The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-10-01
He will steal, sir, an egg out of rIolster.
 -AlPo We'll That Ends Well.
DIyersificatiOn on the Farm.

Diverslilcatl0n on me Farfn.
 Ten cent cotton is not an argument against diversifcation of crops in the south, and the farmer who thinks so is going to be disappointed.
 Diversifcation is the basis for good price cotton, and this Is the season Tor planters to be deeply impressed with the idea. For some years there has been a falling off in the production of the staple upon each acre and the boil weevil, drouth and rust forced the farmer to increase his acreage, thus keeping the general production equal to the demand of the market.
 Blessings often come to us in dis Kuise and if the boil weevil in Texas ard the drawbacks to full crops m other states have benefited the agri- cultural class by opening their eyes to the importance of diversified farming, 1t is well.
 It has already been demonstrated that cotton is not the only crop that can be raised with profit in the south. Conditions have so changed in the past few years that the all-cotton idea is as antique as the stage coach, which has been supplanted by the steam en- zine. The annihilation of space by the progressive spirit of this day has placed the farm in close touch with the markets, and the products that once perished in transit now reach the consumer fresh from field, garden and orchard.
 The growing of fruit and truck in Alabama has reached wonderful pro- portions within very short time, and yet the industry is in its infancy. Those more progressive farmers who have turned their attention in an in- ttlligent and industrious way to these branches have been highly successful and are not solely dependent upon the fuctuation of the cotton market. They occupy an independent position and are not forced to lump their cotton at the bidding of the gamblers in the staple. They sell when it suits them and hold back likewise.
 As the fruit and truck production Increase in volume in the south there Is no danger of glutting the market. for there must follow the establish ment of canning factories and of evap- prating plants. It is safe to say that Alabama today consumes more fruits and vegetables shipped in from other sections, preserved and in natural state, than the volume of her own production of these hy two-fold. There fore our farmers have a home market. as well as close proximity to the mar kets outside the state.
 The Age-Herald has from time to time cited many instances of rich re- turns from the orchards and gardens of Alabama and could today name many men who are making fortunes on these products, and who a few years ago depended entirely upon cot ton as money crop buying their food supplies anu even their fruits from the proceeds of their cotton. This was too much of burden upon a sin. gle staple, and 1t meant poverty for the farmer as long as the rule con tinued.
 It is gratifying to observe that hun. dieds of land owners in this state are preparing for hea, 7 friut planting this fall, for it assures increased prosper ity for a state which so largely de. bends upon the farmer for present strength and future greatness.
 King Cotton need not abdicate the throne. but Diversifcation must sit bv his side.