Evening star., 1902-02-17
The Experimental Farm at Arlington.
TT Editor Of The Evening Star.


The starting Of the experimental farm on
the 400 acres Of the low land of the Arlng-
ton estate, just across the Potomac river,
opposite Washington is regarded as one OF
the most appropriate and beneficial public
works around the national capital. This
land Is in full view of Washington city,
and is only about one and a half miles west
Of the Agricultural Department and is
the eastern and unused portion of the large
estate Of LIS acres that was purchased
by the United States from the heirs of Gen.
Robert E. Lee after the civil war. Only
about 200 acres Of this large estate are
used for the national cemetery at Airing
ton and about 100 acres are used for the
military post at Fort Myer. Taking the
aforementioned 800 acres from the 1,115
acres leaves S75 acres Of this historic and
once beautiful tract Of land and southern
home, running into gullies and growing up
In bushes and briars. The government
could have done no wiser or better act than
to have turned 400 acres Of this unused and
wasting but fertile land into United
States experimental farm, 80 near the ma
tion's capital that it's beauty can be seen
by every agriculturist well as every one
else who visits the national capital.
A large experimental farm here, kept In
the finest order. where fruits, grain and
vegetables. under the skillful hands and
care of the Agricultural department Of
the United States could be grown to
the highest state OF perfection, would
be great public benefit to the ma
tion at large. 1t would tend to inspire the
agriculturists Of our nation We are often
told that In agriculture lies the strength
and power Of our country. If this be SO,
the government should then surely will
ingly apply something Of Its great revenues
to the oncoura cement of agriculture and
the thousands of young men now engaged
in that time-honored industry.
Two years ago a portion or this estate
about 400 acres, was by act Of Congress set
apart for the use Of the Agricultural De-
partment under the care and custody of
the Secretary Of Agriculture, but only a
small and meager amount OF money, $4,000.
was appropriated to put this land in con-
dition. or to carry out the plans necessary
to establish a first-class experimental farm.
Nevertheless Secretary Wilson took up the
matter with commendable Judgment and
great energy and enthusiasm saying that
.'if Congress would appropriate to his de-
partment the money necessary. he would
make those dreary lowlands of Arlington
blossom like rose. and ornament to
the national capital.
Secretary Wilson has filed up the large
gullies. bitches and improved this land as
far as the small appropriation for the pur-
pose would go, but as it is necessary to
construct houses there, to further improve
the land and make this experimental farm
a success and a great example for the good
OF the nation, generous appropriation of
at least one hundred thousand dollars
should be made -for this grand purpose.
The Arlington estate will soon be connect
ed by a grand bridge with the national
capital. and then this historic Arlington
estate will become continuation of the
magnificent parking system that has been
so recently proposed for the beautifying Of
Washington city. and what would be more
healthful or beautiful than to have, at the
western extremity of this proposed park a
grand national experimental garden and
farm, where the products of agriculture
would be seen in a state of the highest
cultivation and perfection. I pray that
Congress may give this subject the careful
and favorable consideration that it de-
serves. JAMES E. CLEMENTS