The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1908-04-30

SOIL that is peculiarly productive un-
der ordinary conditions. However, this
land has not produced in the past
few years as it formerly did, before
the levees we're built and the over
flow waters kept off. The planters are
beginning to realize that cultural
methods are necessary and in many
instances, are rotating and DIVERSE
flying for the purpose of bringing the
land again to it's former producing
1t was the writer IS pleasure to spend
a day recently on the plantation of
Douglass Robinson at Sidon, in Lee
fore county, and note the splendid
work being done by this young man.
Mr.. Robinson was left something
more than eleven hundred acres of
land by his father. About five hundred
acres had been cleared and in cul-
ivation for years, some of it for
very long period. 1t had been rented
for number of seasons and was in a
poor condition for good results in pro-
ducing crops. He came out Of the A.
q M. College and went upon the farm
four years ago. A few months before
reaching his majority. The reforma-
ton since that time has been remark
able.
The first work undertaken was sup
plying the necessary houses for ten
ants and stock for farming opera
tions. The farm is now admirably fix
ed as to both. Land that had lain idle
and IN many instances was set with
bermuda has been reclaimed. Weak
land has been rejuvenated and all
placed In good condition for grow
ing crops proftably. Mr.. Robinson has
and located on the farm, hav-
ing built good but modest home for
himself and little family. His success
should and will be, worth a great deal
to the community in which he lives,
as an example of improved methods
and practices in renewing land and
generally improving a plantation.
The very best labor saving farm
implements are used on his place and
instead of being left IN fence corner
to rot and rust from one season to
another, are carefully laid away in a
house prepared for that purpose. His
are carefully cleaned and
oiled to insure their being in condi-
ton when needed again. He has a
good sized herd of cattle and in a
year or so will greatly increase it, or
so soon as his system of pastures can
be worked out. A herd of goat is
kept for the purpose Of clearing
brakes and will produce liberal sup
ply of resi- meat at practically no
cost. A number of registered hogs
are kept and his herd is being improv-
ed yearly. More than sufficient pork
was killed on the place last year to
furnish the families for this season,
that can be said by but few
Delta farmers. His corn, hay and for
age crops are large and plentiful for
all the needs of the plantation. Cot
ton averaged last year considerably
more than half a bale to the acre,
many acres producing bale, and the
average corn production was approx
mately thirty-fve bushels.
The meat raised on this place last
season was produced at a very low
rate per pound, pasture rotation being
the means adopted and little feeding
was necessary. Oats, rape, peas, vetch
and clover were the principal pasture
crops, and were available for stock
of all kinds. The rape that was util-
lied for January and February pas
ture has been plowed in and another
crop takes its place. Oats and vetch
are now being cut and the stubble
will be used for early spring pasture.
Red clover grows excellently on the
plat selected and it is likely that ths
acreage in this splendid legume will
be increased right away. Cow peas
are being literally used for renew old
land and with the very best results.
An orchard with a great variety of
fruits will soon begin producing and
the pecan has not been forgotten.
The question was frequently asked
during the legislative session as to
what became of the young men who
the Agricultural and Mechan
ieal College. Here is one of them,
and his work on Delta plantation
will be pride to the institution where
he received his training. The infu-
ence of the good work being done by
Mr.. Robinson should extend to a large
circle, and benefit the whole commu-
nifty adjacent to his plantation.
London.-The Russian government,
according to a trade journal, has or
dered five warships, each one to be
larger than the Dreadnought, from