The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1907-11-14
PROSPERITY ON THE FARMS.
Deposits of Farmers Keep Country
Banks Supplied with Money.

Deposits of Farmers Keep Country
Banks Supplied with Money.
The country banks, the number of
which is much greater than in former
years, are well supplied with money,
and the deposits of farmers are heav-
Ter in the aggregate than was ever
known before. Though the crops In
general are not as abundant as in
1906, which was one OF the banner
years Of great yields, they bring high
prices, and the products Of the soil
were never more remunerative. More
ment takes practical interest in agrl-
culture, and many of the most impor-
tant issues of the day, like irrigation
and water transportation, touch direct
ly the interests of farming At SYRIA
cuse, n. Y, last week was held con-
vention to inquire into the agricultural
conditions of the State. One of the
speakers was Secretary of Agriculture
Wilson, and a letter of some length
was sent by President Roosevelt. Sec
rotary Wilson referred to the educa-
ton Of farmers sons and stated that
the Southern States are ahead of the
and Alabama schools Of agriculture
have been opened in every Congress
sional district, to serve as feeders to
the agricultural colleges. The secre-
70 ~ nf
in crops, and said that the department
had found on the SEVENTEEN parallel
Of latitude, in Siberia, the plants that
will enable the wheat growers Of the
their land.
Abuse Of the soil, in Secretary Will
sons opinion, is the commOneSt draw
back to American agriculture, and it
exists in every State. The soil is drawn
upon for more than is returned to it,
and progressive impoverishment is the
certain result Few pastures are main
tanned in what can be called first-class
order. Within few years, the secre-
tary believes, the farmer will furnish
material for making paper, such as
corn stalks, cotton stalks, flax, straw,
hemp, ramie, and perhaps some grasses
found abroad, while plants will be
grown to furnish heat, light and pow
err Fuel from alcohol derived from
potatoes or beets is quite practicable.
The United States is trying to save
0G0 Of
ent and future use, but the prospect
would be better if the policy had been
adopted years ago. Imports of wood
cost $26,000000 more In 1906 than in
the drain upon the remaining sources
Of supply. An up-to-date farmer ro-
tates crops, tile drains his lands, keeps
up good fences, pastures and garden.
breeds draft horses, with mares and
growing colts for farm work, keeps
dairy cows or mutton sheep, or both,
reads good literature and maintains a
comfortable home. Neglected lands
can be brought back to full fruitful
ness.
The letter from President Roosevelt
said that for the future welfare of the
people all available agricultural land
will be needed, and that any decline
In agricultural interests would be Om-
inous. In New York there has been a
falling off in the value Of farm proper
ty. but a remedy exists in the scien-
tific study of soil adaptation, an ex-
tension Of animal husbandry, proper
fertilization, the teaching OF practical
agriculture and the strengthening OF
farmers organizations. The United
States Department of Agriculture, in
connection with the Department OF
Commerce and Labor, the President re-
marked, should be In close contact with
the farmers and their representative
organizations. AS the country is aware,
the Agricultural Department is carry
ing on a work greatly broadened, and
in a vigorous, effective manner. Its du-
ties have been multiplied with tie
gratifying result that it counts for
more In all directions. = st. Louis
Globe Democrat.