Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1908-04-30

fN~NaaN'a Aa AAAE HA-N lev ytll<
a. il formerly did, before the levees
we're built and the overflow water kcp,
on. The planters are beginning to
realize that cultural methods are neces-
ssry and In many instances are rotating
and diversifying for the purpose Of
bringing the land again to its former
producing capacity.
IL was the writer's pleasure to spend
day recently on the plantation OF
Douglass Robinson at Sidon. in Leiore
county, and note the splendid work oe-
ing done by this young man. Mr.. Rob
inson was left something more than
eleven hundred acres OF land BY his
father. About 500 acres had been clear
ed aud in cultivation for years. some OF
II FOR a very hong period. I, had been
rented for a number OF seasons and
was in poor condition for good results
in producing crops. He came out Of
the A. & NJ. college and wen, upon the
farm four years ago, a few mouths be-
fore reaching his majority. The re-
formation since that time has been most
remarkable.
The first work undertaken was sup
plying the necessary houses for tenants
and stock for farming operations. The
farm Is now admirably fixed as to both.
Land that had lain idle in many in
stances was set with Bermuda and
has been reclaimed. Weak land has
been reiuvenated and all placed in a
good condition for growing crops prof.
itably. Mr.. Robinson has married and
located on the farm, having built q
good but modest home for himself and
little family. His success should and
will be worth a grea, deal to the COM
munity in which he lives as an exam
pie of improved methods and practices
in renewing land and generally improv.
ing a plantation.
The very best labor-saving farm i'm.
plements are used on his place, and in
stead OF being left in fence corner to
rot and rust from one season to an
other, are carefully laid away In q
house prepared for that purpose. His
implements are carefully cleaned anil
oiled to insure their being in good cou-
dition when needed again. He has .
good-sized herd OF cattle and in a year
or so will greatly increase it, y- so
soon as his system of pastures can be
worked out. A herd of goats is KEEP.
for the purpose OF clearing brakes and
and will produce liberal supply Of
fresh meat at practically no cost. A
number of registered hogs are kept and
his herd is being improved yearly.
More than sufficient pork was killed on
the place last year to furnish the fami-
lies for this season, something that can
be said by but few della farmers. His
corn, hay and forage crops are large
and plentiful for all the needs Of the
plantation. Cotton averaged last year
considerably more than half bale to
the acre. many acres producing q bale,
and the average ecrn production was
approximately thirt y-five bushels.
The meat raised on this place last
1Ek>01 ~ - Rt00aNE4 a. = NEEN AOs rate
per pound. pasture rotation being the
means adopted and little feeding Was
necessary. oasB, rape, peas. veteh and
clover we're the principal pasture crops
and were available for all kinds OF
stock The rape that was utilized for
January and February pasture has been
ploweSt IN and another crop taxes its
place. Oats and veteh are now being
cut ard the s;ubble will be used for
early spring pasture. Red clover grows
exc-llenfiy on the plat selected and IL
s likely ths; the acreage in this splen-
did leguze will be Increased right
axaF. Cos peas are being literally
used for renewing old land and with
the very best results. An orchard with
q great variety Of fruits will soon begin
pr@laeinx. and the pecan has not been
s1rxuts<a-
The question: wss frequently asked
asrlsx the legislative session rs TO
.A2s b-ezn> Of the yogng men Who at
t~nsi-d the Agricultural and Aechani-
en- Coll<xs- Here Is 0ne OF them, and
ia ~orx ca . delta plantation will be .
pri.s< - tne instftation where he re-
e~is~si his trzialng. The influence OF
he GOD xorx beizx done by Mr.. Rob-
ln-rn snsast extend 10 a large circle
az.i h.susax the whole community ada
esnx sn as plantation
Cspish ru1nty exrends annually on
Aer ru4Azs @pn<thtng like 81, 900, and
sh~ r-~als has heen for the betterment
- tAesr cra9ssiou. although in some in
ss2a-~s the people complained that
shey shoaa have been better. A Good
Ra2ss Association has been formed and
has s1r i.s object . still further better
neat u road eo1ditions- A number OF
the bsss and most enterprising people
of n. coanty have banded together for
harmonious work TO that end The
statement has been repeatedly made in
this departments thai when the peoples
nouey Wa being spent for road i'm
prov~mens the result vas bound 10 be
satisfactory from the fa-t that they kept
close tab on what vas being done and
raised row II the result WAS NOT good.
This Is the greatest argument in favor
OF the contract system as compared
with the antequsted and long out OF
date overseer system When you spend
the peoples money they are continually
Watching for results
The proposition to construct mounds
in the areas outside the levees for the
protection Of life and property is OF
more importance than one would think
at first glance. 1t is estimated that
more than $1,000 acres Of land coulf
thus be brought into use that At pres
ent offers little or no advantages. This
means $1,000 acres in Mississippi alone.
A ', 1rrxu n - . ion uas a aHorgaI ~ C-aap-