The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-07-06
Soil Exnert Coming.


 Renresentative Oscar W. Underwood stated Friday that he had just received a letter from Prof. J. A. Bonsteel, Of the bureau of soils, United States Az ricultural Department. in which Pro- lessor Bonsteel stated that he would visit Birmingham July 15, in order to discuss with MT. Underwood the pro- posed soil survey in Bibb County ana the continuance of work in Blount County. Professor Bonsteel m ms let- ter stated:
 'T have recently been placed in charge of a new line of work in the bureau of soils, which, to my mind, will be of the utmost far-reaching im- portance in the development of the agriculture of the country. Arrange ments have been made whereby the work of the soil survey field parties in the various areas surveyed can be fol- lowed up by experts along the certain lines of soil equalization. In the case of BIount County. the problem would seem to be that of a complete study Of the possibilities of apple and peach raising. I think 1t will be possible to hold a series of meetings in Blount County to develop the interest already expressed there to such point that the people of the County will see the 2d- vantage of taking up fruit culture as one or the nldln IlICb LII aB SoA development Before doing so, how ever, it will be necessary for MT. Will der, our fruit soil expert, to give us an expert report on these possibilities. Undoubtedly similar problems. al- though along other lines, will arise in Bibb County and later arrangements can be made for carrying into effect similar program in Bibb County"
 Representative Underwood further stated that one of the objects of Pro- lessor BonsteeFs visit to Alabama at this lime was to go before the Ala bamA Legislature to explain to them the importance of a bill introduced by Senator Horton, to secure cooperation between the State and federal govern ments in the matter of soil surveys.
 He stated that a soil survey was as absolutely necessary for intelligent and scientific farming as a geodetic survey and marine chart is necessary for the navigation of vessels in the shallow waters along the coast: that when Ala bama has a soil survey in every Coun- ty the farmers will be able to ascertain by letters. from the Agricultural De- ,partment at Washington, exactly what are the best crops that are adapted to the soil and how to remedy existing evils in growing crops.
 
 will be able 10 go over the State and give the farmers a vast amount of information. It was only a few years ago that, through a soil survey, it was discovered that there was good tobacco land in Perry Coun ty. This crop was developed under the aid of the Agricultural Department and now it is becoming a crop of real commercial value. in Perry County. and in many other parts of Alabama,
 The appropriation for soil surveys by the Federal Government is very linn ited. and necessarily must be scattered all over the United States. but the bureau of soils has made a proposi- ton that if Alabama will bear one- half the expenses. they will at once put ex- perts in the field in Alabama and keep them here until the entire State is sur veyed.
 The expense on the State of keep ing these paKies in the field will be very small and with the possible ex- ception of good roads legislation, 1t is argued that there is no legislation that will be of greater benefit and yield better returns to the farming people of the State than this.