Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-02-12
LETTER FROM BERRIEN COUNTY
The Farmers Blue over Work De-
IaYed-The OdOrIferOus March of
GuanO-A Quiet "CIty''- EseTrien
as a Truck Farming SectIOn-What
Is Needed 70 Develop the Industry.

ALAPAHA, GA, February 1O.-Editor Morn
ing Netos: An indigo look still mantles the
farmers brow. and not without ample cause.
All farm work has been badly delayed by the
unprecedented weather we have experienced
during the present winter, and not few old
"seers'' already predict tight times ahead
as a result thereof. CrOaking. however, will
not mend matters.
Guano has begun its march to the country,
and there viii be a considerable quantity of IL
used in Berrien this year Those who used it
last year seem well pleased with the result,
and viii no doubt use a larger quantity than
ever before.
Our scity" has been remarkably quiet for
several weeks. No fights no very bad drunks.
and no excitement of any kind. think this is
very hard on the newspaper fraternity, as II
abridges their volume Of weekly hash; but.
then. & man need not expect to have everything
conform to his wishes on this mundane sphere.
Having received letters from gentlemen in
some OF the Northern States making inquiries
as TO whether Berrien was adapted to truck
farming, etc. take this method or giving all
the information upon the subject now at my
command. / propose, however, to throw such
light upon this industry as may, from time 10
time, become in possession OF, deeming it one
OF vast Importance to our people, opening up,
as It undoubtedly will, source or revenue
compared to which that obtained by the pro
duction of cotton is a mere cypher. 1t
is my firm belief that this section can
never become sOlfdly prosperous until we
adopt diversified farming chief among which
is that OF growing such articles for consump-
tion as find ready sale at remuneratlye prices
North, and which our climate gives us advan-
tages in growing not possessed in superior
degree by many portions OF Florida, and by
none in Georgia.
With these natural advantages Of soil and
climate, ] do not hesitate to recommend our
section to intendent truck farmers as being
well adapted to that business.
Now aS to soil and climate. Our lands are
for the most part Of a grayish color, with
white clay subsoil, and susceptible OF very
high fertilization. Some OF our farmers nave
made as high as seventy five bushels OF corn
per acre, and that, too, with severe drought
in ''silking" season, and know OF several who
have mad seven hundred pounds lint cotton
per acre. This shows what may be done by
the proper use Of fertilizers
Our winters are mostly very mild, and OF
short duration. Hardy vegetables may be
grown throughout the winter and many ten
der plants. bv a little care in sheltering, may
also be grown throughout that season. Toma-
toes ripened here until the 4th OF December
Land suitable for truck farming can be pur-
| chased at 81 per acre and upwards, according
to locality and improvements. It will pay best
| to purchase the land. Labor, white or black,
! can be obtained at from SS TO Sl2 per month
and rations. Day labor can be obtained at
| about fifty cents per day and board
The time for planting viii, OF course, vary
with the seasons-some winters being shorter
/ four winters out Of five all kinds
o, vegetables may be planted as early as the
middle of February. This viii enable truck
| farmers to get their produce to the Northern
/ markets 10 time to command fancy prices.
TRANSPORTATION facilities are ample, the
Brunswick and Albany Railroad running daily
| trains connecting us with steamers at the port
/ of Brunswick, or with steamers at Savannah
via the Savannah Florida and Western Rail
way. which ply regulal lY bssween that place
l and Northern ports.
All we need to develop this industry is men
/ OF energy, experience and small capital. That
| handsome profits can be realized from it, is al
| most an assured fact. The great trouble with
/ our people is, that they know nothing about
| the business and are not disposed TO make the
| venture; but once the 'ice is broken" many OF
our citizens, who have been "skimming' over
| 6fty or a hundred acres and thereby barely
| Keeping body and soul together. will learn thai
/ there is money in tilling less number OF acres
| and tilling them well, and they Will gradually
/ fan into line and march onward with the
most progressive OF their neighbors.
We have the soil, the climate and the labor
/ Nov we need men to utilize them, and such
men will soon be forthcoming, or have not
'0@1 :. H.W.J.