THE PIEDMONT REGION. 153 



An increase of ten per cent, of the proportion of farms over fifty acres 

 increases the values produced by five per cent. 



An increase of ten per cent, of the proportion of farms rented increases 

 the values produced by one-half per cent. 



An increase of the proportion of colored population increases the values 

 produced three and one-third per cent. 



Such conclusions are liable to material modifications, when viewed in 

 relation Avith the numerous conditions that complicate such a problem. 

 For instance, the increase in the colored population does not necessarily 

 show that the proportion of colored farm labor is increased in the same 

 ratio ; a fact which will be observed by reference to the reports of town- 

 ship correspondents. Nevertheless, if these facts only show in which di- 

 rection the answer lies, it follows that these answers are opposed to the 

 generally received teachings and theories on these questions, and at the 

 same time that these answers are in accord with the persistent and pre- 

 vailing practice of those whose decision is paramount in the matter — the 

 land owners and the laborers. 



SYSTEM OF FARMING AND LABOR. 



The larger portion of the lands are held in tracts of from two hundred 

 to five hundred acres. On three-fourths of the farms mixed husbandry 

 is practiced, and on the remaining fourth attention is bestowed almost ex- 

 clusively on cotton. 



The attempt to raise farm supplies is, therefore, pretty general, and is 

 reported as increasing, except in Laurens, where it remains the same, and 

 in Abbeville, where it is decreasing. Usually this attempt is in so far 

 successful as to provide a considerable portion of the subsistence for farm 

 hands and stock. Bacon is largely imported from the North and West, 

 and sometimes, hay and corn also, for farm use. In two instances these 

 supplies are reported as brought from North Carolina. The amount of 

 provisions raised for sale is everywhere inconsiderable. The facilities 

 offered by railroads have largely contributed to this. For instance, in 

 Chester the country mills, which were formerly numerous and flourishing, 

 have been to a large extent abandoned, since it has been found easier to 

 get meal by rail each week as required, from the Merchant Mills in Au- 

 gusta, Georgia ; and there is an increasing tendency, under the low rates 

 of through fares to supersede the Augusta mills by the product of the 

 northwestern mills. 



The system of credits and advances prevails to a large extent, con- 

 suming from one-third to three-fifths of the crop before it is harvested. 

 The statement is general tliat this is on the decrease, and is correct in so 



