The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1901-01-22
Will REAP VOTES
Representatives In Congress Sowing
Seeds In Ohio.
real HUMOR OF The DISTRIBUTION.
Farmers Who Receive the Little
Packages Appreciate Gener-
Osity of Their Congressman.

"Sow seed and raise votes is the
frank remark of the willy politician who
voted for the 60h per cent increase in
the appropriation for the distribution OF
garden seed under the agricultural de-
partment. Though the measure was
laughed at by the members from city
districts, the appropriation reached the
magnificent sum of $4,000, Sl50,OOO of
which goes toward the distribution of
seed among the farmer constituents OF
representatives from the rural districts
1t was a heroic victory-from few
sparse papers of common seed, that
were more apt to raise strife than vege-
tables, to a scientific way of handling
the matter so that nearly every farmer
of the country will get choice collec-
tion of well-assorted and scientifically
Tested seed.
The real humor of the distribution, as
Il was formerly conducted, struck Sec
retary Wilson about three years ago,
md so long as it was duty that devol-
we'd upon the department of Agricul-
ture, he went about making 1t scien-
tific success in the way of an object
lesson to the farmer with the most
marked result for the best. 1t is the
NeTulCt Oh nearly every UOueSl IlltlllbtI
of congress that this distribution is the
strongest political card that he has to
play. and while little stress is laid by
the farmer upon the measely package of
seed scarcely big enough to plant a
kitchen garden, he appreciates the per-
sonal attention of very busy man, and
it wins with him every time. While the
big contract is let to outside parties the
entire work is under the direct SUPER
vision of government experts. and the
farmer who receives seed for this
springs planting can depend upon the
variety being true to name, sure to
germinate and free from rubbish and
foreign seeds. Formerly he was likely
10 raise a patch of good old-fashioned
weeds from the paper labeled lettuce"
Secretary Wilson's reward came last
year In having personal letters from
nearly 1000 farmers all over the
country, giving him credit for the i'm
provement on the quality, along with
many useful accounts of the growth
Of various varities in their climates.
The contract for this stupendous dis
tribution was let to the New York Gar
deners' association, and calls for about
1880, 900 packets of seed for vegetable,
flowers lawns grass and tobacco, while
only 23,2O0 quarts of cottonseed are call
ed for on account of climatic influence
Most of the seed for small vegetables
come from southern California, and are
shipped to Washington by the carload.
The bags are taken directly to the plant
of the contractors, where samples Of
seed are taken for tests by the con-
ha
AS the government is encouraging the
raising of beets in all parts of the
country, especial attention is paid to
the yarities of this vegetable, and the
present distribution contains six of the
choicest, namely, the Egyptian, a fam
fly not well known in this country; the
eclipse Bastians red turnip, Dewngs
blood turnip. early Edmand, and the
long, dark blood beet. Some of these
varities can be grown in warm climates
and are not at all applicable to colder,
shorter seasons, while others can be
generally grown with much success.
1t Is the report of the farmer follow
ing the planting that furnishes the de-
partment with its best experience for
next years distribution. So little care
was formerly given to the distribution
that it was hard to determine whether
the poor seed or unfavorable climate
was to blame for the appearance of
a growth.
There are 1864 900 packets of beets to
be sent out, the same number of cucum-
bers, lettuce, muskmelon and water
melon, while of onions and radish there
will be 1,72S,00O, and 100000 packets of
peas, beans and corn. In addition TO
this there are 20 varities of garden
flowers, embracing those that can be
grown either in Florida or Alaska. Each
representative can choose the variety of
vegetables and other seed sent to his
constituents, and though he receives
only 10000 franks by the agricultural
department, he not infrequently makes
a trade with the members from city