davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1903-12-22

clay subsoil that can be reached By
the plow to ameliorate the surface
or even when out of reach of the
plow to serve as an arresting force
to retain moisture and plant food
Now, having land that is called
"worn-out" on our red clay and the
soil scientists tell US that it shows
Just as much soluble plant food IL
it as land right alongside that has
been well worked and we'll treated
and is productive, while no treatment
at present seems to avail to make
it produce good crops, we want tc
find the reason. You will see on 6
very casual examination that the
productive land of the same natura
character is darker in color, is more
mellow and less inclined to bake anC
dry out.
In dry time you can stir up mois.
ture in it with. the toe of your shoe
while on your worn-out land you can
hardly stir it at all when dry. What
makes the difference in these two
felds9 Simply the difference in
humus or vegetable decay. This has
all been burnt out of the worn-out
land, and while laboratory solution
of the two soils will show the same
average amount of soluble plant food
the worn-out land has not moisture
enough to make the solution natural
ly, and hence cannot deliver food to
the plant roots. The very first thing
then to be done in its improvement
is to get this misunderstanding
humus back into the soil. It will be
unproductive even of the crops that
will do this.
You may SOW peas on it and the
drought will make them a very poor
crop, for you will find that with the
burning out of the humus the mi
crobes in the soil that breathe the
nitrogen. from the air have been
starved out and no nodules form on
the pea roots. Men say that such a
soil is too poor to grow clover, and
it is true that clover will not thrive
there for the same reason that the
peas do so poorly. On such soil
the thoughtless cotton farmer, or
rather cotton planter, will dribble a
little complete fertilizer in the fur
row, and if the weather is favor
able may. get some increase in the
crop, but far from what even the
same little application would give on
the better field. It has been shown
that if the peas can get plenty of
the mineral elements of plant food
they will get the nitrogen for you if
the soil is inoculated with the mi
crobes that live on their roots and
enable them to do this. Scatter
little soil from a field where peas do
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1903-12-22

the condition of larger areas in the
South. But to say no soil original.
ly poor or unproductive cannot be
made permanently fertile and pro.
ductive is hardly true. There are
thousands of acres in the South
which, when first cleared, were in an
unprOductive condition, by reason OF
a lack of humus. The red clay up
lands of the South have naturally
less huInus than similar lands in the
North, for in our open woodlands
the leaves are blown away to the hol-
lows and bottoms in winter, while in
the North they are packed down by
snow and held to rot where they fell
and thus a larger amount of humus
or vegetable decay is found there
But when these are stored with hu-
mus-making matter they rapidly in
crease in productiveness because of
their improved mechanical condition.
/ once remarked to a friend, a good
farmer in an improving section that
I thought a certain field of corn was
poor for a piece of new ground.
Newly cleared land here" he said,
"is the poorest land we have, and we
never expect it to do well till we
have handled it a few years and got
some clover or peas on it."
have never forgotten the remark,
thought it was made many years ago,
and it set me to thinking about the
matter, and I became convinced that
so far as the clay uplands of the
South are concerned he was right,
and that the first step in their de-
velopment and permanent produc-
tiveness must be the getting into
them of the humus that improves
their mechanical texture, their mois-
-ture retaining capacity and their
warmth.
It is true that there are in the
South and in all other sections of the
country lands that were originally
poor which cannot be made perman-
emily fertile, but must be continually
aided by manure or fertilizers. These
are the sandy, barren soils where
there was originally but small store
of plant food and where the plant
food added in fertilizers is rapidly
oxidized and leached down. because
of the loose mechanical condition of
the sand and the absence of food-re-
tanning clay. On such lands fertli-
zers act quickly on the crops and
their warmth makes them available
for early garden crops, but the plant
food supplied is soon lost and must
be continually renewed. But it does
not follow that a sandy soil that was
originally poor cannot be made per-
manently fertile if just below the
sandy surface there is retentive
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1903-12-22

Prof Massey Writes on Topic OF VI
tai Interest to North Carolina Farm
ers.
Editor Of The Progressive Farmer:
One of my correspondents writes:
q have read somewhere that
land that was originally rich cannot
be made poor, but can only be ex-
bausted, so to speak can easily be
brought up, but land that was poor
in the beginning cannot be made per-
manently rich" I have frequently
given it as my belief that land that
was originally fertile, and is of
good mechanical texture can never
be really worn out, though by bad
farming it may be brought into a
very unproductive condition while
still having in it an abundance of
plant food which it's condition rend-
er8 unavailable. The scientists of
the Department of Agriculture who
have been studying soils announce
as one of their discoveries that all
cultivable soils have in them about
the same average amount of solu-
BE plant food, and that the only diff
ference in their productiveness is in
their mechanical condition and the
readiness which they supply water
/ for the solution of plant food. If
this IS true then the fact that the
chemist finds more nitrogen or phos-
lphOric acid or potash in one soil than
another has nothing whatever to
DO with the needs of that soil as to
additional plant food to be supplied
IN fertilizers. If the amount of sol
u0le plant food in all soils is the
same then all soils need the same
Treatment as to additional plant food
10 be supplied in fertilizers. The
soil that was originally fertile soil
nave been cultivated and crops taken
vi from it has completely oxidized
'ms humus and used it up, and the
mechanical condition of the soil is
very different. It's clayey matter has
run together and the air is shut out.
II dries out more rapidly and fails
70 furnish water to the roots and to
uSsoIve plant food, and though la
oOfatory experiment may show that
" still contains the average amount
soluble plant food, the water is
Io' present for it's solution by rea-
0l OF the loss of humus and absorbs
suu retains less heat, and heat is es-
"aual to the growth of plants.
mus, while chemical analysis may
w" that it has an abundance of
S,'nF food, the food is locked up and
'Snts cannot get at it. This is just
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1903-12-22
AGRICULTURE
IMPROVING POOR LAND.

Prof. Massey Writes on a Topic Of Vi
tai Interest to North Carolina Farm
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
Sale of ParlOr Goods
 Draws to a Close.

The sale of Parlor Goods which has been in progress in Our Furniture Department for the past few weeks will close on Saturday, the Both. You will probably not have another chance to purchase fine goods so low in price.
 Accept these two items as a mere guide to what the sale is able to do for you.
 Suit three pieces, polished Mahogany, any back, elegant carved panels, covered inflne Damask. Regular price, o5.00. Special Sale price, 45.00.
 Suit three pieces, polished Mahogany frames, elaborate ly inlatd back panels, uphol- stered in fine Satin Damask, regular price $500. Special Sale price, 37.50.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
Special Sale in the Hosiery Department

For this week here IS a special purchase and sale of ChiIdren's and Infants Hos iery, The saving is about g per cent-in one or two in stances a little more than that. The qualities are all good.
 Children's Fast Black Hose, 1x1 rib, some with white soles, have always sold at 25c. Special, 1ec
 Infants and Children's Socks, all styles that go to make up good summer stock, laces, lisles, plaids, and mercerized finish qualities that sold as high as soc, and none less than 25c. Your choice, pairs, 25c
 Ladies Hose, in black lace and fancy patterns, one very extensive assortment. Over 30 good styles, and readily sold ct soc per pair. All on one counter at, per pair, 42c, or, per half dozen, 2'oo
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
Special Sale of Child
 rem s Wash Dresses.

We place on sale four lots O Children's Wash Dresses at Specia 'rices. Note the original price: md likewise the special prices fo his sale:
 Children's WasL Dresses of good quality percale, white ground with large neat figure of red or blue, all sizes, we'll made, full skirt, deep hem, longwaisted in front, full blouse, round yoke, of figure with bunch of material braid and em- broidery insertion, andile Bertha round yoke, trimmed with edge of dainty embroidery and braid, bishop sleeve, finished with braid, original price SIPS. Special sale price. 95c
 Children Wash Dresses, made of good quality gingham, neat check pattern, assorted colors. all sizes, well made, full skirt, very deep hem, long waist in front. belt trim med with braid, square yoke of drawn lawn, shoulder capes to match, hnished with braid, rufflo around yoke, trimmed with narrow edge of embroidery, full sleeve ruffle at hand, finished edge of em- broidery and braid, regular price Sl.75. Special. 1.25
 Children's Wash Dresses, of good quality lawn, solid colors, pink and blue, with dainty circle figure of white, all sizes, well made, gored skirt, with full blouse, deep hem, long waist in front, belt of white pique, finished with braid, Bertha effect down front and back to waist, edged with pretty pattern of Swiss embroidery, full sleeve, with flare cuff of pique, original price $2.25. Special sale. 1.75
 Children Wash Dresses, made of good quality gingham, large checks Tn all assorted combinations and colors, good skirt, all sizes, well made, deep hem on skirt, long waist in front, belt of pique, stitch ed in red, with large red button, large Bertha collar, edged with dainty edge of open embroidery, two straps of pique running from belt to Bertha, collar of pique, large full sleeve, pique cuffs, origi- nal price s2.50. Special sale, 1.ss.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
Loveman Joseph @ Loeb Birmingham Your
Fine Shoes Reduced in Prices Sizes and Widths Specified.

One hundred and fifty three pairs of Ladies Oxfords in patent vici and plain kid. None sold for less than 2.50, and many for as much as 500 per pair. Your choice now for I.5S.
 Here are the sizes.
 One Is, nine 21k's, twenty-one 3's, Twenty-two 31a's, ten 4's, ten 41ss, five 5's, one 51z's, two 7's, A.
 Seven 21k's, twelve 3's, six 316's, three 4's, one 41s's, two 5's, one 51s's, B.
 Three 2's, three 21z's, two 3's, two 91a's, one As. one 2's, c.
 Two 1 111's, one 2's, six 21z's, two 3's, two 7's, D.
 One 2h's, seven 3's, two As, thre S's, E.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
A General Reduction on Boys Wash Suits.

This is the first store in Birmingham to make a gen eral reduction on Boys Wash Suits this summer.
 Here is a chance that you didn't expect until July 1st- you will not likely get it else where until then.
 Boys Wash Suits, sailor blouse style, formerly marked l.S0 and 1.25. Now 95c.
 l.50 Wash Suits in fast colors, now 1.25.
 Then here is a lot of blouse and shirt waists, representing 100 dif- ferent patterns. Now soc.
 Wash Pants, now 2oc.
 Wash Pants in Crash and White Piques and Duck, soc.
 Sailor Straw Hats, soc.
 Knee Pants, soc.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
Special Priced Black
 Goods.

This lot represents our reg ular stock, from which you may judge there is nothing to be desired as concerns qual- ity. These special prices are merely to stimulate activity in the department-the goods are all right, and brought the amount of the values here indicated.
 All Silk Black Crepe de Paris, Aeolians and Crepe Voiles, special prices.
 44-inch, regular price $1.25, at
 75c 45-inch. regular price $2.5O, at
 1.69 45-inch. regular price sS.5O, at
 2.o5
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
\ Special Selling of
 Jardiniers.

Here are two special lines of decorated jardiniers-three sizes represented-7, 8 and 9 inches. For the sake oi giving you a relative idea oi the cheapness, we here print the regular price and the price
 Finch Decorated Jardinieres, overglaze and underglaze, colors. Regular price s1.50. Special 100
 S-inch Decorated and Glazed Jar dinieres. Regular price $2.0o. Spe- cial, 1.25
 9-inch Decorated Jardinieres, a lot of 10 assorted. Regular price $2.50 and $2.75. Special, 1.5o
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
A Glimpse of Foot
 wear Styles.

This Shoe Department is replete with all the new things, and in the new spring and summer styles we are showing the following
 Ladies' handmade patent vici Oxfords, high lea-ner heels, 500 Ladies' handmade patent vici Butcher Oxfords, military heels,
 500 Ladies' handmade dull kid OK lords, the correct thing for street dress. 500 Ladies' hand-turned patent vici Oxfords, high French heels, $50 Ladies' hand-turned black kid Oxfords, French heels, $50
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
StOrk AntiseptiC Waterproof Sheeting

Among the many things which invention has given to the world, the Stork Antisep- tic W aterproof Sheetings is one of the most practical things. Better than rubber, it lacks the offensive odor. Better than oilcloth, it lacks inc stiffness and discomfort.
 The new sheeting is sold by the yard. It is white. soft, light, pliable and durable. It bends easily, and can be as easily worked as ordinary sheeting. Best of all it stands boiling water, and so, easy to clean it is as superior to rubber and oilcloth as any, thing can be.
 We are the sole agents in Alabama for this material.
 It is made in two sizes. 3o- inch, LOO a yard, 54-inch, 1.50 a yard.
 Ask for d booklet on the Stork Antiseptic Waterproof Sheetings in the House Furn- ishing Department.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
Three Special Lots of
 Fans.

We place on sale a large lot of fans in three different styles. It is quite an impor- tant selling in it's way. and representing a special pur- chase, it means that you can save something over the us ual prices. Special No. 1-100 styles in linen paper Fans, good, soft colorings, and fan well worth 25c. Special,
 15c
 Special No. 2-Linen Fans, lace let in very attractive fan, has the appearance of a hig-priced article and as being nand-painted. This fan is only 25c
 Special No. 3-Fans finished in lace medallions, and highly pol ished sticks, a fan that any lady would be proud of. Price only 4oc
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
The Enlarged Lace Department -MOv- ed to First Floor, Middle Aisle.

Every Kind of Lace is rep. resented-the lines being complete in every sense of the word. Where you find edgings you will find inser- tlonS and allovers to match. For white, black or colored dress goods. for light weight cotton goods, or silks you will find enough styles to execute any design and carry out any dreSsmaker's ideas. We have a complete line of Imitation Cluny Laces and Insertings to match, new patterns and good limitations of real laces.
 21s inches wide, yard, 71ae
 3 inches wide, yard, 1oc
 3A inches wide, yard, 15c
 Allovers to match at 75c
 The Antique Laces seem to have the preference. The patterns are so different from the regular, lines and their weight being very light, makes them popular for this time of the season.
 2h inches wide, a yard. 15c
 inches wide, a yard, 35c
 ' inches wide, yard, soc
 French Valenciennes Laces have not losttheir popularity. There has been a great de- mand for this style lace for a great many years. We, there fore, have put in an extra supply, and show not less than thirty different sets of edgings and insertions to match, in all widths. The prices are lower than quoted d( Otner stores.
 Not less than 800 dozen Valen.
 cienne Edgings, a quarter of an
 inch wide, many different patterns,
 suitable for edging ruffles, worth
 15c to 20c, at, per dozen yards, 1oc
 A half an inch wide, sets of
 French Valenciennes, good imi-
 tation of the real Ruby Valen-
 ciennes, worth 75c, at per dozen
 yards, soc
 We have a good many round mesh and imitation of the real Antique Valenciennes Allovers, with edgings, bands, galloons and medallIons to match, in the most inexpen-. siVe to the highest priced and best of the season. It is inn possible to trim a light weight summer dress properly with outusingflne and light weight trimmings.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
A Chance to Save on
 Notions.

At all times you can save here on Notions, and what adds an at traction to the department is the fact that it carries the biggest stock of any other Notion Department in the South. The prices are reason able-25 per cent less than other stores charge.
 3 Linens Collars, good styles, 25c The Sanitas Branded wedge Sup porters. for ladies, soc The Venus Supporter, all shades,
 soc Kleinerts Utility Supporter, only
 25c Gotham Hose Sppuorter. from
 25c to 2.50 The Security O. Child's Waist,
 42o Kern's Waists for the children.
 $50 The Acme Diaper Supporter for the baby. 25c Hook-on Hose Supporter. from
 25c
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
Special Prices in the
 Toilet Department.

At special prices here are a number of desirable things in the Toilet Department. You will find this department full of suggestions for summel comfort
 Java Rice Powder, white and natural, 35c Bailey's Complexion Brush, Soc Pivers Azurea Sachet Powder, 1.oz. size. 65c Hubiyants Ideal 2-oz. bottle, in box 3.6O Hubiyant's Ideal Toilet Water
 $50 Hubiyant's Ideal Sachet Powder, in hox 2.90 Hubiyant's Ideal Soaps, per cake,
 1.S5 Rubber Bath Caps, shower bath and sea shore purposes, price Toc Rubber Sponges, DUG Wicker-covered Flask, for trav- cling purposes, soc Sponge Bags of plaid silk, e5c
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
The Enlarged Em-
 broidery Dept.

Our Embroidery Depart ment is more than complete. Many new Swiss and Chiffon sets have been put in stock within the last week. The patterns are new and the styles are different from what were shown at the beginning of the season. Embroidery Medallions are very much in demand, and some very clever neWideaS have justar- rived the last few days.
 20 pieces of 15-inch embroidered
 Swiss Edgings for skirt ruffles or
 corset covers, new patterns, with
 beading edges, worth 75c, at per
 yard, 45c
 Other styles, same width, as high as 2.5o per yard.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
The Important Milli- neryDepartment- Second Floor.

we nave nad the 0ppOftu- nity to prepare and succeed in getting up a good many newly trimmed dress hats. It is usually at this time of the season when a great many buy their dress hats, for in many instances the ladiesbuy their street hats at the begin hing of the season, and later on the hats for swell dress wear.
 A new assortment of large white hats, as well as Black Picture Hats, will be found at present, the style of trimming being different from that at the beginning of the season. The ways of trimming are in many cases the early styles to be in vogue for the coming fall.
 The flat way of trimming is developing gradually into high crowns, with high trim mingS. The Gainesborough style seems to be very much in favor.
 See the new creations in this department.
 As the season advances we endeaVor to reduce prices on such millinery shown at the early part of the season, for instance One table titled with the various kinds of flats, turbanS, shapes for la dies and misses in white, black, as well as colors, at 98c. Have sold high as I.75.
 Tuscan Flats, in the natural col ors, suitable for children's hats, soft finish, worth soc, at, each, 19c
 Misses White Tuscan Flats, large size, bell crown, of pure white and pretty quality, worth 40c, at, each, 25c
 The new Split Straw Sailor, large brim, medium high crown, trimmed with gros grain band and sweatband. It has double brim, and we can guarantee it to hold its shape, worth $4.50, at, each,
 800
 About 10 dozen ready-to-wear Street Hats, all this seasons styles, suitable for children, misses or ladies, in all the leading colors, worth $2.00 to $3.00, at, each, 1.5o
 10 dozen trimmed Dress Hats, gotten up in cheaper material from our line of dress hats, trim med in chiffon, flowers and rib bons, worth $500 and $3.50, at, each,
 PAS
 10 dozen untrimmed Black Leg horns, large size, best quality, al- ways in demand at this time of the season, with the new high crown, worth $1.50 and $1.75, at, each, ,ssc
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
A Beautiful Graduat-
 ing Present.

An Old Sweetheart of Mine" by James Whitcomb Riley, with lo full page illustrations by Howard Chandler Chnstv. The most im- portant gift book in many years, only l75.
 Special commencement edition, wrapped in white paper and tied with White Silk Ribbon, with the words Commencement 1903" stamped in gold. Only 2.l5.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
A special Selling of Bath and Linen Towels.

In the Linen Department you will find a special sale of Bath Towels. They are marked at spe- cial prices from the small inexpen- sive kind to the quality that runs up to 12.00 a dozen.
 Here are some of the medium priced ones:
 Cotton Huck Towel, 17x36, firing ed, worth $1.O0 a dozen, for, dozen, 75c 100 dozen Huck Towels, red bor- der, 17x34, worth 10c each, at only
 80 100 dozen Huck Towels, assorted border, 18x41, worth 121sc, for only
 100 100 dozen Huck Towels, assorted border, 21x45, worth 200 each, for only 12Lac 30 dozen Linen Huck Towels, white or red boroer, half bleached, 18x36, worth 2Uc eac4-, for only 14c 25 dozen Turkish Bath Towels, 17x36, 1215c quality, special at 7Iac 50 dozen Turkish Bath Towels, ish Bath Towels, 21x46, excellent good quality for 20c eacn. Only 14c each. or, dozen. 1.65
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
Some Special Selling
 on HandkerChiefS.

Here are three special lots of Handkerchiefs-p linen unlaundered or laundered, and also swiss handkerchiefs. Three are three special lots. Lot No. l includes about 1000 Swiss Handkerchiefs, in plain lace and embroidered edges, which sold at 10c and 19c, now marked for
 25o Lot No. includes pure linen, hemstitched handkerchiefs, laun- dered, that have been sold at 12c and 15c, now marked at 1oc Lot No. includes pure linen. unlaundered, handmade Handker- chiefs, that have been sold at 12lzc, now marked at 6 for soc
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
Special Sale of Men s and Boys Night
 Shirts and PajamaS

Of special interest to al mothers and wives is this sale of Night Shirts and Paja- mas, because the prices are very much less than usual Men will find that these prices are so much less than the ex- elusive stores thatthey will be able to buy four suits at the cost of three.
 Best Cambrie Night Shirts. trim med with silk braid, made low neck, without collar. Regular price 75c. Special sale price, 5ec
 Fine quality longcloth Night Shirts, either plain white or em- broidered front, extra width and length, low neck Regular price $100 Special sale price, 79c
 Fine soft nainsook Night Shirts, coolest shirt to wear, no collar Regular price $1.00. Special sale price, S5c
 Null Night Shirts, either plain white or colored embroidered trim med, low neck. Regular price SIPS. Snecial sale price. 95c
 Extra large cambric Night Shirts for extra large men, the kind that's roomy, plain white, fine finish. Regular price SIPS. Special sale price, 9oc
 Boys cambric Night Shirts, trim med with best silk braid, made without collar, sizes years to IA years each. soc
 Boys madras Pajamas, in best washable colors, sizes to IA years. Suit 1.0o
 Mems madras or check nainsook Pajamas. Regular price $1.25. Special sale price, per suit, 100
 Better quality of fajamas for men at special prices,
 1.5o, 200, 2.5o, 800 and $50.