The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-08-29
WINSTON MAKES
 RAPID STRIDES Count7s Resources Are Just
 Being Discovered .4'.TS VISIT ADDISON 72 | 2 9s >rs Among the Richest
 oss. ounty-WiIkinsOn
 . the Results
VISIT ADDISON

Addison, August 2s.-(special) Up to a few years ago Winston has been consld- cred as one of the most backward coun- ties of the state.
 This was perhaps owing to the fact that it is one of the most isolated, and also from the fact that 1t is one of the most mountainous counties in the state
 Only one railroad has touched the coun. ty and that only scales the extreme southwest corner. In the past year one or two branches have tapped the counSy. and there Is now a prospect of much more extensive railroad development in this section
 Winston, up to a half dozen years ago. was wild, rough and mountainous, and was considered almost worthless for az ricultural purposes. To speak of Winston was to evoke a smile of derislon. But all that is changing, and changing rap idly
 True, the mountains and forest wilder ness are all still here, with many of the primitive methods of the native settlers, but it has been discovered that the coun- ty holds within her bounds some of the richest natural resources in the south, and there Is promise of an early develop ment that will be almost magical.
 Strong local and foreign corpora t1ons have acquired mineral and timber prop critics in the county. and important devel- opments have already begun in many lo- caiities. Extensive railroad operations are being planned and some of them are all ready under way. The line of the H. linois Central, which is now being built, will traverse part of the county, and will open one of the richest sections in the state.
 A strong tide of healthy immigration | has set in from adjoining counties, and from other states, and within few years this county will have a population of industrial and agricultural people equal to any other county of the northern sec ton of the state.
 It has been discovered that these lands though rough in contour as a general thing, they are strong and produce won derful crops under careful cultivation The agricultural interests of the county promise to be very important.
 Rich Timber Lands.
 No county in the state promises more of real development along all lines of indus try than Winston, and far-sighted men of means and industry are taking early ad- vantage of the opportunities offered here.
 Party In Addison.
 State Commissioner of Agriculture l. A. Wilkinson and his party of agricultural experts reached Addison, in Winston county. this morning from Logan, where most successful meeting was held yes- terday. An enthusiastic crowd of sturdy pioneers met the party here, and one of the most interesting meetings of the series was held. The people gay close attention to all the discussions of the scv- eral speakers.
 A great majority of the people of this section emigrated from older and more advanced communities and welcome every opportunity like the present one to study improved methods of farming and dis cuss means for the betterment of present conditions.
 Every subject discussed by Commission CT Wilkinson and the men with him was of vital importance to these people, and close, studious attention was given every word.
 The talk on forestry and it's preserva- tiOIl Dy MT. ftlil or the Duredu or IOTSStCY at Washington was of special interest, as timber is one of the most important as- sets of the community.
 Major T. J. Keys talk on grass cul- ture and the improvement of the soil through systematic rotation of crops was also of important and was listened to with eager interest. Major Key gave many valuable suggestions that were re- ceived gladly and will no doubt be fol- ff adv In tbfa
 Prof. Cauthen's practical illustrations on seed selection and improvement were followed carefully and with absorbing interest.
 The question of highway transportation being one of vital importance to these people, the talk on good roads by Secre- tary J. A Rountree of the Alabama Good Roads association was timely and was received with open enthusiasm.
 Commissioner Wilkinson's wholesome advice for the general improvement of conditions on the farm was listened to with close and appreciative attention and every word seemed to be effective. He explained the new and closer relation that exists between the departments of agriculture and the people for whose benefit they were originally established He said that heretofore the departments both at Washington and at Montgomery had crept along in the dark, desiring to get closer to the people and to be Of more practical benefit, but just how to do this had been an uncertain proposi- ton until the last few years
 He expressed himself as being proud that the question had at last been solved and that he is able to bring some of the wisdom and experience of the depart ments to the people first hand. He said the people arc in the main responsible for the new and better condition. They are hungering for information and arc ready and eager to receive these people. The great interest of the people in studying improved methods promises new era of prosperity in the agricultural districts
 He said: These men are here to ad- vlse with you and suggest methods of improving your condition. They have all made q careful lifetime study of their respective subjects and the governments of the United States and the state Of Alabama has sent them to you full of experience and technical enthusiasm. They have come to help you They are your paid servants; listen to them and be benefited.
 "1'hey will help you to make life hap pier on the farm by making your toll more profitable They will help you 10 get mora from the sn1l with leA labor