The age-herald., 1901-07-28
HE GREAT SOUTHERN RAILWAY SYSTEM AND ITS
 MOST WONDERFUL GROWTH IN THE LAST FEW YEARS

of the last five years. The largest center of the peach industry at this time IS Fruftdale, on the Mobile and Ohio Rail- road, but the section of country which is adapted to the industry seems to extend over quite large area of the State. The peaches of Alabama are ready for mar ket early, are of fine size and quality and command the highest prices, making the industry one of the most profitable lines of farming in the State.
 Grass and Forage Crops.
 Native grasses grow over very large portions of the State of Alabama. For many years, however. the hay consumed in the State came largely from other States. Within the last few years many farmers have devoted their land to hay and have found 1t one of the most prof itable crops they can raise. Some varte- ties give as many as three crops in a sea- son. aggregating as high as four or five tons to the acre, and worth from $10 to s15 ton. In the rich limestone lands of the State the crop is exceptionally thrifty and profitable. There are good openings for raisers of live stock and dairymen, and 1t is stated that Birmingham and other Southern cities now require the fin est quality of beef cattle, and that the local supply Is not equal to the demand. These cities are also good markets for dairy products. The special/ advantages outside of the market are the cheap lands, well supplied with running water, and adapted to the raising grass and other crops necessary for the production of f1rst-class- cattle.
 Vegetables and Produce.
 For many years the farmers of Ala bama, as of other Southern States, have given their attention almost exclusively to cotton. buying the necessary supplies for the household from other States When cotton sold at high price they were able to do this, but of late years when the price of cotton was low, many found it more profitable to raise their veg etables and other crops, consequently the production of these crops has made enough of a beginning in Alabama to prove that truck farming, dairying and poultry raising are very successful lines of farming in the State. From some sec- tions considerable truck is shipped to the larger home cities and to Northern and other markets. Vegetables can be raised In portions of Alabama nearly the entire year. There is need at the present time of more growers of vegetables and rais- CTS of poultry near several of the grow ing cities. manufacturing and commercial centers of the State. There is money in Alabama in raising vegetables, poultry, eggs, etc. Lands near large cities can be purchased at very low rates, and under intensive cultivation they will produce several crops in a season.
 Northern immigration.
 For several years people from the North have been attracted to the South. Many of them have gone to Alabama. They have found the climate mild and health full, lands have been cheap, and in many portions of the State Northern farmers have improved them to such an extent as to double and quadruple their value. This immigration has also tended to certain extent to diversity the crops It has also brought new ideas. and in numerous in- stances built up prosperous and growing communities.
 Openings for Settlers.
 The State of Alabama has room for sev- eral thousand new settlers There are many thousands of acres of undeveloped farm lands which are in as healthful To- calities and will produce just as bounti- ul crops as any farms now settled in the State. Lands can be purchased anywhere from $1 to s25 and $3O acre, the price depending upon improvements, distance from railroad etc. New settlers are want ssessessssssseesseessssssssess