The Charlotte Democrat

AGRICULTURAL

Diversified Industry.

It seems like the reiteration of a truism, to speak of the necessity of diversified industry to give real prosperity to a State or a country. Yet, our people do not seem fully to realize the truth, or, realizing it, do not act upon it. Agriculture is the basis of all the other industries, but a basis is nothing without a superstructure. We must have the mechanical trades, manufactories and commerce, to furnish us with the necessary supplies of implements, machines, utensils, clothing, &c. These, in their turn, make a home market for our cotton, our wool and our grain, and give enhanced value to our real estate. It is, then, as clearly the farmer's interest to encourage these industries as it is to promote the welfare of his own special business, since in promoting the one he helps the other. We want now, particularly, cotton mills and manufactories of agricultural implements, and we must continue to agitate the question of manufacturing till we get them. We are glad to see an awakening on this subject in all parts of the South, and we look forward with hope of brighter days and renewed prosperity as results.

We require not merely diversified industry, in the general sense in which we have spoken of it, but in our own branch of business—diversified agriculture. Why are the farmers of the middle, and especially the northern parts of the Carolinas and of the South generally, more prosperous to-day than those of the low country? Mainly, we think, because they are pursuing a wiser policy in regard to diversity of crops. They plant more largely the provision crops, especially small grain, grow clover and the grasses, raise a few sheep, and give more attention to stock generally. Their eggs are not all in one basket, and whatever may happen in the cotton crop or the cotton market, they are sure of something to fall back on, and their families and their stock are ensured against want. If cotton does well and brings a good price, they see the color of the money, (or a part of it,) which it brings. We have never discouraged cotton planting in the South, but we have felt it a duty to protest against the ruinous "all cotton" system, and we expect to continue to do so.—Rural Carolinian.