assembly declining to make any appropriation, or to authorize the distribution of the small edition printed, which numbered only 2,000 copies, except by the sale of the book, as the following resolution shows:
Resolved, by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring, That the Com missioner of Agriculture be, and is hereby, authorized to print such number of copies of the " Commonwealth of Georgia" as he may find necessary to supply the demand for the same, the books to be sold by him at such price as will cover the cost of publication and distribution, the proceeds of such sales to be accounted for as other moneys received by him, and devoted to the payment of the cost of issuing the present and future edition.
Provided, That the Commissioner may make free distribution of copies of said 357

18

DEPABTMENT OF AGRICULTUBE--GEORGIA.

book to crop correspondents and other agents of the Department, and to public officials of this and other States as he may deem proper.
Provided further, That the amount received from the sale of said book shall covei the entire cost of said publication and distribution, and no other appropri ation shall be made therefor.
Under this resolution the distribution of the book by sale has been very limited. If it be the policy of the State to encourage immigra tion from abroad, information of the resources, natural and otherwise, and the advantages offered to settlers must be supplied with liberal hand, and free to all who apply. The rapidly increasing wealth and population of the newer States of the West and Northwest is due not so much to any real advantages or attractions they possess as to the fact that their claims to consideration are most persistently and attractively pressed upon the attention of immigrants. Pamphlets and maps, descriptive and illustrative, and large and elegantly pre pared books, are furnished without price, and low rates of transpor tation guaranteed to all prospectors and settlers. It is for the people of the State, and especially the farmers and rural land owners, to determine whether it will be wise to encourage immigrants of the class who will aid in building up the waste places in the country, increase the demand for lands, and infuse new life and energy into the country people--the farmers--by the resulting increase in the market value of lands. I believe that the general sentiment of the landowners in the State is in favor of encouraging immigration.
One of the greatest needs of our State is more citizens--a larger population. One of the effects of emancipation was the virtual reduction of our active industrial population bjT probably one-fourth, or one-third, in the diminished efficiency of the colored laborers as compared with slaves. The need of the State is not more mere laborers, as such, but more proprietors and farmers. An increase of 20 per cent, in the market value of the improved farming lands of Georgia would be sufficient to pay the aggregate indebtedness of the farmers of the State.
Representing, as the Commissioner of Agriculture does, the farm ers of the State--the men who pay the taxes and bear the burdens of government--it is perhaps proper that I should urge upon the Executive of the State, and through him the General Assembly, the importance of the subject of immigration. The assembled wisdom of Georgia can certainly devise such a system as will result in a
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COMMISSIONER'S REPORT 1885-86.

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steady accession to our population of the best classes from the North und West of this Union, from Canada, and certain kindred countries of Europe, discouraging all demoralizing elements. I beg, therefore, to call your Excellency's attention to this subject, in the few sugges tions here presented, in the hope that you will submit the matter to the General Assembly.

EXPERIMENT STATION.
Attention has been several times called to the subject of establish ing a State Experiment Station for the benefit of agriculture.
In the most enlightened and progressive states of Europe, and of this country, the importance of such a means of investigating and experimenting in the interest of agriculture has become a settled conviction. The efforts of a few intelligent and public spirited men in the field of experimental and investigative farming in those states and countries, and the startling and valuable results obtained, first suggested the propriety and wisdom of governmental aid and super vision in the establishment and conduct of regular experiment sta tions. In the discharge of the duties of this office the necessity for such a station in this State is frequently made manifest. There are hundreds of questions of immense aggregate value to agriculture which have been the subject of discussion and disagreement for many years These questions, or at least many of them, and many new ones that are constantly arising, will never be conclusively determined except by investigations and experiments conducted under such precautions, and with such combination of scientific knowledge and practical skill as can only be secured by the estab lishment of permanently endowed State institutions for the purpose.
I have, more than once, in former reports, recurred to this subject. I am reminded to repeat my suggestions and recommendations by the annually expressed opinions and desire of the State Agricultural Society of Georgia. Representing the farmers of Georgia, generally farmers themselves, the members and delegates of this society may be fairly presumed to know the wishes, opinions and necessities of the farmers ofthe State. The opinions ofsuch men serve to strengthen my own independent convictions of the great need of such an insti tution for the especial benefit of our agriculture. I therefore respect-
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DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE--GEORGIA.

fully recommend such legislation as may be necessary to secure thedesired end--the establishment of a Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station.

FISHERIES.
The subject of artificial propagation of the migratory fish that naturally seek the waters of our State has never received the full meed of attention from our authorities which its importance and peculiar interest demands. Within the memory of many now living, the shad--par excellence the standard of comparison as a table fish-- was abundant in all of our streams which empty into the Atlantic ocean. They were taken in large numbers in Middle and Northeast Georgia, as far north as the spawners could pass unobstructed to their proper spawning beds. The diminution in the supply, within the last thirty or forty years, is due to several causes, chief among which is the increasing demands of our population, the facility with which the catch offish at our fisheries may be distributed to distant northern markets, and the consequent undue.encroachment upon the supply of spawners. Every device has been resorted to at our shad fisheries in the endeavor to capture every shad that enters the mouthsof our rivers. They have been virtually " killing the goose" that laid the eggs, as fully one-half of the fish taken are heavily laden females, or spawners.
In addition to this cause most of our rivers are so obstructed by dams that it is practically impossible for the shad to reach the upper tributaries. Hence, not only are the citizens in the hill and up coun try denied their natural right to this source of fish supply, but the barely ripe spawners are hemmed in, so to speak, below these obstruc tions, and, until quite recently, were preyed upon day and night and without intermission by the voracious fishermen.
That it is perfectly practicable to supplement the supply of shad which would result in the ordinary course of unassisted natural methods, has been thoroughly demonstrated in the Northeastern States, and, to some extent, in our State, and it is very desirable indeed that the system should be permanently inaugurated.
The peculiar argument in favor of re-stocking our rivers and keep ing them stocked with shad, is that this fish does not require to be
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COMMISSIONER'S REPORT 1885-86.

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fed, nor does it consume any naturally supplied food while within our territory. The shad attains its full growth while out in the great ocean, and only returns to us when it reaches a proper size and condition of fatness and flavor to serve as one of the choicest dishes at the table of the epicure and the poor alike. During all the period of growth this remarkable fish "finds itself." It is only nec essary that we take the eggs from them at the proper time, and hatch them by artificial methods--by which not less than one thousand per cent, more of them may be started on their voyage to the sea than if left to natural chances and perils.
Without discussing this or the general subject any farther, I beg to call your attention to the report of Dr. II. H. Cary, Superintendent of Fisheries, which is here made a part of my report, and especially to the important suggestions and recommendations which he sub mits. I trust that enough has been said, if anything was necessary, to enlist your interest in this subject, and that you will bring the important points looking to needed legislation and appropriation to the attention of the General Assembly.
The following is Superintendent Cary's report:
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF FISHERIES.
State of Georgia, Department of Agriculture. Office of Supt. of Fisheries,
LaGrange, Ga,, October 16, 1886.
Hon. J. T. Henderson, Commissioner of Agriculture :
I herewith submit my fourth biennial report, covering the time since my last report, dated October 16, 1884. The same regret is now, as then expressed, that the very limited appropriation at the disposal of the department has limited and embarrassed this important work. Still, it is believed that the best possible use of these limited means has steadily advanced the work of the fish commission, and that fish culture is now no longer regarded as an experiment, but as a safe means of increasing and cheapening the food supply. In my first report, of October 16, 1880, at some length, I took occasion to call to your attention this fact: that the geographical distribution of our rivers is admirably adapted to the propagation of anadromous (migratory) fishes, and particularly the shad, which is well-known to be peculiarly adapted to our waters. I beg leave here to reproduce a paragraph from said report:
"Beginning at the Savannah river, which, fortunately, is under the exclusive control of Georgia, extending westward across the State, we meet in turn, the Ogeechee, the Oconee and the Ocmulgee, the last two uniting and forming the Altamaha a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and all these emptying into the same; next the Flint and Chattahoochee uniting near the extreme limit of the State,
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DEPABTMENT OF AGRICULTURE-GEORa-TA.

and forming the Apalachicola, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The Chat~ tahooehee, from West Point down, as far as Alabama is concerned, forms the west ern boundary of Georgia, and, like the Savannah, is exclusively under the control of this State. Near West Point this river censes to he the boundary of this State, but having its headquarters in the extreme northeast part of the State, among the mountains of that region, where it can almost shake hands with the headwaters of the Savannah, it passes diagonally across the State nearly parallel with the Air Line and Altanta and West Point Railroads, being but a few miles from Gainesville and Newnan,and six or seven miles from Atlanta. The Etowah and Oostanaula with their confluence at the city of Rome, by their numerous ramifications, liberally supply Northwest Georgia. At Rome they form the Coosa, which empties into the Ala bama, which flows finally into the Gulf of Mexico. These rivers being so uni formly distributed over the State, and our system of railroads generally crossing them, would make the distribution of fish from the rivers very easy. To illustrate : a line drawn from Augusta by Macon to Columbus, would pass through sixteen counties, every one, with a single exception, touching a railroad."
The rivers here alluded to, as well as nearly every one in the State, have more or less obstructions to the passage of anadromous fishes to their spawning groundsThese obstructions consist, in the main, of dams constructed for milling or manu facturing purposes. Fortunately, science has pointed out a way to keep passages
open without injury to the property invested in such mills or manufactories. This is done by the construction of fish-ways, over or through such dams or obstructions. From very careful observation, extending nearly the entire length of the Atlantic coast, and, I may add, so much of our coast as rests on the Gulf of Mexico, I am satisfied that the shad is the only anadromous fish, with perhaps one or two excep tions, that would be profitable for us to attempt to propagate. Extensive attempts have been made in most of the Northern States, to cultivate the California salmon, but with exceedingly poor success. We have made one attempt at the propaga tion of these fish in the State ot Georgia. Through the aid of the U. 8. Fisli Com mission, and the kind co-operation of the Fish Commissioner of South Carolina,. I was enabled to plant 160,000 young California salmon in the headwaters of the Savannah river. The habits of this fish, so far as spawning is concerned, are sim ilar to those of the shad, with the exception that they cast their spawn in the fall instead of in the spring. But the temperature of the water of our rivers is so high,
that I am satisfied that they will never enter them to the extent of making them a success. Being released in 1882, they should return in 1886, the present fall Hence, with these facts in view, for the present I would recommend no further
experiments in this line. But to return to the shad. They return to their spawning grounds in three
years, entering the rivers when the temperature suits their habits. And such sur prising results have been obtained irom plants already made that all our effortsshould be made to the propagation of this excellent fish. On this subject I desire to reproduce a paragraph from my last report, since, having been collated and pre pared with care it well subserves my present purpose:
" While our appropriation has not permitted us to establish one or more hatch eries for the artificial hatching of the eggs of the shad, still by the aid tendered u* by the United States Fish Commission we have, by the planting of the fry, fur
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COMMISSIONER'S REPORT 1885-86.

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nished to the State, been able to replenish our rivers so that at several points milters and spawners can now be obtained for artificial propagation. Sincemy last report the methods of hatching shad eggs artificially have wonderfully improved, and it is now also proved that the eggs can be carried to or near the point where the planting is desired, and then hatched artificially. The invention of the McDonald Hatching Jar supplies a long-felt want. This consists of a glass iar with the capacity of about one gallon, and susceptible of hatching 110,000 eggs at each fill ing; and with water at the temperature of 80 will hatch in 58 hours. These jars act automatically. The water is introduced into the bottom of the jar through flexible tubes--the water being supplied from the reservoir, requiring only a few feet of pressure. The action of the water under pressure gives the eggs the requi site motion, and by an ingenious contrivance the dead eggs are automatically sep arated and pass off with the overflow. Under favorable circumstances over 95 per cent, of the eggs can be hatched. With these improved methods the expense of establishing hatcheries is greatly diminished, and in fact they can be located at places impossible under the old method. In 1880 1,000,000 shad fry were placed in the waters of Georgia, and in 1881, 1,800,000. This was the work of the United States Pish Commission. In three years after the planting they returned to find their spawning grounds of the planting of 1880; 400,000 were released in the Chat tahoochee at Iceville, near Atlanta. It was not expected that these fish could pass up further than Columbus until fishways were placed in the obstructions at that place. The fry constituting this plant were reported to me as being the Connecti cut river shad. It is well known that the Connecticut river shad will take the bait, and the sportsmen can find in the Northern markets tackle for shad fishing. The South-Atlantic shad do not take the bait. True to their instincts shad appeared in 1883 in the Chattahoochee river below Columbus, and were taken with the hook and bait. It is therefore reasonable to suppose that the fish thus taken were of the planting of Iceville in 1880. Of the 1,800,000 shad planted in 1881 1,000,000 were released in the Ocmulgee at Macon. The fish of course were due on their return in the spring of the present year. I have recently visited Macon and made careful investigation in regard to the expected return of these fish and I am proud to say that I have not been disappointed. Whiie there was no particular arrange ment for catching shad, and hence the catch was light, still they must have appeared in large numbers, as a sporting gentleman informed me full grown shad were taken in considerable numbers, the fishermen standing on the bank of the stream and capturing them with a dip-net. I mention these facts to show with what facility a barren river can be improved by liberal plantings of the shad fry. But in this connection I beg leave to emphasize one fact, that while we need an in creased appropriation to cany on this work, our protective laws need amending. In the main such laws are exceedingly good, but there is no direct provision for carrying them into effect."
I am exceedingly gratified to be able to report that the last legislature, on the
last day of the adjourned session, passed an act, and, as I understand, without a
dissenting vote, which completely covers this defect. This act was approved Oct.
16, 1885. Sections 1 and 2 are as follows :
Section I, That from and after the passage of this Act, the Commissioner of Agriculture he, and he is hereby authorized and empowered to appoint, in such counties in this State as he may deem it expedient, one or more fish wardens, whose duties it shall be to see to the enforcement of the Act "to encourage propa gation of fish in the waters of this State, and for the protection of the same," approved February 29, 1876, and who shall have the same power to make arrests of violations of the Act above recited as the sheriff of this State.
Sec. II. That the compensation of such fish wardens shall be one-half of thq
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DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE--GEORGIA.

fines and forfeitures imposed bv the court and paid for by the violators of said Act of February 29, 1876.
Immediately after the passage of this act a tour of inspection was made to most of the fisheries in the State, and it was found that very little if any attention was paid to the protective laws, at any point. The protective laws and this act were Lindly published by most of the daily newspapers in the State, and fish wardens were appointed at or near the most important fisheries. Great care was taken in the appointment of these wardens. Men in every instance were appointed, who it was believed, would carry out the provisions of the fish laws of the State In about a month after these appointments were made a second tour of inspection was made, and it was exceedingly gratifying to see that the laws had been well respected. The fishermen on receiving notification had promptly, in every instance, cut out their nets and quit fishing,
PISH-WAYS.
There is but one fish-way in operation in the State. There is no law on our statute books requiring any. The single .fish-way mentioned is the one in the dam at the head of the canal near Augusta. This fish-way is the result of a compro mise between the State of South Carolina and the city of Augusta. At my last visit to this fish-way, I found that it had not received proper care and atten tion. Debris brought down by the rains having filled the buckets so that it was not in a working condition. No fish of any description could pass it. The atten tion of the Mayor of the city of Augusta was called to this matter, who stated that the fish warden living near the canal dam would be instructed (he being in the employ of the city) to keep this fish-way in complete order. It is of very great importance to keep free passage open or through this dam, as a failure to do so may result in grave complications between the States, growing out of the treaty of Beaufort. It is earnestly recommended that the subject of fish-ways he brought to the attention of the next Legislature.
The inspection of the fisheries alluded to above have brought out some very important facts. Since the establishment of the Georgia Fish Commission the shad have very largely increased in rivers where they were formerly found, and they have appeared in nearly all if not every river where they were not found before. It is a well known fact that before the artificial hatching and propaga tion of shad fry no shad appeared in the rivers that emptied into the Gulf of Mexico. It now appears that they have appeared in nearly every river emptying into the Gulf, not only in this State hut adjoining ones. Grown shad have been taken both at Columbus and Albany. None have been taken, so far as it is known, in the Chattahoochee above Columbus, from the fact that they cannot pass the obstructions at that place. The expense of hatching shad has greatly dimin ished in the last few years. The cumbersome and expensive cone has been sup planted by the elegant glass hatching jar named after its inventor, the McDonald Jar, previously mentioned in this report. So that shad eggs may be hatched at about 7 cents per 1,000. We have thus far been indebted to the United States Fish Commission to what plantings of shad we have thus far made, 1,800,000
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COMMISSIONER'S REPORT 1885-86.

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Reing the largest plant ever made in one year. "We ought to plant 30,000,000 every year, thus in a few years, at a very moderate expense shad, instead of being a luxury, could be made a staple article of food ; and I am of the opinion that spawners for the above results could be obtained at the spawning season.
STURGEON.
While making my examination during the early part of the year on the coast region of our State. I found a fish that attracts very little attention in the upcountry, though it plays a very important part in the food supply among the laborers in that region. This is also a migratory fish, obviously passing into fresh water to spawn. Hence I instructed all the fish wardens to give this fish the benefit of protection of other migratory fish. Over-fishing and no closed time is steadily diminishing their number. The sturgeon constitutes a cheap food, sell ing ordinarily, from four to six cents per pound.
OYSTERS.
I am not aware that any attention has been paid to the cultivation of oysters in this State, but the possibilities of oyster culture along our coast are enormous. The numerous estuaries and protected channels would yield, if put under culture, immense revenues. The State should at once take some action on the matter. I suggest that a shell fish commission be established, which might be done by en larging the powers of the present fish commission or by the establishment of a separate commission having jurisdiction over the matter.
GERMAN CARP.
The interest in this valuable fish is constantly increasing. The number of ponds in this State is exceedingly large, and when proper attention is given fine success has resulted. This fish, whenever planted under favorable conditions, has met with fair success, but still the inquiries are numerous as to their edible qualities. I take the liberty of reproducing a paragraph from my last report:
EDIBLE QUALITIES OP CARP.
" To those having eaten carp, no proof is needed of its fair table qualities ; but so frequently inquiries are prpounded, asking what is the best pond fish, that it is deemed that a few paragraphs are appropriate. That the carp in the Southern States takes on the most rapid growth of any known pond fish is. conceded. As occasionally an adverse criticism appeared in the public prints, Prof. Baird took uncommon pains during last year to settle the question. Mr. Chas. W. Smiley, in charge of the Bulletin of the United States Fish Commissioner, was directed, to send out certain inquiries to those to whom carp had been sent out by the United States Fish Commissioner, of the hatchings of 1879 and 1880. The circular sent out contains fifteen questions, covering the whole field of carp culture. One of these questions was, ` Have you eaten carp ? How were they cooked? and what was the opinion of their edible qualities?' At the time publication was made, 600 replies had been received, coming in from 23 States and territories; up to that time 350 had not tasted carp, 242 had eaten them. The answers were classified as follows: Moderate praise, from fair to very good, 40; unqualified praise, and very emphatic expressions of approval, 96; comparison with other fish, very generally complimentary, 39; criticism as to softness or muddy taste, 19 ; indifferent and uncomplimentary reports, aside from muddy taste and softness, 10. A few opin
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DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE--GEORGIA.

ions as regards tones, 7; favorable reports containing hints on the various waysof cooking carp, 31--total, 242.
" Of these 242 reports, 88 only contained the slightest reflection on carp. Many of these criticisms were decidedly slight, and nearly every one of these criticisms can be explained away. It is a fact well known to fish culturists that no fish isfirst-class for table at or immediately after the spawning time. It may be con ceded that the carp is a fair table fish; many ot the correspondents alluded to above stating their qualities equal to shad, trout, or rock fish."
The drainage apparatus recommended in my last report, has, since that time, been introduced into mj own ponds. Many have adopted it. This apparatus has proved an eminent success, audit isrecommended both for its efficiency and itscheapness, and as it is not patented, all have a right to use it, and it requires no skilled mechanic to make it; any farmer with the ordinary use of tools can construct one. And I'll take occasion to say, and I wish to emphasize the fact, that after several years experience in carp culture, too much care cannot be exercised in keeping the ponds clear of all other kinds of fish, and use the shotgun liberally in extermin ating depredators, such as water-fowls, terrapins and snakes.
I take occasion to mention that recent advices from the United States Pish Com missioner assures us that the supply of young carp will be sufficient to meet all demands for distributicn this fall.
I beg leave to state that I have been under great obligations to Prof. S. T. Baird for continued courtesies extended to our commission; and to the railroads of this and several of the adjoining States for the appreciated favors to the Pish Commis sion of Georgia, and to that very valuable paper, the Forest and Stream, for its annual corrected list of the commissioners of fisheries and fishery officers of the different Provinces, States and Territories of North America, corrected up to Sep tember first, 1886.
Thanking you for courtesies extended in connection with official duties, by your self and the gentlemen in your office,
I am, very respectfully,
H. H. CARY, Superintendent.
List of Pish Commissioners and officers revised and corrected up to September 1st, 1886, with the annual appropriations made in each State
The United States-- Prof. Spencer P. Baird, Washington, D. C.
Alabam;a-- Col. D. R. Hundley, Madison. Hon. Charles S. G. Doster, Prattville. Commissioners first appointed 1881.
Amzona-- J. J. Gosper, Prescott. Richard Rule, Tombstone. J. H. Taggart, Business Manager, Yuma. $250--Commissioner first appointed April, 1881.
Arkansas-- James H. Hornibrook, Little Rock. H. H. Rottaken, Little Rock.
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COMMISSION EE'S REPORT 1885-86.

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[These were the officers last year; we have not been able to get replies from them.]
Commissioners first appointed January 25, 1876. Calctoritia--
R. H. Buckingham, President, Sacramento. Hon. A. B. Diddle, Secretary and Treasurer, Grass Yalley. Thos. J. Sherwood, Marysville. $5,000--Commissioners first appointed April .25, 1870. Canada-- Hon. John Tilton, Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Ottawa. Ont. Province of New Brunswick-- W. H. Yenning, Inspector of Fisheries, St. John. Province of Nova Scotia-- W. H. Rogers, Inspector, Amherst. A. 'C. Bertram, Assistant Inspector, North Sydney. Province of Prince Edward's Island-- J. H. Duvar, Inspector, Alberton. Province of Quebec-- W. Wakeham, Inspector, Lower St. Lawrence and Gulf Division, Gaspe
Basin. Province of British Columbia--
Thos. Mowat, Acting Inspector, New Westminster. Province of Manitoba and Northwest Territories--
Alex. McQueen, Inspector, Winnipeg, Man. S. Wilmot, Superintendent of Fish culture, Newcastle, Ont. Colorado-- John Pierce, Denver. $3,250--Commissioners first appointed February 7, 1877. Connecticut-- Dr. Wm. Hudson, Hartford. (Term expires August 26, 1889.) Robert G. Pike, Middletown. (Term expires March 8, 1889.) James A. Bill, Lyme. (Term expires August 26, 1887.) $5,000--Commissioners first appointed September 11, 1866. Delaware-- Enoch Moore, Wilmington. (Term expires April 23, 1887.) $150--Commissioners first appointed April 23, 1881. Georgia-- Hon. J. T. Henderson, Commissioner of Agriculture, Atlanta, Dr. H. H. Cary, Superintendent of Fisheries, LaGrange. (Under the laws of the State these constitute the Board of Fish Com-
missoners.) $500--By Legislative Act 1876, February 29. Illinois-- N. K. Fairbank, President, Chicago. S. P. Bartlett, Secretary, Quincy. Maj. Geo. Breuning, Centralia. $2,500--Commissioners first appointed May 20, 1875. Indiana-- Enos B. Reed, Indianapolis. (Term expires in 1877.) $1,000--Commissioner first appointed September, 1881. Iowa-- E. D. Carlton, Spirit Lake. $3,700--Commissioner first appointed March 30, 1874. Kansas-- S. Fee, Wamego, Pottawatomie county. $l,000^Commissioner first appointed March 10, 1877.
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DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE--GEORGIA.

Kentucky--

Wm. Griffith, President, Louisville.

P. H. Darby, Princeton.

John B. Walker, Madisonville.

Hon. C. J. Walton, Munfordville.

Hon. John A. Steele, Midway.

W. C. Price, Danville.

Dr. W. Van Antwerp, Mt. Sterling.

Hon. J. M. Chambers, Independence, Kenton county.

A. H. Goble, Catlettsburg.

J. H. Mallory, Bowling Green.

$2,500--Commissioners first appointed March 22, 1876.

Maine--

E. M. Stilwell, Bangor. 1 Commissioners of Pish

Henry O. Stanley, Dixfield. /

and Game.

B. W. Counce, Thomaston, Commissioner of Sea and Shore Fisheries.

$5.000--Commissioners first appointed January 1, 1867.

Maryland--

G. W. Delawder, Oakland.

Dr. E. W. Humphries, Salisbury.

$10.000--Commissioners first appointed April, 1874.

Massachusetts--

E. A. Brackett, Winchester.

P. W. Putnam, Cambridge.

E. H. Lathrop, Springfield.

$5,000--Commissioners first appointed May 3, 1865.

Michigan--

Dr. J. C. Parker, Grand Rapids.

John H. Bissell, Detroit.

Herschel Whitaker, Detroit.

(W. D. Marks, Supt., Paris.)

(A. J. Kellogg. Secretary, Detroit.)

$7,500--Commissioners first appointed April 25, 1873.

Minnesota--

1st District--Daniel Cameron, La Crescent.

2d District--Wm. M Sweney, M. D. Red Wing.

3d District--Robt. Ormsby Sweeny, President, St. Paul.

(S. S. Watkins, Supt., Red Wing.)

$5,000--Commissioners first appointed May, 1874.

Missouri-- J. G. W. Steedman, M. D., 2,803 Pine street, St. Louis.

Gen. J. L. Smith, Jefferson City.

H. M. Garliech, St. Joseph.

$3,500--Commissioners first appointed August 2, 1877.

Nebraska--

W. L. May, Fremont.

R. R. Livingston, Plattsmouth.

B. E. B. Kennedy, Omaha.

$3,700--Commissioners first appointed June 2, 1879.

N evada--

W. M. Cary. Carson City.

$1,000--Commissioner first appointed in 1877.

New Hampshire--

George W. Riddle, Manchester.

E. B. Hodge, Plymouth.

John H. Kimball, Marlboro.

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COMMISSIONER'S REPORT 1885-86.

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(E. B. Hodge, Superintendent.) Commissioners first appointed August 80, 1866.
New Jersey-- Richard S. Jenkins, Camden. William Wright, Newark. E. M. Ward, Newton. Commissioners first appointed March 29, 1870.
New York-- Hon. R. Barnwell Roosevelt, President, 17 Nassau street, New York. Gen. Richard U. Sherman, Secretary, New Hartford, Oneida county. Eugene G. Blackford, Fulton Market, New York. William H. Bowman, Rochester. (Superintendents : Seth Green, Rochester; Fred Mather, Cold Spring Harbor; Monroe A. Green. Mumford, Monroe county; F. A. Walters, Bloomingdale, Essex county.) Secretary: H. H. Thompson P. O. Box 25. New York city. $15,000--Commissioners first appointed April 22, 1868.
North Carolina-- (A note from Col. M. McGehee, Raleigh, the former Commissioner, under date of August 9, says: " There is no Fish Commissioner in the service of this State.") $8,012--Commissioner by Legislative Act, April 12, 1877.
Ohio-- Col. L. A. Harris, President, Cincinnati. George Daniels, Sandusky. James Dority, Toledo. (Henry Douglass, Supt., Sandusky.) [No information furnished, the names are those of last year.] $5,000--Commissioners first appointed May 8, 1873.
Pennsylvania-- John Gay, President, Greensburg, H. H. Derr, Secretary7, Wilkesbarre. Arthur Maginnis, Swift Water, Monroe county. A. M. Spangler, Cor. Sec., 512 Commerce street, Philadelphia. Aug. Duncan, Treasurer, Chambersburg. Chas. Porter, Corry. $7,500--Commissioners first appointed April 15, 1866.
Rhode Island-- John H. Barden, Rockland. Henry T. Root, Providence. Wm. P. Morton, Providence. Commissioners first appointed in 1868.
South Carolina-- Hon. A. P. Butler, Columbia, Commissioner of Agriculture. $2,286--Supt. Fisheries first appointed December 23, 1878.
Tennessee-- W. W. McDowell, Memphis. H. H. Sneed, Chattanooga, Edward D. Hicks, Nashville. Commissioners first appointed January 10, 1877.
V ERMONT--
Hiram A. Cutting, Lunenburgh. Herbert Brainerd, St. Albans. $1,000--Commissioners first appointed in 1865. Virginia-- Col. Marshall McDonald, Berryville.
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE--GEORGIA.

$2,500--Commissioner first appointed in April, 1874. "Washington Tekbitoky--
Albert T. Stream, North Cove, Pacific county. Commissioner first appointed November 9, 1877. West Virginia-- C. S. White, President, Romney. W. A. Manning, Secretary, Talcott. F. J. Baxter, Treasurer, Braxton Court House.
(Terms expire June 1, 1889.) $500--Commissioners first appointed June 1, 1877. Wisconsin-- The Governor, ex-officio. Philo Dunning, President, Madison. C. L. Valentine, Secretary and Treasurer, Janesville. J. V. Jones, Oshkosh. A. V. H. Carpenter, Milwaukee. Mark Douglass, Melrose. Calvert Spensley, Mineral Point. (James Nevin, Superintendent, Madison.) $7,000--Commissioners first appointed March 20, 1874. Wyoming Territory-- Otto Gramm, Laramie. [Dr.- W. N. Herat, Cheyenne, is Commissioner for Laramie county, and
B. F. Northington, Rawlins, is Commissioner for Carbon county.] $750--Commissioners first appointed December 13, 1879. Dakota, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana and New Mexi
co, have not as yet had any fish commissioners.

INSPECTION OF OILS.

The following statement shows the number of gallons of illumina ting oils that have been inspected, and the fees received by the inspec tors for testing and branding the same, for each of the years ending September 30, 1885, and September 30, 1886:

Gallons. Tear ending September 30, 1885 ....................................... 1,767,020 Year ending September 30, 1886 ....................................... 2,103,317

Total fees. $10,756.27
12,596.35

Total for the two year................................................ 3,870,337

$23,352.62

As indicated in my last report, much the larger part of all the oil inspections were made and the fees received by the inspectors of fertilizers, who are ex officio inspectors of oils. I am endeavoring, by arranging with large dealers in oils, to make the distribution of the work and the receipts of fees more equitable and uniform be tween the present inspectors than heretofore, which will render the compensation not excessive.
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COMMISSIONER'S REPORT 1885-86.

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I have had occasion, during the last year, to suppress the sale of gasoline to be used under a patent secret formula in the preparation of so-called " safety oil " to unsuspecting and uninformed citizens. The formula--if it may be dignified by such a name--was submitted to the State Chemist for his opinion and was pronounced by him to be an unscientific imposition.
With this exception the operation of the law has been without noticeable incident, and its beneficent results have not been ques tioned.

GEWEKAL VIEW.
The farmers of Georgia, as a whole, are making steady progress towards a condition of comparative ease and permanent prospersty. The general losses sustained by a four years' defensive and destruc tive war, together with the practical loss of the immense capital invested in slaves--representing a large proportion of the accumula tions of nearly a century of peaceful industry--amounted to an effec tive demoralizing force that has hardly been paralleled in the history of civilization. The period that has elapsed since the close of the late war--twenty-one years--will fill but a page in the book of history that shall be written a few years hence; yet a comparative view of the moral and material condition of our people now and their condi tion ten or twelve years ago will be the occasion of wonder to future students of our history. We are apt to be impatient at the apparent slow march of improvement and recuperation passing along under cotemporary observation, forgetful of the fact that similar instances of disorganization and destruction, in the history of other countries, have required a much longer time for reconstruction and recovery.
I believe it is quite within the mark to say that the industries of no country or people in modern times, ever sustained so rude and ruthless a shock as ours ; and none have made a more assured and steady advance towards recovery than the people of the South. And among her sister states, Georgia has not been a laggard in the race, but still holds a leading position in all that relates to progressive, practical agriculture, and material development.
Georgia farmers are not accumulating wealth, it is true, yet it is not true that "every sun that rises, rises upon a poorer people."
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DEPAKTMENT OF AGRICULTUKE--GEORGIA.

Making due allowance for depreciated values, due to the influence of
the wide-spread prevailing depression, even the test of the tax re
turns will show that the Georgia farmers are at least holding their
own. While not susceptible of positive proof, it is more than prob
able that the indebtedness of the farmers has steadily diminished
for several years past. It is quite certain that they are far more in
dependent and self-reliant in the matter of producing food for home
consumption. The tendency to diversify crops and rely less on cot
ton, is manifest in the constant inquiry for some other crop upon
which they can safely rely for profit. The conservative habit of the farmer; the disposition to hold on to traditional ideas and practices; his indisposition to substitute new grains and other plants for those that have so long been his reliance, make changes of policy difficult and slow. The average farmer is ready enough to adopt an im proved variety of cotton or Indian corn ; but slow to give place to a plant of a different species, or yielding a different product.
On the whole, while mistakes have been made, and in spite of a seeming perverse adheranee to old methods, which has hindered progress, the condition of our agricultural population is annually improving and the future is hopeful. There is a spirit of enquiry and restless search after better methods on the part of quite a large proportion of the farmers, which is resulting in good to-the whole, and justifies hope in the future of agriculture in Georgia.
IN CONCLUSION.
I beg to here express my hearty appreciation of the active co-op eration and efficient labors of all the employes of the Department, including our excellent chemist, Prof. H. C. White, and the Super intendent of Fisheries, Dr. H. H. Cary. The latter officer cheerfully accepted the office and has rendered efficient service without any pay or emolument, excepting the allowance of his necessary travel ling expenses actually incurred in the discharge of duty. Few heads of Departments have been more fortunate in the selection of subor dinates and co-workers than myself. I also take occasion to again acknowledge the valuable assistance of the corps of reporters and weather observers of the Department, who have so faithfully and cheerfully rendered efficient service, without compensation, except such as may have been partly derived from the joint results of their own efforts.
And now, Governor, I beg to thank you for the valued advice and assistance in the discharge of the duties of my office which you have uniformly accorded me; and for the numberless courtesies you have shown me during the past three years.
All of which is respectfully submitted. J. T. Henderson.
Commissioner of Agriculture.
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