The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1907-07-25
IN SOUTHERN TEXAS.
lIlimitable Possibilities In the Line o.
Agriculture.

sHSmIIdpte FoSSiptlltieS IN InS Line "
Agriculture.
In describing trip through Texas
Professor Thomas Shaw writes to the
American Agriculturist of the possibili-
ties of this state Oil the lower Rio
Grande as follows:
Two days were spent In driving over
this country In addition to a trip made
over portion thereof on the branch
line Of the Gulf Coast, Brownsville
and Mexican railroad that runs from
Harlinger to San Fordyce. This region
contains the three counties Of Cam
eron, Hidalgo and Starr. 10 me this
area appears to be one Of almost
illimitable possibilities in the line Of
agriculture. This conclusion Is based
upon the facts, first. that it possesses
soil of surprising richness; second,
that frosts seldom occur at any season
of the year; third, that crops may be
grown in an endless succession and
without any cessation; fourth, that the
variety of crops grown is very wide:
fifth, that it is pre.eminently adapted
to the growing of sugar cane and al
falfa; sixth, that the rainfall Is con-
siderable, and, seventh, that water for
irrigation uses may be obtained in
abundance
The Character Of the Soil.
The soil is volcanic ash in its origin.
1t would be correct also to speak Of it
as alluvial deposit. This entire region
has been formed from soils brought
down from higher areas and deposited
to great depth. In few instances
they have been devoted to the growing
of crops for more than twenty success
siye years without any apparent dimi-
mutton In the producing power of the
soil. This entire area, extending near
ly hundred miles from east to west
and about half as far from south to
north, speaking roughly, is to the eyes
almost as level as floor. The greater
portion Is covered over with scrubby
underwood. which will involve cost
of about $40 per acre to remove 1t.
Freedom From Frost.
1t would not be correct to say that
frost is unknown, but it is correct to
say that it is but little known. Frost
that made the banana leaves drOop at
the time of my visit a hundred miles
northward was not felt at all in these
counties. This fact is of great signifi-
canoe to those who grow truck crops in
| the winter season. to those who grow
| sugar cane and also to those who grow
/ such fruits as oranges and bananas. l!
| means that the grower of trucl: may
go on with his work without apprehen-
sion of loss from frost 1t means thai
the grower of cane may leave his crop
/ unharvested until he is ready to crush
1t, and it means that the grower OF
oranges need not be nervous lest his
trees should have & part of their
growth killed through freezing.
Continuity of Crops.
In these counties crops may be grown
] during the entire year without any ces
sation Truck crops may he m;,tle tt
cover the entire winter season, extend
| Ing from October to April. These In
clude such crops as radishes, Bermud
onions, beans, cabbage, celery, aspara
gus, cauliflower and lettuce. The list
may be extended indefinitely. Should
the farmer want to grow winter gra;:
ing for stock he may do SO in the form
Of winter oats and barley, winter
yetches, rape, bur clover, crimson clio
yer and Berseem or Egyptian clover
In the summer he can grow corn. swee
sorghum and all the nonsaccharin.
sorghums. Several cuttings of the sor
ghums may be obtained and at leas
two crops of corn. Bermuda grass ma!
be grown In summer, even in the hot
test weather. and also Japan Glove
and alfalfa. The limit Of the success
sion in crops is determined only by til,
limit of the effort put forth to produce
them.