REPORT
OF THE
Commissioner of Agriculture
OF THE
STATE OF GEORGIA.,
Embracing the Years 1887 and 1888.
J. T. HENDERSON, COMMISSIONER.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, W. J. Campbell, State Printer,
Constitution Job Office, 1888.

REPORT

OF THE

D$3+8C

of kriciiltiire

OF THE
STATE OF GEORGIA,
Embracing the Years 1887 and 1888.

J. T. HENDERSON, COMMISSIONER.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, W. J. Campbell, State Pbinteb,
Constitution Job Office, 1888.

<JiReui,AR No. 112. \ Nf.w Series, j
REPORT.
To His Excellency, John B. Gordon, Governor :
Dear Sir--I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Department of Agriculture for the two years ending September 30, 1888.
OFFICERS AND EMPLOYES.
The following changes have been made in organization of the Department, since the date of the last report I had the honor to make two years ago : On the twenty-third day of November, 1886, Mr. L. W. Livingston tendered his resignation as Inspector of Fertilizers, on account of declining health, which was accepted, to take effect at the close of that month. In his stead, Col. Walters B. Jones, of the county of Troup, was appointed, and he entered on his duties December 1, 1886.
On March 17, 1887, Inspector John H. Pate, while travelling in the discharge of his duty, was instantly killed in the terrible rail way accident near Blackshear, on the Savannah, Florida and Western Railway. Major Pate was a faithful and efficient officer, and his loss is greatly regretted by all who knew him. On the 26th of March, 1887, I appointed Mr. R. O. Pate, to fill the unexpired term of his lamented father.
On October 1st, 1887, Mr. A. F. Woolley, of Bartow county, was appointed Inspector, nice Dr. James S. Lawton, resigned; on November 1st, 1887, Mr. Randolph Ridgely, of Burke county, was appointed Inspector in place of Gen. M. A. Stovall, resigried ; on January 1st, 1888, Mr. Marcus D. Irwin, of the county of Rock dale, was appointed Inspector, vice O. T. Rogers, resigned.
CAPTAIN AUGUSTUS R. MCCUTCHEN.
On the twentieth day of November, 1887, this Department suf fered an irreparable loss in the death of this most estimable gen tleman and learned scientist. For a little more than four years he had, under my appointment, served the State and the country at

4

large, as Geologist and Mineralogist of this Department, and a Editing Clerk.
It can be truly said of Captain McCutchen, that no man wasmore highly valued for his varied and accurate scientific attain ments, nor more esteemed for his many high qualities, as shown in all relations of life. He was doubtless better informed in regard to the geology and mineralogy of Georgia than any living man f and his devotion to his lifelong profession and his ardent attach ment to his native State, together with his habits of close observa tion and patient, painstaking industry, especially fitted him for the duties of the office he so worthily filled.
On the first day of January, 1888, Dr. N. A. Pratt, a former chemist of this Department, and well known as an agricultural and analytical chemist of long experience and high character, as well as a practical mineralogist and mining expert, having consented to devote a small portion of his time to the work, was appointed Min eralogist of the Department, at a nominal salary.
Finding it desirable to have the services of a gentleman who is familiar with the science of Entomology, and prepared to give advice and information in regard to insects beneficial or injurious to vegetation, on the 20th of June, J888, I appointed Dr. L. B. Clifton, of Macon, Georgia, Entomologist of the Department, as I was authorized to do under the organic law. Dr. Clifton serves without pay, being actuated by his love of the science and his devo tion to the agricultural interests of the State and of the South.
The organization of the Department and of the Inspectors of Fertilizers is at present as follows:

J. T. Henderson . . R. J. Redding . . . . W. S. DeWolf . . . N. A. Pratt . . . . W. B. Henderson . H. C. White . . . . A. F. Woolley . . . Randolph Ridgely M. D. Irwin . . . . W. B. Jones . . . . J. L. Anderson . . . S. R. Murphey . . . H. H. Cary................. L. B. Clifton . . .

Commissioner. Assistant Commissioner. Commissioner's Clerk. Mineralogist. Fertilizer Clerk. Chemist. Inspector at Sa'vannah. Inspector at Augusta. Inspector at Toccoa. Inspector at Atlanta. Inspector at Atlanta. Inspector at Atlanta. Superintendent of Fisheries, Entomologist.

5
INSPECTION OF FERTILIZERS.
Prior to the past season it has been the uniform practice to send Inspectors outside of the State for the purpose of inspecting fertili zers intended for shipment into Georgia for sale. The practice was inaugurated by my predecessor in office, and was continued by me, with important limitations, and such precautions as were judged to be necessary. I have limited such extra-territorial inspections to the cities of Charleston and Port Royal, with one or two excep tions, in special cases, at Wilmington, N. C. This practice is not forbidden by any provision of the inspection laws of Georgia, and was considered exceedingly convenient, if not absolutely necessary* in view of the impracticability of stopping trains in transitu at Augusta, Savannah, and, latterly, at Toccoa, for the purpose of inspecting fertilizers loaded therein, and the utter impossibility, with the limited number of Inspectors at my command, of follow ing each car to its destination in the interior of the State. Not doubting in the least the legality of inspections made outside of the State, I considered them fully as reliable and protective as if made in the State. There is no solid, practical reason why an inspection made in Port Royal would not be as protective in its results as one made in Savannah. It is true, however, that some purchasers of fertilizers, and others, looked upon such inspections with suspicion and doubt; and for this reason I was extremely anxious to confine the operations of the Inspectors to State limits. As the system, however, had continued so long without formal objection, or an adverse ruling of the courts as to its legality, it was impracticable to prevail on the manufacturers and the railroad authorities to submit to the delay and expense that would be involved in the stopping and side-tracking, for the purpose of inspection, of trains and cars 'oaded with fertilizers as soon as they arrived within the State.
Finally, the Supreme Court of this State, in a case regularly brought before them for review, at the instance of Messrs. Hammond, Hall & Co., of Savannah, decided that the general laws of Georgia do not authorize Georgia officials to perform their functions outside its limits; that the inspection law does not confer such authority, nor empower the Commissioner of Agriculture to authorize it by rule or regulation ; and hence, that such inspections were illegal.

In anticipation of such ruling, which was justified by an opinion of the Attorney General, I had already, at the opening of the season, made arrangements to conform the system of inspections thereto. At a full meeting of the South Carolina manufacturers of fertilizers*(who alone were affected by the decision,) called by me, at Charles ton, S. C., I submitted to them a plan for inspecting their products, which I thought would be free from legal objections, and at the same time practical and effective.
The plan was promptly accepted, with the promise of cordial co-operation on the part of the manufacturers. It remained only to secure the consent of the railroad authorities to permit the stop page of all fertilizer trains at Augusta, Savannah and Toccoa. Under the circumstances, I met with no difficulty in securing their cordial consent and lull co-operation. Under the modified system which resulted, all trains entering the State at Savannah, Augusta and Toccoa, loaded with tertilizers for sale in Georgia, are stopped, and, if necessary, side-tracked, long enough to permit the Inspector to go through the train, take samples and supervise the application of tags. Every fertilizer car is opened and entered by an inspector, and none is permitted to pass without inspection and the applica tion of tags, unless shipped directly to a farmer who has purchased the fertilizer without the State, or unless the car be loaded with chemicals or ingsedients for manipulation and subsequent inspec tion, and consigned to some factory within the State.
Under this change in the system, the labors of the Inspcctorshave been considerably increased, though confined mainly to the city limits of (he three cities respectively. The numbers of inspec tions and samples have been very largely increased, as will be read ily seen. The plan has not worked without some friction in matters of detail, but has probably commended itself to the approval of the mass of purchasers and consumers of fertilizers in Georgia. The past season there were two Inspectors constantly at Savannah, one at Augusta, and one at Toccoa ; while the remaining three were fully and actively employed almost day and night in inspecting fer tilizers entering at several other points into the State, neither of which were of sufficient importance to justify the constant presence of an Inspector; and in inspecting fertilizers made at upwards oT forty domestic factories throughout the State. It may well be ques tioned whether the change in the system--the limiting of inspec

7
tions to within State limits, and the inspection in cars instead of in bulk at the factory--has added substantially to the degree of pro tection that had already been attained. Under the former plan of inspecting large bulks at the factories, the fact that the same goods were liable to a subsequent " special inspection " within the State, in bags, and often in the hands of the farmer, was a substantial guarantee of good faith and honesty on the part of manufacturers.
The object of the Fertilizer Inspection Laws of this State, is not only to protect farmers and other consumers against fraud and imposi tion, but also to give them official and reliable information iu regard to the composition of the fertilizers offered for sale, and their adapta tion to the varying demands of the soils and crops. The importance of the strict enforcement of such just, yet liberal, requirements as ex perience has shown to be necessary and effective in the accomplish ment of these objects, cannot be easily overestimated. The use of commercial fertilizers has become so general, and their manufacture and consumption have so far exceeded the expectations of the farm ers of the original inspection law of 1874, and of the present Act of 1877, that it is well to inquire whether the system, which was then adopted will merit the present demands and conditions.
The tables which are hereto appended, show that the total amount of commercial fertilizers of all kinds inspected during the season of 1874-75, was 48,648 tons. During the season of 1877-78, when the present law went into effect, the total amount inspected was 93,178 tons. The increase has been very rapid since that time, only two seasons--1881-82 and 1885-6--showing an actual decrease in the totals inpected as compared with the seasons immediately pre ceding. During the season of 1887-88, just closed, the total amount inspected was 208,007 tons, or nearly four times as great as the total amount inspected in 1874-75, the first season after the organization of the Department. We may illustrate the magnitude of the pres ent fertilizer business by the cash value of the fertilizers inspected during the past season, which amounted to little, if any, less than Jive million dollars ($5,000,000). Illustrated by the amount of gross revenue collected from consumers by the imposition of the inspec tion fee of 50 cents per ton, we have one hundred and four thous and and three ($104,003) dollars, actually paid into the hands of the Inspectors, and a total of of ninety-seven thousand, nine hun dred and thirteen ($97,913) dollars actually paid into the State

8
Treasury; an amount but little less than one-third of the annual rental of the State's magnificent railroad properly.
The present fertilizer law, passed, as we have seen, in 1877, and with no material amendment or alteration since its passage, provides for the appointment of only one Chemist and not exceeding six Inspectors. With the comparatively small volume of business at that time and the much smaller number of distinct brands offered for inspection, it was not a difficult matter to execute the law in accordance with the letter and spirit. It was practicable not only to personally inspect all the fertilizers offered, but also to analyze, in the course of the season, every sample taken by the Inspectors. In 1877-78 there were only three fertilizer factories in the State, nearly all of the fertilizers inspected coming from abroad ; during the past season the number of local or domestic factories had increased to forty-three. These will annually increase in number until, in a few years, there will probably be an average of one fac tory to each of the cotton growing counties of the State. The increase in the number of factories and in the number of separate and distinct brands, each requiring a distinct inspection and analy sis, has far outstripped even the increase in the aggregate amount of fertilizers, requiring the greatest activity on the part of the inspectors--still limited to the original six--to meet all the demands upon them, and most unremitting labor by the chemist until long after the active season has closed, to analyze less than one sixth of the samples taken by the Inspectors. Moreover the demands for inspection are frequently very urgent for immediate attention.
I have thus called your attention to the rapid development of the home manufacture of fertilizers for a double purpose. Because, first: It illustrates the growth of a spirit of self-reliance--a depend ence upon our own skill in the development and utilization of our own resources--which must be gratifying to every citizen of the State. Twelve years ago we did not manufacture more than a tenth Ox the 100,000 tons of commercial fertilizers sold to our farm ers; now we make at our home factories more than half of the two hundred thousand tons required to meet the annual demand, a large part of which is sold to adjoining States. Secondly : Because this great present and prospective development calls for a correspond ing development of our system of inspection and analysis. I trust that you may see proper to emphasize these general suggestions in

9
your communication to the General Assembly, to the end that such legislation may be had as may be judged necessary, after careful examination and consideration of the whole subject.
In addition to the foregoing suggestions, I beg to renew the recommendations made in my biennial report for the years 1883-4 and repeated in my report to Gov. H. D. McDaniel, for the years 1885-6, on the subject of the standard analysis required by the present law. In my judgment, based on the reasons set forth in fhe reports refer!ed to, greater latitude should be allowed to manu facturers of lertilizers in formulating their goods to meet the vary ing requirements of soils and crops. This can easily be done with out necessarily permitting the sale of lower grade goods. The requirement of the present law is that all ammoniated superphos phates of lime shall contain not less than eight per centum of avail able phosphoric acid and two per centum of ammonia; and that all acid phosphates or dissolved bones shall contain not less than ten per centum of available phosphoric acid. No allowance is made for potash, which is often a very important and necessary ingredient of a fertilizer. There is no reason why such a fixed relation should be established between the percentages of the several elements of a fertilizer.
I have more than once referred to the great disproportion between the actual cost of inspecting a ton of fertilizers and the inspection fee of fifty cents imposed by the present law. In order to arrive at the approximate average cost of inspecting fertilizers, I will take the figures representing the volume of inspection for the past eleven seasons, or the period during which the present law has been of force:
The total inspection in 11 years.................................. 1,558,171 tons. The total fees collected in 11 years...............................$ 778,322
The expenses of inspection may be stated as follows:
Salaries of Chemist, 11 years.........................................................$33,150 Salaries of Inspectors, 11 years...................................................... 73,029 Cost of Tags, 11 years.................................................................... 34,827 Incidentals, 11 years................................................................. . 6,632
Total actual cost, 11 years......................................................$147,638

10
Now divide $147,638.00, which is the total actual cost of inspec tion for the eleven years, by 1,558,171; the total number of tons inspected, and we have nine and one-half cents (nearly) as the cost of inspecting one ton.
The expenses above given are those which are actually taken, either directly from the fees collected, or paid out of the Treasury as salaries to the chemist and Inspectors. It is proper, however, to consider that a large part of the time of myself and employes, and the cost of printing and distributing the circulars containing the analyses of the fertilizers, are properly chargeable to inspection account, in any just estimate of the real cost of inspection and analysis. Adding $5,000 per annum, or $55,000 for the eleven years, for this account, we find that the total cost of inspecting a ton of fertilizers for the period under consideration, was a little more than thirteen cents. Taking the last season by itself, and estimating the cost of inspection on the same basis of allowance, the average cost of inspection, analysis, publication, etc., was 11.4 cents per ton. It is generally conceded that the farmer pays the inspection fees; and it is pretty generally conceded that he ought to pay them, though the equity of the last proposition may well be questioned. Admitting, however, its propriety, wherein is the equity of the requirement that he shall pay greatly more than the outside estimate of the actual cost of inspection? During the eleven years just considered, there have actually been paid into the Treasury, on account of inspection fees, the large sum of $736,863, all drawn from the pockets of the toiling farmers of Georgia! It occurs to me that these facts and figures should be presented to your Excellency, and through you to the General Assembly of the State, and to the people at large. I have no hesitation in saying that the inspection fee should either be greatly reduced, or the excess of fees over the cost of inspection should be devoted to the development of the interests of that class of our citizens who are thus unequally taxed. I have before recommended such reduction, or the alternative suggested, and now most heartily renew the same.

11 For ease and convenience of reference, I beg to incorporate the following tabulated information in relation to the details of the inspection and analysis, as taken from the records of my office :
TOTAL, NUMBER OF TONS OF COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS INSPECTED DURING THE SEASONS OF 1886-87 AND 1887-88. (FRACTIONS OMITTED).

Inspectors and Stations.

Season of Season of

1886-87. 1887-88.

Tons.

Tons.

O. T. Rogers, Savannah.............................................. O. T. Rogers, Savannah, (resigned Dec. 31, 1887) . M. A. Stovall, Augusta................................................ M. A. Stovall, Augusta, (resigned Oct. 31, 1887) . R. Ridgely, Augusta, (appointed Nov. 1,1888) . . J. H. Pate, Brunswick................................................. J. H. Pate, Brunswick, (killed March 16, 1888). . R. O. Pate, Brunswick, (appointed March 26,1888) J. W. Murphey, Columbus......................................... R. W. Livingston, Rome, (resigned Nov. 30, 1886) J. S. Lawton, Atlanta.................................................. W. B. Jones, Atlanta.................................................. M. D. Irwin, Atlanta, (appointed Jan. 1, 1888).. . A. F. Woolley, Toccoa.................................................

50,350 37,971
19,922
10,475 3,050 34,421 9,889

5,294
900 61,510
27,131 3,027 42,125
25,100 28,502 14,418

166,078

208,007

*

12
NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS MA.D DURING EACH OF THE SEASONS OF 1886-87 AND 1887-88, AND THE AVERAGE AMOUNT OF EACH INSPECTION.

Season of 1886-87.

Season of 1887-88.

Inspectors. O. T. Rogers...................

No. of Average No. of Average

amt of each.

amt of each.

Inspection. Tons. Inspection. Tons.

.

295

171

83

63

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

176

215

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

359

95

6

150

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

R. Ridgely.......................

558

110

J. W. Murphey..............

68

154

494

85

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

177

112

681

39

R. O. Pate .......................

99

30

L. W. Livingston. . .

12

254

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

W. B. Jones...................

145

68

227

110

A. F. Woolley...............

328

44

M. D. Irwin...................

349

81

1232

134

2825

74

COMPARATIVE TRADE IN FERTILIZERS.

The following table shows the number of tons inspected for each of the last fourteen seasons:

There were There were
There were There were
There were There were
There were There were There were There were
There were
There were There were
There were

inspected duringthe seasonof 1874-5 ...................... inspected duringthe seasonof 1875-6 ......................
inspected duringthe seasonof 1876-7 ...................... inspected duringthe seasonof 1877-8......................
inspected duringthe seasonof 1878-9 ................... inspected duringthe seasonof 1879-80 ...................
inspected duringthe seasonof 1880-1...................... inspected duringthe seasonof 1881-2...................... inspected duringthe seasonof 1882-3...................... inspected duringthe seasonof 1883-4 ...................
inspected duringthe seasonof 1884-5......................
inspected duringthe seasonof 1885-6...................... inspected duringthe seasonof 1886-7......................
inspected duringthe seasonof 1887-8......................

48,648 tons 55,316 tons
75,824 tons 03,178 tons
85,049 tons 119,583 tons
152,404 tons 125,427 tons 125,377 tons 151,849 tons
170,153 tons
160,705 tons 166,078 tons
208,007 tons

Total for fourteen years......................................................... 1,737,598 tons Average per season............................................................................. 124,114 tons

j Inspectors.
1
Net Amount of Fees rej maining in Treasury.

Chemist.

Amount paid into Treasury.

penses, etc

lnisnp ge

on Tags, Sam

Charges

1
Cost of Inspector's
Tags.

i
Total Fees Collected, at 1 50 cents per ton.

spected.--Tons.

13
COMPARATIVE RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES FOR ELEVEN SEASONS.

i

SEASONS.

c

tors' ex

Expenses Deduct'd from Fees Re ceived.

.-uiaries of chem ist and In
spectors drawn from
the Treasury.

Total Amount In*

eI

tprlaesv,

Express
1

1877-8 . . . 93,478 $ 46,739 $ 1,608 $. . . $ 45,131 $ 3,000 $6,60 $ 35,531

1878-9 . . . 85,049 42,524 2,053

40,472 3,000 6,204 31,268

1879-80. . . 119,583 59,791 2,582

57,210 2,900 4,871 49,438

1880-1 . . . . 152,464 75,986 3,289 436 65 72,260 3,000 5,200 64,060

1881-2 . . . 125,426 62,713 2,882 434 50 59,397 3,000 6,146 50,251

1882-3 . . . 125,377 62,688 2,843 459 41 60,627 3,000 6,8 6 50,811

1883-4 . . . 151,850 75,915 3,781 600 14 71,534 3,000 6,400 62; 134

1884-5 . . . 170,154 85,072 4,110 778 10 80,184 3,000 7,000 70,184

1885-6 . . . 160,705 80,352 3,910 881 60 75,560 3,000 7,200 65,361

1886-7 . . . 166,078 83,039 3,515 1,116 37 78,307 3,000 7,200 68,107

1887-8 . . 208,007 104,004 4,254 1,836 52 97,913 *3,25. *9,393 85,270

Total . . 1,558,171 $778,823 $34,827 6,543.27 738,595 33,170 73,030 $632,415 *13 Months.

REPORTS OF THE STATE CHEMIST.
The " Final Reports " of Prof. H. C. White, giving a general statement of the amount and character of the analytical work done for the two years, are consolidated as follows:

FERTILIZER ANALYSES.

1886-7

Regular samples.................................................................................... 300

Special samples....................................................................................... 177

Special samples for farmers................................................................... 18

Duplicates................................................................................................... 15

Revisions................................................................................................. 35

1887-8. 377 -- 30 6 ----

Total fertilizer analysis............................................................ 545

413

These were divided as follows:

Complete fertilizers (" Guanos")..................................................... 370

276

Acid phosphates with ammonia......................................................... 10

4

Acid phosphate with potash............................................................. 54

46

Acid phosphate (simple)..................................................................... 80

69

Chemicals, etc............................................................................................31

18

MISCELLANEOUS ANALYSES.

Artesian and mineral waters.................................................................12

11

Minerals, ores, etc................................................................................. 3

7

Other materials..............................................................................

2

--

14
DISTRIBUTION OF SEEDS.
Two years of continued experience in the distribution of seeds and observation of the benefits of the same, have served to confirm my conviction, before expressed, of the great value and importance of this feature of Department work. Aside from the occasional discovery or introduction of a valuable species of agricultural plant, before unknown, the improvement in quality and the increased yield of our ordinary crops must depend largely upon maintaining a high standard of purity, vitality and productiveness of our seeds. The appreciation of the necessity for the best seeds of the best varieties of agricultural plants that is manifested by so large a pro portion of the farmers of the State, is one of the most favorable indications of improvement and progress.
In my last report, of two years ago, I noticed the purchase and distribution of one hundred bushels of Spanish peanuts, a new variety of a very familiar plant. The first reports of results of its cultivation led me to believe that it would prove a very valuable acquisition. I have continued the distribution annually since the Spring of 1886, and have now to report that my strongest hopes have been confirmed. The extreme earliness and great productive ness of the Spanish Peanut are the remarkable qualities that com mend it to the farmer. Two crops may be grown on the same land in one season, if desired, the second crop being planted of seed just harvested from the same ground.
As a fattening crop for hogs, the ordinary peanut has long held a high place on account of the ease and cheapness of production, and their adaptation to the end. The new variety promises to aid very greatly in assuring a home supply of pork. The new variety also makes an excellent and very nutritious forage, probably equal, in the latter quality, to clover hay.
My only regret in connection with the work of distributing seeds, is the want of more funds for their purchase and distribution on a more extensive scale.
I am under renewed obligations to Senator Joseph E. Brown for his kindness in furnishing this Department with seeds from the Government Department, for distribution to Georgia farmers.
The following shows the kind and quantities of seeds that have been purchased and distributed in the last two years:

15

LIST OF SEEDS DISTRIBUTED.

SPEING OF 1887.

Quantity of each kind.

No. of Packages.

20 bushels Kaffir Corn............................................................................... 2,500

4 " Cuban Corn.............................................................................. 980

10 " Missouri Dent Corn...................................................................2,200

25 " Dearing's Small SeedCotton................................................ 750

75 " Jones' Improved Cotton........................................................2,250

25 " Hawkins' Improved Cotton............................................... 750

56 " Spanish Peanuts....................................................................... 2,514

75 pounds Melon Seed..................................................................................1,300

20 " Tobacco Seed....................................

2,680

30 " Turnip Seed............................................................................. 960

SPEING of 1888.

20 bushels Big Tennessee Corn............................................................... 2,560
125 " Jones' Improved Herlong Cotton Seed.............................. 3,750 25 " Spanish Peanuts........................................................................ 1,000
5 " Kaffir Corn...................................................................................... 640 12 " American Wonder Pea.............................................................3,072 12 " Valentine Beans.........................................................................3,072 47 pounds Winningstadt Cabbage...........................................................3,072 5 " Buncombe Cabbage.......................................................................320
47 " White Skin Onions....................................................................3,072 47 " True Georgia Collards.............................................................3,072 47 " Cucumbers....................................................................................3,072
47 " Livingston Perfection Tomato............................................. 3,072
47 " S. G. Curled Mustard................................................................3,000 94 " Eclipse Beets...............................................................................3,000
94 " Flat Dutch Turnips................................................................... 3,000 94 " Okra............................................................................................... 3,000 94 " Large Cheese Pumpkin............................................................3,000
100 " Jones' Jumbo Melon.................................................................3,200
94 " Netted Nutmeg Melon............................................................ 3,000 15 " Tobacco....................................................................................... 1,200
266 " 7-Top Turnips............................................................................4,256 50 bushels Buckwheat................................................................................ 1,600

Total in two years............................................................................... 74,914

INSPECTION OF OILS.
The remarkable decrease in the last few years in the number of accidents attributable to the use of low grade illuminating oils, must be credited largely to the legislation of 1881, which resulted in the establishment of the present system of Oil Inspection, and the elevation of the standard from 110 degrees fire test, to 120 degrees. It is comparatively rare to hear or read of an accident of this sort, simply because the standard has been raised and the inspection law is more rigidly enforced than ever before.
The Act of 1881 provides that: "The said Inspectors [oil] shall be appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture, one for each

16
county in the State, in which, in his judgment, the quantity of such oils sold renders the presence of an Inspector necessary; Provided, that in those counties in which Inspectors of Fertilizers are appoint ed, they shall be ex-officio Inspectors of Oils, and no other Inspec tors of Oils shall be appointed in said counties." Under the Fer tilizer Inspection Law, the Commissioner is authorized to appoint not exceeding six Inspectors of Fertilizers. These six Inspectors of Fertilizers had been uniformly located, one at each of the principal cities in the State--Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Macon, Bruns wick and Columbus. Under the Oil Inspection law they became at once ex-officio Inspectors of Oils in the counties including these
cities. The course of the oil trade has concentrated the business of selling oils in these larger cities. The result has been that the In spectors of Fertilizers, in the capacity of ex-officio Inspectors of Oils, have inspected by far the greater part of the oils sold in the State, and received a corresponding share of the inspection fees. Having no authority to reduce the fees for inspecting oils, or power to change the course of trade, my only resource was to practically separate the two offices by discontinuing the appointment of Inspec tors of Fertilizers in the counties including the cities just named. The effect of this change has been practically to divert the business of inspecting oils, and the fees arising therefrom, from the Inspect ors of Fertilizers, in the larger cities already named, to the origi nally appointed Oil Inspectors.

17
The following statement shows the number of gallons of oil inspected by each of the Inspectors of Oils in the State, the amount of tees received by each, and the totals for the State, tor each of the years ending respectively September 30, 1887, and September 30, 1888 :

REPORT OF OILS INSPECTED

30, 1887, During the Years ending September

and Sep

tember 30, 1888.

INSPECTION DISTRICT.

SEASON 1886 & '87.

season 1887 & '88.

Atlanta....................................... Savannah................................... Augusta................................... Macon...................................... Columbus................................... Rome........................................... Athens........................................ Dalton...................................... Brunswick............................... Milledgeville........................... Thomasville....................... Albany....................................... Americus.................................... Gainesville...............................
Totals...............................

Gallons.
670,311 650,845 220,250 288,850 236,992
66,211 84,377 35,800 68,934
2,673 300 857 105
1,123

Fees.
$3,725 60 3,413 71 1,229 50 1,633 50 1,263 09 658 46 824 69 221 75 689 34 23 50 3 00 8 50 1 00 11 00

2,327,6281$ 13,707 24

Gallons.
930,365 $ 552,605 287,500 381,100 212,858
54,628 89,610 14,400 65,965 9,965 6,000
3,000 300

Fees.
4,857 03 3,076 58 1,495 00 1,951 00 1,113 76
545 77 895 59
98 00 659 65
98 00 60 00 30 00 3 00

2,608,296'$ 14,883 38

The following shows the total number of gallons of oil inspected and fees received for each year since the present law went into operation. The law went into effect on January 1, 1882:

Total Gallons Oil

Inspected.

Nine months, ending Sept. 30,1882 ........................... 1,039,560

Year ending Sept 30, 1883 .......................................... 1,695,962

""

" 30, 1884

1,762,113

""

" 30, 1885

1,767,020

""

" 30, 1886

2,103,317

""

" 30, 1887

2,327,678

""

" 30, 1888

2,608,296

Total for 6 years and 9 months

13,303,896

Total Fees Received.
$ 6,549 22 10,719 02 11,649 77 10,576 27 12,596 35 13,707 24 14,883 38
$80,691 25

18
PUBLICATIONS.
The usual monthly Crop Reports and Fertilizer bulletins have been issued in about the same numbers as during the two years em braced in my last report, and it is not necessary to make a detailed report of the number and character of each. How to reach a much greater number of the reading farmers of the State with the publi cations of the Department has long been an interesting problem. The means at my command, having due regard to the demands of other features of Department work, have not been sufficient to jus tify the printing of more than eight to ten thousand copies of the Monthly Crop Reports. Moreover, these reports have not been issued excepting for the months from April to October inclusive, adding a " Supplemental Report " at the close of the year. The Fertilizer Bulletins have been limited to from three to four issues, during the active season of inspection, of about ten thousand copies each. My desire has been to devise some plan by which I could issue a monthly nublieation of fifty to one hundred thousand copies, so as to supply at least a majority of the reading farmers of Geor gia with a copy each. To this end I have secured the co-operation of eighty-two of the weekly newspapers of the State in a plan by which the Department will supply each of said papers monthly, with a printed two-page Supplement iu sufficient number to interfold a copy to each county subscriber. By this means the Department will be relieved of the large expense of postage heretofore incurred in sending the Reports in pamphlet form through the mails, as well as the labor of addressing the wrappers. The newspapers named, with one or two exceptions, cheerfully agree to pay the small charges on the packages of Supplements sent to them by express. No postage is required to be paid by newspaper publishers on cop ies of their issues, including Supplements, sent to subscribers within the county of publication. So the only expense entailed on the newspapers entering into this plan, is the express charges on the Supplements, and the simple labor of interfolding the latter with the regular issue of their papers. I have put the plan in operation only tentatively, having printed and distributed about eighty thous and copies of the October Crop Report in the manner indicated. The usual edition as heretofore issued in pamphlet form, as I have already stated, has been from eight to ten tnousand copies, and ha*

19
never iu any instance been greater than sixteen thousand copies. The plan, so far, has worked satisfactorily, and the newspaper pub lishers--many of them--have warmly endorsed and approved the scheme.
My object has been not so much to reduce the amount heretofore expended for printing, as to make it go much farther by reaching a much larger number of farmers. It will doubtless become more and more popular with the weekly papers of the State, especially if the Supplements shall be supplied for each month in the year. The possibilities of the scheme as a means of diffusing useful agricultural knowledge and official information pertaining to fertilizers, etc., among the masses are very great; and I ardently trust that the printing fund of the Department will be increased by an additional appropriation, if the benefits of the new feature shall require such increase.
FISHERIES.
The report of Dr. H. H. Cary, superintendent of fisheries, covers the whole subject, and is here respectfully submitted as a part of my report. I beg to call your attention to the suggestions of the superintendent in regard to the establishment of a shad hatchery and the importance of an appropriation by the General Assembly for that purpose. I heartily concur in ttie views of Dr. Cary, as prescribed in his report. There is no longer any doubt of the practicability of annually stocking our river with artificially hatched shad fry. Indeed it is only by such means that we can expect to increase and perpetuate the supply of this universally popular fish, and thus reduce their cost to within the reach of the masses of the people.
We need only to supply the rivers of the State with a few mil lions of young shad fry every year, and provide by law iov fishways over or around artificial obstructions to the passage of milters and spawners to the headwaters of the rivers, to insure an abundant supply of shad.
I beg also to call your attention to the suggestions contained in Dr. Cary's report in regard to the importance of developing the oyster fisheries of the State. There appears no sufficient reason why Georgia and other southern States should not make an effort to develop this natural food resource.

i
20
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FISHERIES.
State of Georgia, Department op Agriculture. Office of Superintendent of Fisheries.
LaGrange, Ga., October 20, 1888.
Hon. J. T. Henderson, Commissioner of Agriculture:
I herewith submit my 5th Biennial Report, covering the time since my last report dated October 16th, 1886. The same regret is now, as then, ex pressed, that the very limited appropriation at the disposal of the depart ment 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 now is no longer regarded as an experiment, but a safe means of cheapen ing and increasing the food supply. The work of the last few years has demonstrated these facts.
Shad.--The success attending the artificial propagation of shad, during the last decade, has been simply remarkable. Ten years ago no shad were found in any river in this State except those emptying into the Atlantic ocean, but by the artificial methods resorted to they are now found in all the rivers emptying into the Gulf of Mexico, as well as those emptying into the Atlantic. It has been mentioned iu former reports that shad were not found in rivers emptying into the Gulf until artificially planted. During the month of August, 1887, Col. M. McDonald visited Georgia with a view of establishing a central hatching establishment for the purpose of hatch ing shad eggs. Col. McDonald, now United States Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, was then chief of the distribution of the United States Fish Commission. After a careful survey of the country, Atlanta was selected as the site for the hatchery, for the purpose of distribution to the diflerent points in the Southern States ;--as the fact was well established that the eggs, for certain distances, could be more successfully transported than the young fry.
On the 5th day of May, 1888, Mr. J. F. Ellis, of the United States Fish Commission, arrived at Atlanta in charge of one of the cars of the Com mission, bringing a large quantity of shad eggs for hatching. He also had several thousand shad /r^/just hatched. The process of hatching the eggs was at once commenced, using the so-called Artesian water. It was soon found that the vitality of the eggs was being destroyed. Artesian water was then used as a change of water on the young fry previously hatched, and they were all killed, proving that this water, when fresh from the well, will not answer the purpose. It is believed that the sulphuretted hydrogen gas contained in the water was the destructive agent. While this was go ing on Mr. C. F. Page, also of the United States Fish Commission, passed through Atlanta on his way to Washington. Beaming what was transpir ing he secured a jar of the Artesian water and carried it to Washington, where young shad were introduced into it, without apparent evil conse quences. Col. McDonald then directed Mr. Page to return to Atlanta with his car with another lot of eggs and repeat the trial, bringing the jar of

21
Artesian water with the young fish in it (they arriving in good condition.) Mr. Page at once commenced the process of hatching, using the Artesian water; but his practiced eye soon saw the process was not proceeding fa vorably, and anticipating the same result as in the other trial, he changed from Artesian to river water. As a result one million shad eggs were hatched and safely planted in the Chattahoochee River. At the time that the hatching of these eggs was completed an alarm ot fire was sounded and the fire pressure was put on the water. The hatching jars could not stand this increased pressure and were promptly disconnected. When a recon nection was made, in a few minutes, Mr. Page at once declared that an in creased quantity of alum was being used. The result was that the balance of the eggs were destroyed. Quite a quantity of the fry was still in some jars in the car, and upon placing several hundred of them in fresh drawn Artesian water they were killed in a short time. The obvious inference from the above is (1) that tlie Artesian water of Atlanta, when fresh from the well, will destroy shad eggs, but if time be allowed for the sul phuretted hydrogen gas to escape, the water would answer the purpose of hatching; and (2) that the minimum quantity of alum used in the filtering of the city water would also be harmless. It may be here remarked that of all fish eggs, shad eggs are the most easily devitalized by unfavorable conditions. The great importance of these experiments is my excuse for giving them so much in detail.
During the last two years, by the aid of the United States Fish Commis sion, we have been able to plant many millions of shad fry in the rivers of Georgia ; and there is now no difficulty in getting abundance of milters and spawners for the purpose of artificial propagation. And as the artificial propagation of shad is no longer an experiment, the Legislature is res pectfully asked to make an appropriation sufficient to establish a hatchery on a large scale at some point in the State. We should annually plant twenty million of shad fry in the waters of Georgia, and at an expense of one-fourth of one cent to each inhabitant this can be done, and it needs no argument to show that it would be the best possible investment to cheapen the food supply to the people of Georgia.
German Carp.--An increased interest has been felt in the cultivation of this fish since my last report. A large number of ponds had been established in the State previous to November, 1887. During that month a large shipment was sent to Georgia to be planted in the open wacers of the State under the direction of the Governor and the State Fish Commission. His Excellency the Governor, kindly delegated the selection of the waters to be stocked, and the details of the work, to the Fish Commission of the State. Mr. J. F. Ellis, of the United States Fish Commission was the manager in charge of the fish car sent to Atlanta for the work. It was decided to run three lines across the State, striking as many rivers as possible in these places. One line was run from Augusta to Chattanooga, a second from Savannah to Columbus, and a third from Savannah to Chattahoochee, and a branch from the first line, from Atlanta to West Point, so that the Savannah and Chattahoochee Rivers, (both under the jurisdiction of the State of Georgia) as well as every river in the State

22
might receive its quota. From fifteen to eighteen thousand of these young carp were thus planted. In making these plants it became necessary for me to visit a large part of the State; and it was found that carp were already in most of the streams. Many of the badly constructed dams had given way, and the carp had escaped out of the 5,000 ponds scattered all over the State. It was found that carp were being caught with hook and line, of all sizes, from a fryling up to sixteen pounds, and "the universal testimony seemed to be that these wild carp were of excellent table qualities. One gentleman in this county reported to me that in a hole baited for suckers, in one of pur adjacent streams, he had caught, with hook and line, during the winter, one hundred pounds of carp. It is believed that they are adapted for the open waters of the State, and their great fecundity and rapid growth will certainly make them very desirable. Numerous applications are on file in my office for young carp for stocking fish ponds, and as complete drainage is indispensable for the successful culture of this fish in ponds, I will take this occasion to again call attention to a drainage apparatus devised by myself and now used in my ponds, as -well as in many others in this and other States. The great importance of the subject induces me to introduce the cut and description as heretofore published:
The wood cut represents this simple apparatus that is recommended, a is a wooden box running crosswise through the dam, from the lowest point in the kettle, so that it will insure the complete emptying of the pond, made of heart pine plank, being twelve inches wide and two thick, securely nailed together. The upright part, b, is of the same material and size and joins it at right angles, and of sufficient length to extend some distance above the water line. This is made secure to the horizontal portion and it will be a great advantage to give the whole a dressing of coal tar. The side of the upright next to the end is left open and narrow

23
strips are nailed to the uprights on the inside to constitute grooves for the gate pieces, e c c c. d is a strainer of wire, secured in a frame of the same size as the gate pieces c. When it is desired to empty the pond, remove the highest gate piece c and substitute the strainer d. When the water line is lowered to the next gate piece, remove it and substitute the strainer for it, as in the first instance, and so on until the water is drawn down nearly to the collector, then the mud can be removed from the collector, the fish dispersing while this is being done. The water can then be drawn off until the fish are drawn into the collector or kettle, when they can be readily removed with the dip net, when the last gate piece can be taken out and the kettle completely emptied. The only defect is in making the gates tight. If the water supply is abundant this is of no consequence, as the leakage would not allow the small fish to pass out and still might constitute a part of the overflow. But if the water supply is limited this might lower the pond at a time when you could not afford to lose any water. Fortunately this defect can be easily remedied. Prepare a plank of the size of the opening of the box, a, let it be green lumber so that it will not swell; to prevent its being withdrawn pass this down along the side of the uright, 6, so it will include the opening in a, then b can be filled with sawdust for a foot or two, and a little dirt if necessary, which will entirely stop the leakage.
It is hoped that the United States Fish Commission will furnish the State with sufficient young fry to supply all applicants.
Oystjor Culture.--In my last report this subject was alluded to and I beg to reproduce a paragraph from it:
"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 enlarging the powers of the present Fish Commission or by the establishment of a separate Commission hav ing jurisdiction over the matter."
I desire to particularly emphasize this subject, as since the above para graph was written considerable attention has been devoted to oyster cul ture. The plan adopted by some of the northern States that have made oyster culture a success, is something like the following:
A survey is made by the authorities of the State, plats are staked off, and privileges sold to applicants, very much like the lands of the public domain, and protection rendered to the purchasers. This would yield a large revenue to the State, and build up a very profitable industry.
California Salmon.--Some years ago, as stated in my last report, 160,000 small fry were planted in the head-waters of the Savannah River. At the time of this planting doubts were entertained of its success, as this fish spawns in the fall, at which time the waters of the rivers, as they enter the gulf or ocean, are too warm to invite this fish to enter. After careful inquiry I find that none of these fish have returned to the Savan-

24
nah River. Nearly all the Atlantic States have made the same trial and, as the reports of the different Commissions show, with poor success, except in the extreme northern States.
Fish Ways.--As has been stated in this report, shad have been intro duced into all the rivers of the State; and since many of the rivers have obstructions in the way of dams--precluding the possibility of the fish returning to their spawning grounds--the attention of the Legislature is respectfully called to this important subject. Fish ways can be constructed over and around dams, which will afford very efficient means for the pas sage of fish over these obstructions.
I beg leave to state that I have been under great obligations to the lamented Spencer F. Baird, late of the United States Fish Commission; also to his efficient successor, Col. M. McDonald ; and to the railroads of this and some of the adjoining States, for their favors to the Fish Commis sion of Georgia, and to the press for many courtesies.
Thanking you for courtesies extended, in connection with official duties by yourself and the gentlemen in your office, I am, very respectfully,
H. H. CARY, Superintendent.
List of Fish Commissioners and officers revised and corrected, as taken from the "Forest and Stream" up to October 15th, 1888, with the annual appropriations made in each State, and the time of establishing the Commissions:
The Uxited States-- Col. Marshall McDonald, Washington, D. C. Capt. J. W. Collins, Assistant in charge of Fish Division. Richard Rathborn, Assistant in charge of Scientific Inquiry.
Alabama-- . Col. D. R. Hundley, Madison. Hon. Charles S. G. Doster, Prattville. Commissioners first appointed 1881.
Arizona-- J. .1. Gosper, Prescott. Richard Rule, Tombstone. J. H. Taggart, Business Manager, Yuma. $250--Commissioner first appointed April, 1881.
Arkansas-- H. H. Rottaken, President, Little Rock. J. W. Calloway, Little Rock. W. B. Worthen, Little Rock. Commissioners first appointed January 25, 1876.
California-- Joseph Routier, President, Sacramento. J. Downie Harvey, Los Angeles. $5,000--Commissioners first appointed April 25, 1870.
Dominion of Canada-- John Tilton, Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Ottawa, Ont.
Province of New Brunswick-- W. H. Venning, Inspector of Fisheries, St. John.

25
Province of Nova Scotia-- W. H. Rogers, Inspector, Amherst. A. C. Bertram, Assistant Inspector, North Sydney.
Province of Prince Edward Island J. H. Duvar, Inspector, AJberton.
PE0WNWake^m,Rector Lower St. Lawrence and Gnh Division,
Gaspe Basin. Province of British Columbia--
Thomas Mowat, Inspector, New Westminster. Province of Manitoba and North West Territorie
Alexander McQueen, Inspector, Winnipeg, S. Wilmot, Supt. of Fisbculture, New Castle, Ont.
^Colorado-- G. F. Whitehead, Denver-. $3,250--Commissioner first appointed February 7, 1887.
Connecticut-- Wm. M. Hudson, Hartford. Robert G. Pike, Middletown. James A. Bill, Lyme. $5,000--Commissioners first appointed September 11, 1886.
Delaware-- Charles Schubert, Odessa.
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 Commissioners.) $500--By Legislative Act 1876, February 29.
Illinois-- N. K. Fairbank, President, Chicago. S. P. Bartlett, Secretary, Quincy. Maj. George Breuning, Centralia. $2,500--Commissioners first appointed May 20, 1875.
Indiana-- Enos B. Reed, Indianapolis. $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. $1,000--Commissioner first appointed March 10, 1877.
Kentucky-- Wm. Griffith, President, Louisville. P. H. Darby, Princeton. John B. Walker, Madisonville. Hon. C. J. Walter , Munfordville. Hon. John A. Steele, Midway. W. C. Price, Danville. Hon. J. M. Chambers, Independence, Kenton county. A. H. Goble, Catlettsburg. J. H. Mallory, Bowling Green. $2,500--Commissioners first appointed January 1, 1867.

26

Maine--

E. M. fetilwell, Bangor,

\ Commissioners of Fish and Game.

Henry O. Stanley, Dixfleld, J

_,

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

eries.

$5,000--Commissioners first appointed January 1, 1867.

Maryland--
G. W. Delawder, Oakland. Dr. E. W. Humphries, Salisbnry. $10,000--Commissioners first appointed April, 1874.

Massachusetts--
E. A. Brackett, Winchester. F. 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. George D. Massey, Secretary, Detroit. Wm. O. Butler, Jr., Detroit. $7,500--Commissioners first appointed April 25, 1873.
Minnesota-- Wm. Bird, Fairmount. Niles Carpenter, Rush ford. Robert Ormsby Sweeney, President, St. Paul. S. S. Watkins. Supt., Willow Brook, St. Paul.

Missouri-- H. M. Garlichs, Chairman, St. Joseph. J. L. Smith, Jefferson City. H. C. Wert, St. Louis. A. P. Campbell, Secretary, St. Joseph. Superintendents: Philip Cufiin, Jr., St. Louis; Elias Cottrell, St. Joseph.
Nebraska-- Wm. L. May, Fremont. R. R. Livingston, Plattsmouth. B. E. Kennedy, Omaha. M. E. O'Brien, Supt., South Bend.
Nevada-- W. M. Cary, Carson City. $1,000--Commissioner first appointed August 30, 1866.
New Hampshire-- George W. Riddle, Manchester. Elliott B. Hodge, Plymouth. John H. Kimball, Marlborough. Superintendent E. B. Hodge, Plymouth. $1,000--Commissioners first appointed August 30, 1866.
New Jersey-- J. R. Elkin, Pennsgrove. William Wright, Newark. F. M. Ward, Newton. $1,000--Commissioners first appointed March 29, 1870.

27

New York--
C. G. Blackford, President, New York. Gen. R. u. Sherman, New Hartford.
Wm. H. Bowman, Rochester. A. S. Joline, Tottenville. E. G. Blackford, Shellfish Commissioner. Tr , ,, Superintendents: Fred Mather, Cold Spring Harbor; Monroe A.
Green, Mumford : James A. Marks, Bloomingdale $15,000--Commissioners first appointed April 22, 1868.

North Carolina-- Wm. J. Griffin, Chairman, Elizabeth City. J. B. Watson, Englehard. Wm. T. Caho, Bayboro.
Ohio-- Hon. C. V. Osborn, President, Dayton. John Ho for, Bellaire. A. C. Williams, Secretary, Chagrin Falls. John H. Lair, Cincinnati. E. D. Potter, Toledo. $5,000--Commissioners first appointed May 3, 1873.

Oregon--
F. C. Reed, President, Clackamas. E. P. Thompson, Portland. R. C. Campbell, Ranier.

Pennsylvania--
Henry C. Ford, President, 524 Walnut street, Philadelphia. James V. Long, 75 Fifth avenue, Pittsburg. H. C. Demuth, Secretary, Lancaster. S. B. Stilwell, Scranton. A. S. Dickson, Meadville. XV. L. Powell, Harrisburg. Superintendents: John P. Creveling, Allentown ; William Butler,
(Jorry. $7,500--Commissioners first appointed April 16, 1866.

Rhode Island-- John H. Barden, Rockland. Wm. P. Morton, Johnson. Henry T. Root, Providence. $7,500--Commissioners first appointed in 1868.

South Carolina--
Hon. A. P. Butler, Columbia. Supt. of 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.

Utah-- A. Milton Musscr, Salt Lake City.

Vermont--

Hon. Herbert Brainerd, St. Albans.

.

$1,000--Commissioners first appointed in 1865.

28
VlEGINIA-- Dr. J. T. Wilkins, Bridgetown. $2,500--Commissioner first appointed April, 1874.
Washington Tebkitoby-- Albert T. Stream, North Cove, Pacific county. Commissioner first appointed November 9, 1877.
West Virginia-- C. S. White, President, Romney. F. J. Baxter, Treasurer, Sutton. James H. Miller, Secretary, Hinton. $500--Commissioners first appointed January 1, 1877.
Wisconsin-^ The Governor, ex-officio. Philo Dunning, President, Madison. C. L. Valentine, Secretary and Treasurer, Janesville. Mark Douglas, Melrose. A. V. H. Carpenter, Milwaukee. Calvert Spensley, Mineral Point. E. S. Miner, Sturgeon Bay. James Nevin, Superintendent, Madison. $7000--Commissioners first appointed March 20, 1874.
Wyoming Territory-- Louis Miller, Laramie. $750--Commissioner first appointed in 1879.
Dakota, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi and New Mexico have no fish commissioners.

29
GENERAL VIEW.
My intimate relations with the farmers of the State and the con dition of our agriculture enable me to say with confidence, that there are unmistakable evidences of continued improvement and progress towards independence and a condition of contentment and prosperity. It were idle to claim, unqualifiedly, that the farmers of Georgia are in a prosperous condition. It is gratifying to know that there is a steady improvement, however, that will evidently result in an assured and permanently prosperous condition. For one, I have never anticipated a rapid revival of agriculture in the South. The progress and results of the civil war gave such a shock to our labor system as has rarely been experienced by the productive industries of any age or country.
Under all the circumstances the progress made in the recupera tion of our farming interests has been wonderful, rather than other wise.
Our farmers are slowly but surely adopting a more rational sys tem of agriculture; they have recovered from the dream of sudden recuperation by the production of cotton; they are ceasing to plant and are learning to farm.
The average farmer of to-day is unquestionably better informed in regard to the principle of the science of agriculture than was the average planter of thirty years ago.
It is true that the tendency of the best intellect and enterprise of the day is to engage in manufacturing enterprizes, railroad develop ment, the learned professions. Capital follows intellect, and seeks investment in the same channels. In the last analysis the burdens of taxation--State and National--fall upon and must be borne by the agriculture of the country. In the midst of these and other embarrassments the farmers are struggling manfully and hopefully for success. They are not only improving in the methods and details of farm economy, but by intelligent co-operation among themselves they are striving to resist unjust exactions and unrea sonable rates of interest, and at the same time to take an intelli

30
gent part in shaping the legislation of the country so that there may be a more equitable division of the results of industry, and a more equal distribution of the burdens of taxation.
There is no doubt of the fact that the farmers themselves are largely to blame. They have not been simply unfortunate; they have made mistakes and have followed after a delusion. But they are becoming alive to this fact while striving to rid themselves of the burdens imposed by other hands, and I confidently predict that the next period of ten years will show a marked improvement in all that pertains to the rural industries of the State. The immense strides made in the development of our manufactures, mines, rail roads, etc., cannot fail to exert a reflex influence for the develop ment of our agriculture.
IN CONCLUSION,
I desire to express my high appreciation of the efforts and labors of the officers and employes of the Department, to whose industry and efficiency the people of Georgia are largely indebted for the measure of success that has been attained in the administration of this office.
In this expression of appreciation and gratitude I include the corps of correspondents and crop reporters throughout the State.
Finally, I wish to thank you, Governor, for the active interest you have constantly manifested in the work of this Department, and for your earnest and sympathizing co-operation in my effort to promote the prosperity and happiness of the farmers of Georgia. I have never appealed to you in vain for advice and assistance in the discharge of the onerous and, at times, perplexing duties of my office.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
J. T. HENDERSON,
Commissioner of Agriculture.