The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-01-18
Interesting Conference
 Held at Capitol
WAS ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING
Exchange of Ideas Among Instfuc-
 tors from State Schools.
R~port. of Experiments In Cat Culture shows That Alabama Production
 Can Be Increased 100 Per Cent.

cornmiesioner of Agriculture J. A. Wilkinson and the heads or the oe- partments of agriculture in the sev- eral agricultural colleges Of the state >held q conference all of yesterday which was enthusiastically commented on last evening by those who attendeo the session. There were present, in addition to, the professors from the several colleges. government soil sur vey experts and those interested in the furthering of the agricultural interests of the State.
 The idea of conference for the az riouiturists of the State originated with Commissioner Wilkinson, and was ap- proved by Governor Conner, and 1t was turists assembled here yesterday They will also be in session today.
 The main object of this gathering. said Commissionar Wilkinson yester- day. "is the same as conferences on any subject. We want to exchange views and get the benefit of each others ideas. The first conference is already a far greater success than I had ever hoped it would be- and the greatest ih- terest is being manifested"
 Among Those Present.
 Among those present yesterday morning when the meeting was called to order in the audience chamber eof the Railroad Commission quarters Awsre: W. F. Monk. President of the First District School ct Jackson; W. F.. Nichols, W. W. Hall. President of the Second District School at hvergreen, A. H. Chapman: c. ]. Owens, President of the Third District School at Abbeville J. B. Espy George H. Thigpen, Presi- dent of the Fourth District School at Sylaeauga; l.. l.. Yam, President of the sixth District School at wetumpka, E. F. Cauhen; H. o.~Sargent, Presi- dent of the Sixth District School at Hamilton; |. B. Hobdy, President of the Seventh District School at Albert vile; J. M. Atkinson. President of the Eighth District School at Athens, and E.. A. Miller, President of the Ninth District School at Blountsville. Others present were: B. B. Ross, State Chem ist. ana !. F. Duggar of Auburn; J. J. Doster, W. G. Smith, J. F. Burgess, J. K. Powers, Judge Wilkinson, W. F. Feagfn.
 Commissioner wilkinson stated the object of the conference, and expressed regret that the Governor was not able to be present and make an address.
 The sessions of the convention are entirely informal, and during yester- day no less than dozen short talks were made on different subjects and there were many very interesting re-
 
 ly been held at several of the colleges These experiments have necessarily been in oats as this is the season of the year when these experiments can best be made.
 Perhaps the most instructive experi- ment was made at Wetumpka, where 1000 seed were selected and planted, one in a hill. It was found that by proper selection some of the seed will produce 5e to 1, while some do not pro- duce at all. It is the Idea to ascertain just what kind of seed produce the greatest number, and to use these in planting. It is believed that within one year the oat crop of Alabama, with out an increase of acreage, can be in- creased at least 100 per cent.
 Talked on Soil Survey. E
 The general exchange in ideas and reports on different experiments made in soil surveying, with following out of the principles on which is based the establishment of the National Soil Sur vey Board. proved highly interesting, Respectfully to- those who are not we'll up in such matters. Soil survey experts were present, and will continue today to explain the benefits to be derived from an intelligent following of the instructions given by the State Soil Survey Commission. whichNis now grad Aually chasing the lands oh the State.
 It is the purpose of Commissioner Wilkinson to have another conference of the agrlculturists later fin the spring at which time corn culture will be ta- ken up. and reports on experiments which are, to be made. will be stated to the convention.