The Palatka news and advertiser. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1902-1905, 1904-02-19
The Farm and Grove.
Copyrighted by Rural Press Syndicate.
HE. STOCKBRlDGE, PHI. D., Editor.
THE COTTON TEMPTATION.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.

OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
THE COTTON TEMPTATION.
OF all products of the soil cotton is
most subject to speculative condi-
lions or influences. 1t would seem
that the gambling influence extends
to the growing of the crop ard chat
the inducements to engage in its pro
duction during times of speculatiNely
high prices partake OF the nature ol
a temptation.
There can be no question that,
though short crop and small surplus
have been controlling factors, the
present market conditions are very
largely of speculative origin, and
that the ruling high prices for the
crop of 1903 have resulted largely
from the conflict between the market
bulls and bears. Though long staple
cotton has not participated fully IN
the high prices of the season, sim
the speculative influence has OK
tended to the long staple section and
the temptation to greatly Licensed
acreage for the present planting is
already very noticeable. This ten
dency is not only apparent in the To-
calities where sea island is already Il
standby crop, but extends to sections
where cotton has not been regular
crop. This fact in particular sug-
gests the appropriateness of a few
cautionary remarks to those yielding
for the first time to the cotton temp
tatiOn.
The first important point for con-
sideratiOn is the fact that there is a
very wide dispropOrtion between the
prevailing prices for the two staples
Long staple cotton has really partici-
paleu i'll the great advance in the
price of short staple cotton TO but Il
comparatively slight extent. The in
crease in the price of the former is
hardly more than 20 per cent. during
the past year, while 100 per cent.
measures the increase for the short
cotton. This fact is commonly lost
sight of by those not actually en-
gagged in growing cotton, but on
whom the general comment on cot
ton markets and prices is influencing
to Put in a crop for the first time.
The next point suggesting itself l.
that of the very great increase in the
cost of making cotton during the past
five years. Labor, supplies, teams
and tools have all increased in cost
far out of proportion to the very great
present increase in selling price OF
the staple. Compare, for instance,
the prevailing retail price of side
meat" the standard ration Of the
cotton belt, in 1899 with the present
pounds for quarter as against 10
cents straight is the result of such Il
comparison. ! can say positively
from personal experience that there
was really more profits in growing
cotton five years ago than ut present,
Notwithstanding the phenomenal
prices of the past season.
Before giving way TO the cotton
temptation and joining the ranks of
the growers of the staple, another
fact is worthy of consideration. The
wilt" or blight" of sea island cot
ton has made great inroads in this
section within the past two years.
The past year it ruined crops in To-
caIities heretofore believed to be
practically exempt from the disease.
Despite the efforts of scientists and
the work of the national department
of agriculture no really effective or
available protection is at present at
hand. Spread of the disease is Ger
tain before control may be hoped for,
and the conditions are recognized as
serious by the best informed and
most extensive growers.
Last, the possible complications of
n great Asiatic war and the certain
effect in depressing cotton prices
should not be lost sight of. Already
mills are curtailing production Oh
the plea of diminished demands for
goods from the Orient. Markets are
likely to be seriously effected and
present prices to go tumbling AT
best the maintenance OF present
levels is hardly possible contin-
gency.
With these actual facts in mind
the caution to Ego Slow seems to be
justified, and to those considering in
creased planting or the growing of n
first cotton crop, my advice is, yield
not to temptation"
QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
Is the planting of velvet beans in Il
bearing grove advisable?
/ Answer: If the planting is not de-
pendent on desire to escape work,
yes! Labor is required to keep the
vines from the trees and there is
some risk OF increasing the possible
ravages of squash bugs. Both OF
these conditions, however, are pre-
ventable. and the fertilizing benefits
of the vines are great The nitrogen
| gathering power of the bean is so
great that this practice should not
be followed for more than two years
consecutively, or danger of die back
from too much organic nitrogen is
probable.
How can scab of Irish potatoes be
prevented?
Ans: Soak the seed potatoes in a
per cent. solution of carosine sub
Innate for hours. Remember that
this substance is a deadly poison and
requires great care in handling to
avoid danger.
What is the best sweet potato for
northern markets?
Ans !: The Early Carolina.