The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-18

far east, notably in Japan, which country
is increasing rapidly its number of cotton
spindles.
In the production of any kind of crops.
or IN the manufacture of any kind of
goods, there are two questions that serl-
ously challenge the interest of parties ill.,
terested. One is the cost of production
and the other the selling price and the
margin between these two constitutes the
proht In every kind of business. The
question which | am TO bring more espec-
laly to your attention is that of the sell
ing price of cotton, but this cannot lie
discussed intelligently without consider
ing the causes affecting the cost of pro-
duction. Therefore, it is proper to call ait
tention to some of these causes, as we'll
as those controlling the selling price.
Cost of Production Varies.
AS to the cost of production. that
varies, of course, according to eircunl-
stanes. The quality and condition of the
soil, the properly carrying on the business
of the farm, and intelligence applied 10
that business are important factors enter
ing into the matter OF cost we have
need, therefore, for intelligence in farm
ing, pressing need for educated farmers,
and the sooner the people engaged in ag-
ricultural pursuits learn to look upon
farming as science or a profession for
which preparation should be made, the
and their complete independence secured.
Farming in haphazard way, or as has
been generally done in the past is not
to be considered or accepted today. Ou-
farmers must have more knowledge of the
SOIL that they are undertaking to culti-
vate; they must know how to prepare Ii:
they must know how to select their seed:
they must know how to plant; they must
know how to cultivate; they must be cap
able OF studying the needs of their soil as
10 suitable fertilizers and how to supply
same to the best effect. They must
also know how to properly prepare their
product for the market. This is particu-
larry applicable to the handling of cotton.
The negligent and careless way in which
cotton, as a rule, in the south Is pre-
pared for the market is a shame. and en-
tails loss of millions of dollars to those
who have worked so industriously TO
produce II.
Then, again. the farmer should take
advantage of the use of improved imple-
ments, and use all kinds of labor saving
devices that are applicable to his bust
ness. He must regard his business as
justifynig a systematic method of book
keeping so that he will know what 1t
costs to prepare and cultivate every par
eel of his land, and thus know to fine
point the actual cost of his products of all
kinds. He must do what has so long
and urgently been advised.-and that is,
as far as possible, make his necessary
supplies at home for carrying on his
farming operations. II he cannot make
all of these supplies, he should make part.
If he cannot raise all the mules and
horses that he requires. he should raise
part of them,-whcn can be done at
comparatively small cost. III he cannot
raise hogs or other animals for the meat
that is required, he can raise part,-and
that part can be increased by a radical
reduction in the number of dogs which are
being supported in the farming districts
today The absence of dogs would enable
him not only to have muffin for his
familys consumption. but vol to sell.
There is class of farmers that need
particularly to observe al methods look
ing towards a decrease in cost. and this
class comprises those who farm on what
are called up-lands where the soil ma
turally is not so good, and where the
best kind of cultivation and the most in
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