The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1902-06-12
WINTER FARMING NEW.
SCIENCE SETS AT DEFIANCE AL
LAWS OF SEASONS.


The Demand for Farm Products In Win
ter iesponslble for the Expansion OF
This Industry Hothouss Fruits and
Vegetables Multiply in Quantity.
The idea prevalent in some quarters
that agriculture has not kept abreast
Of modern industrial developments is
so far from the actual truth that occa-
sionally the public is surprised by re-
pol is which indicate change and rev.
olution in methods and result OF a
most phenomenal character. In moth
ing has our agriculture changed more
decidedly in recent years, however.
than in the seasons of production.
Science has deliberately set at def
ance all the laws which govern the sea-
sons of growth, and in the conflict it
has proved a great triumph for man.
Winter farming has become in the PAST
decade an industry more profitable and
successful than ordinary summer gar
dening or farming.
The demand for farm products in
winter, when most Of them are scarce
and difficult tC secure, has been re-
sponsible for the growth and expansion
of winter farming. To-day this indus
try is of national Importance, and aids
our country Lands that were former
ly considered almost worthless have at
tanned through this Industry consider
able value, and farmers wDo we're dis
appointed at the outlook Of their pro-
fession have suddenly discovered new
means of reaping financial rewards for
their labor and genius. Instead of fol-
lowing in the old ruts in vogue fifty
years ago, they have branched out in
entirely new lines to develop an indus
try that is as fascinating as it Is pro-
fitable.
Naturally one thinks first of truck
gardening, either under glass in the
North in winter or along the belt Of
Southern States, when this subject is
broached; but winter farming is not by
any means confined to even this field.
Winter dairying has become in the last
five years ono Of the most profitable
sources IF farming, and it is pursued
by the most progressive dairymen OF
the country with great success. BY
means Of the silo, succulent food is
stored away for winter feeding that
produces almost as fine milk and cream
as the June grass. The milk and
cream in winter time are worth so
much more than in summer that the
dairymen find it profitable to provide
good winter quarters for the best COWS
and to feed them with the best food.
The poultry farmer has likewise
changed his methods, and by means Of
the incubator and brooder winter and
spring hroilers are produced to-day in
enormous quantities for our tables.
Winter poultry is to-day about the on
ly product of the chicken farm that
actually pays good profit. The high
prices obtained for spring chickens and
brojlers out OF season have caused
complete changes in this industry.
Those who depend upon the eggs for
their profits are endeavoring to induce
the hens to change their season of lay
inG. SO that winter eggs will be had in
abundance. Extensive experiments in
winter feeding and winter breeding in
glass-coyered houses have produced re-
suits which encourage the poultrymen
to believe that eventually breeds OF
hens will in time he reared which will
lay their eggs in winter instead of sum-
mer. At present the results obtained
are not entirely satisfactory.
Hothouse lambs have become i'm
pcrtant parts of our winterd diet Of
recent years. and breeders have estab-
lished enormous houses where these
delicate animals can be reared and
fattened through the coolest of our
winter weather. The work is profit
able, and the breeders are increasing
the industry each year. Hothouse
lambs are delicacies out Of season at
present, but in the future they may
become an ordinary part of our reSu-
lar winter diet.
Hothouse fruits and vegetables null
tiply IN quantity and quality every
year. The industry is expanding so
rapidly that the annual winter supplies
of these delicacies ale running up into
thousands of tons. Around Boston
there are several hundred acres of land
covered with glass where fruits and
vegetables are raised for the winter
markets. Jersey ard Long Island are
also centers of this industry, and hun
dreds of acres are now under cultiva-
ton right through.the winter. These
hothouse products bring high prices
all through the winter, and from two to
four crops are raised annually on the
same land. In the spring when the
weather grows warm, the glass sashes
are removed, and the plants for the
summer markets are raised as easily
if the land had not been producing all
winter. When the cold autumn frosts
come, the glass sashes protect the new
crop that has been planted for the
Christmas holiday seasons. Then
when these winter products are har-
vested, seeds for an early spring crop
are sown. and by the time Easter is
here fresh vegetables ar again ready
for picking.
The truck products raised under glass
in winter receive the most modern in
tensive culture. The soil is Of the
richest, we'll heated by steam pipes,
moistened properly, and sometimes lit
artiicially at night time by arc lights.
The electric light tenGs to stimulate
the growth of certain vegetables, and
the season of maturity is thus rapidly
hastened. The profits from this busi-
ness often run from Sc to sc percent