The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-07-02
NO POTATO BUGS
IN THESE STATES
OREGON AND WASHINGTON FAR.
MERS HAVE NO FEAR OF THE
SCOURGE WHICH WORRIES FAR
MERS IN OTHER PLACES.

Portland, July 1.-The potato bug. curse
OF the potato industry in many states.
is not found in Washington and Oregon
and the farmers in those states may raise
the tubers without fear of tire devastating
test. This fact. and the favorable eli
matte and soil conditions, makes potato
raising one of the most profitable indus
tries in this wonderful agricultural coun-
try, where nearly everything that a far
mer finds profitable may be raised.
Nearly every county in Washington and
Oregon which has an exhibit at the
Lewis and Clark exposition, makes
speciality of its potato display, and the
potatoes shown are so large as to arouse
the admiration of the people from the
east and the middle west. Many single
potatoes are large enough to supply a
family of five with a meal and the quail
ity in all cases is good.
Grant Contrib of Centralia, Washing
, ton, says that in his long experience
with potatoes. he has never had any diff
Guilty with potato bugs, and that he
thinks there are none in Washington and
| Oregon, at least west of the mountains.
My idea is that the winters are too
wet for the bugs said Mr.. Cotril
Whether that is the reason or not, IL Is
certain that there are no potato bugs in
my part of the country In fact, the only
pest that ever bothers us is blight, and
this strikes only an occasional vine, and
happens very rarely. The bottom lands
are excellent for potato raising, and
regard the industry as one in which q
man can expect to get good returns for
his investment"
Mr.. Cotril says that man can at
tend to from six to ten acres proftably,
and that any hustler will have no diff
Guilty in handling the larger acreage. In
Lewis county, Washington, his home the
best bottom potato land sells for from
$50 to $50 per acre. This land will raise
en- the average from 800 to $50 bushels of
potatoes to the acre, and the potatoes sell
as general thing for fifty cents a
bushel
Il have never known the price to fall
below forty-hve cents" said the Wash
ngton man, land the average is at least
| fifty sold my last seasons crop for
seventy-fve cents but that was better
than my peghbors got. Figuring the
| cost OF the land at $70o for ten acres.
| and the crop at 1900 bushels, the income
, would be $1,000. which is certainly pretty
good on an investmen. of less than half
| as much"
| If man desires to buy what Is called
! low land he can get all he wants at from
| $3.50 to $15 This land is covered with
| hardwood timber. mostly of small growth
which must be cut down. BY burning the
| slashinss and clearing the land of the
| larger refuse. a man may sow his land to
grass at once and use it for pasturage
or for hay. After three years, the roots
will have been rotted sufficiently so that
he can go In with grubber and a team
of horses and make 1t fit for potatoes or
any other crop. The rich bottom lands
are found hest adapted to potato rails
ing, although good crops may be raised
on the uplands.
One who desires Information regarding
potato raising or any other branch of
farming may learn all he needs to know
by visiting the Lewis and Clark fair,
examining the exhibits and talking with
the commissioners in charge.