Judith Gap journal. [volume] (Judith Gap, Mont.) 1908-19??, 1909-11-12

ItltTS W tue sweet clOFcriUU RUSSIAN
thistle as useful in this scheme. do
not know and do not want to dispute
him as to the utility of these familiar
plants. But | am willing to leave the
field of investigation of the usefulness
of the thistle and sweet clover and
similar plants from Siberia and the
far north to the department OF agri-
culture.
81 do insist, however, that it is
wrong and hurtful, and wholly mex
cusable, for the authority to be given
at Washington for sensational attacks
upon the work that we of the West
are doing. Better that aid and en-
couragement be given us in our work
of development of scientific soil cul-
ture, by and through which we have
already accomplished so much that is
Of permanent value.
Scientific Tiilage Necessary.
''Whatever else may be found nee
essary in retaining the half deserts
and we should welcome everything
that is helpful or that promises good
results-this fact will remain that the
first and greatest problem is how to
adapt methods OF tillage to these ex-
ceptional conditions. Scientific til
lage is the one essential.
eve have made some progress in
the quarter century, much Of it since
this congress was organized and aided
in the publicity which the movement
50 much needed can see that there
has been a wonderful advance made.
Persons in the Eastern states find it
hard to believe the things which have
become commonplace with us. TO
many the changes wrought has
seemed almost 4 miracle.
II believe have had exceptional
opportunity to witness t.le change
taking place. My travels have been
into Mexico and Canada and all be-
tween. Within a week | have seen in
Texas. in Il season Of deficient rainfall
this season, results brought about by
scientific tillage that would have been
regarded us impossible few years
ago. Letters from Alberta tell OF
splendid results there from soil cul;
ture science. have kept in constant
communication with sixty-eight farm:
ers located in fourteen states with
eleven more in Alberta and two in
Saskatchewan, all working along lines
we have suggested, and contesting for
$4,000 in cash prizes. They all began
work early last spring. From many
of these we have had very enthusiasts
tic reports regarding their success,
and especially in the drier sections
their ability to control the moisture
Others have failed by just little
carelessness. Yet ! know that won
derful progress has been made.
know what has been done in this
splendid state of Montana and other
states OF the West. 1t is all good. We
no longer need to defend ourselves
from attacks inspired by jealousy or
seltishness. The movement has made
good.
''lt is significant to me that almost
the only question now asked at every
farmers meeting where this subject
is discussed is how to get results.
Yet how well recollect that for years
the chief discussion was us to whether
or not anything could be done by sci
entitic soil tillage. The change
marks the passing from the old to the
new.
"What is the future Of the West
under scientific soil culture? Ii |
were to speak what is in my heart you
would credit me with extravaganza or
eXaggeratiOn. ] have great conf
dence in the semi-arid regions | be-
lieve of truth tina. this region which
is just now coming into its own is
destined to be the last and best grain
garden of the world. Good farming
can be done here better even than in
the humid region, but the work must
be understood and carefully applied.
The highest degree of intelligence is
needed. 1t means real headWOrk in
every process.
Scientific soil culture means more
acres by reason of enlarging immense
ly the tillable area of the country. 1t
means better acres because OF in
creased yield per acre where ideal
conditions are maintained. 1t means
great deal to convert these hundreds
of millions of acres of the West into
rich farms, producing grain and grass
for the finishing of the live stock. 1t
means cottages and groves and school
houses, towns and cities, with banks
and stores and newspapers; and it
means a stream of wealth pouring
'z7.- -----,
magnificent railroads."