The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-03-09

An inquirer asks about this plant. We
quote the following from the Farm and
Fruit Grower in reference to the Gus
tom: fsIf 49,
This is a comparatively new plant in
the commercial world II is a native of
the arid regions of Arizona and New Mex
leo, where 1t was found in a natural
state, and where its value as a source
of fannie acid was first discovered. The
first shipments for the purpose of tanning
was wild roots. The demand was found
to be so great, and the profits to the
diggers so large, that there was danger
of determination of the plant. Then some
far-sighted men undertook the cultivation
of the plant. Among these was Mr. Kerr,
who now has extensive plantations in
New Mexico. Old Mexico, Arizona and
Texas.
1t responds readily to cultivation, the
root attaining twice to four times the
size and weight of those found in wild
condition. Analysis shows the root to
contain 20 to 30 per cent. of fannie acid,
and 1t is easily extracted and rendered
available for use
In the experiments conducted in the
west it seems TO thrive best in a sandy,
friable soil 1t is in such land that the
roots attain the largest size, and thus
far it seems to do best in poor lands.
A year or two ago Mr.. Kerr sent small
quantities of the root to different portions
of this state to have 1t tested. The re-
suit was so satisfactory that ne visited
Florida in October last, and while here
arranged with Mr.. Gore for planting on
a somewhat extensive scale. Preparations
have been quietly conducted Tor some
he now has fifty acres of land prepared
for immediate planting. The work will
begin to-day, and will be pushed with all
possible dispatch, as the season is al
ready well advanced. 1t is winter grow
ing plant, making its growth from No
Vember to April, when the top dies of,
and if not dug the roots remain dormant
through the summer. 1t grows and thrives
through the frosts and winters of New
Mexico and Arizona, and therefore Will
never find cold enough in Florida TO
iniure it. Mr. l.. c. Smith, winter resi-
dent of Florida, obtained a small quantity
of seed root a year ago, which he plant
ed 1t is now making strong and Wig
orolls growth and he is Is so well pleased
with il that he is preparing to plant two
or three acres at once. Mr.. Smith Is a
practical tanner, and has tested the acid.
He believes that it is destined to sup
plant oak and hemlock bark as a source
of tannin for the use of the leather
makers.
ue to farmers of Florida who are looking
for a reliable money crop. Prof A. b.
Blount of the college of agriculture, New
Mexico gives the yield under cultivation
at ten tons per acre; and the October
number of the New York Leather Manu-
facturer gives the value of the green root
at Sc per ton. This sliced and dried root
sells readily in Glasgow. Scotland at $40
per ton. The demand is practically unlim-
The root will be planted a mile or two
south of town partly in young orange
groves that were cut off by last winter S
cold, ana partly on vacant land. In the
young groves the plants win be put out in
rows between the rows of trees. The plant
somewhat resembles rhubarb or pie plant,
but somewhat smaller and there is moth
ing about it to remain in the ground to in
terfere with subsequent cultivation. Mr..
Gore now has a green plant with the roots
attached. in his office. which can be seen
by those who care 10 examine it.
If this experiment of Mr.. Kerr's proves
successful, it is his purpose to plant on a
far larger scale next year, as well as 10
supply Florida farmers with seed root TO
AZ