The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1906-10-16
ACCOMAC COUNTY
The Great Sweet Potato Crop Many Evidences
of Thrift on the Eastern ShOre-local Stock
Insurance Mrs. R. S. Monds lIl-ttc., Etc.

MappSNllc, a., bct. w. I''''
This county is at present alive with
activity in handling the sweet potato
crop the approach OF frost having stim-
ulated tha farmers greatly In the matter
of shipping this product. The sawmills
are busy cutting material, the cooper
shops are much astir making the barre is,
and wagons and tumbrel carts are much
i'm evidence ON every road hauling both
empty and well filled barrels. The mar
ket price of the potato il low. and this
mars the enthusiasm and cheerfullness
of the average farmer IN telling OF his
autumn shipping
Ii is interesting 10 observe the method
of cultivating the lands here. Two crops
are commonly raised from the same
ground. For potatoes the leaves or
spires Of the pine trees, all of which seem
| 10 be- Of the foxtail or longleai variety.
are carefully raked up IN the woods ana
converted into compost. This Is gener-
ouSy spread over the soil and plOWcd
under so a. to become well lntermiNed
with the earth These pine spires or
resources. ~ they are locally called,
make the potatoes abundant and finely
/ Favored.
The potato industry and the facilities
/ for transportation afforded 10y the rail-
road are greatly advancing the general
wealth Of the people here a. we'll as In
creasiug the population toy new settlers.
and the lands already sell at 500 per
acre.
Next year when the Jamestown Expo
-ition takes place il is understood that
/ two tracks will bee in Use % meet the IT.
creased travel and traffic AID among
/ tn. Thousands WHO will pass through
/ the county II il probable many will be
/ found inquiring into and seeking To
share its many advantages. An Acco-
mae boom is likely 10 be one oi the re-
suits OF the Exposition.
/ IL noticeable here how closely the
/ timber is utilized. Tn, trees cut for lum-
/ her are well nigh AN hauled iOm the
woods. leaving scarcely any OF the tree
| behind. At the mill the outside boards
are cut up into stayr- for barrels, and
/ the small remnant are sawed into sizes
and SHAPE for fuel and carted To the peo-
pies houses.
The strong and patient OK Is seldom
seen. have yet 10 meet AL oN cart ona
road here. Heavy mules, as a rule draw
the carry-logs. and DO much Of the plow-
/ ing and other farm work.
/ 4 local mutual insurance company
safeguards the farmers houses. the
animals being insured for twO-thirdS OF
| their value. and in case OF their death the
insurance is paid 10y assessment, each
member of the company paying his pro-
portiOuate part. II might prove a
I 10 . D.
auce could be introduced into other
counties
have been struck with numerous
hocks OF pure white geese 10 be 'een near
the farm houses in this county. IL has
been q pleasure several times 20 see Is
stately gander standing erect among or
marching az the head of from thirty 10
| fifty comrades OF the quill
Near the railroad stations Hallwood,
Bloxom. Parksley. Tasley and Others, the
signs ofprosperity and growth areabun-
daut Many new. tasteful, and in some
cases costly houses appear a. Just com
pleted. or in process of construction.
Ii was pleasure highly enjoyed 10y
your correspondent 10 break bread with
the families of the Revs K. ;. MOnds
and Richard Edwards both OF whom are
so well and widely known in the North
ern Neck, and may add, no less valued
| and esteemed in their present fields.
1t was with deep regrets that while
ENJOYING the hospitality OF Mr.. and Mrs
Monds the latter was taken dangerously
i'll. 1t is believed the crisis OF the trouble
has passed. but she remains much pros
trated.
Lam much Indebted to Dr.. Bowdoin,
lately chairman of the Board OF Fisheries,
who pointed out to me many interesting
features Of the sea shore, and whose long
familiarity with the county and general
intelligence made him most Agreeable
comnanion q. W. b.