Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1909-02-26
Mr.. Editors:


Mr.. Editor:
Frequently in the past month have
been invited by prominent agrcultur-
al men in Berkeley county to write
letter oa agriculture and the motive
that prompts me to comply with their
requests is to interest and instruct
though ! may say little that is new
to everyone. The great and important
source Of public prosperity in this
country or amy other ID agriculture.
People Of all nati6nalities by proper
observance of the laws, share alike in
the eountry's Industries and citizen
ship, aud the patriotism and human
ity that pervades and elevates this ma
tion is tbs. source Of its sound wisdom.
In agriculture or any other pursuit
every man owes il to his fellowmen
by unity of power and purpose to dis
charge that great obligation of helping
his brother, 10y iinparting knowledge,
and the eby bringing order out of
chaos, and light out Of darkness, agri-
culture Is the basis Of the permanent
prosperity aud growth Of all other in
terests.
| predict that West Virginia is the
richest state in the Union, land present
indications point that my predictions
may soon be verified, The states and
countries of the world have been in-
formed of West Virginia surprising
resources which has excited enthu-
siasm of pleasant interest in it's c'ti-
zens, who well know the adoption of
its soils to the production of corn and
wheat, also horses, cattle, sheep and
hogs.
The breeding industry Of West Vir-
ginia has not been visited by any dis
ease either of contagious or inefec-
tieus nature detrimental otis prosper
ity.
The foot and mouth disease which
for time threatened to sweep out of
existence the transportation of cattle
to orr neighboring states of Pennsyl-
vania and Maryland was short lived,
due in a great measure to the efforts of
Pennsylvania state veterinarian Mr..
Peirson who was prompt il taking
taking necessary remedial and pre-
ventive measures. All this week strict
search has been make!in and about
Berkeley county 10y DR.. 5. Enos Day a
mem Der Of the bureau Of animal it,
dusfry Washington ID. G. for foot and
mouth disease and no traces can be
found. There are few if any adverse
conditions to the growing Of fruit and
vegetables for the market in Berkeley
county, grapes, currants, berries,
ounces, pears, peaches, plums, cher
RES and apples, all grow in abundance
in our climate and soil and disposed
Of at renumerative prices. This is in
brief the fruit growing capacity of
Berkeley county whose climate and
sail respond literally to the call of the
/ husbandman. The markets Of the
world are open to our apple industry,
and we have but few competitors and
this fact need not fear over production
or deter any land owner from engaging
ia such an important undertaking
| The apple growers OF these United
States should pay no attention to the
commercial and horticultural Journals
of England scattering broadcast the be-
lief that our fruit is tainted with dan
gerous Insecticides, leaving the i'm.
preston that the fruit is baneful and
pernicious to the consumer. As the
only practising graduate veterinarian
in Berkeley county | am treated to q
thorough acquaintance with the agri
culture of the state and feel grstifiee
that the air we breathe, contains health
/ properties as is evidenced by it's citi
zens on every hand. Interested anc
appreeiative investors are constantly
stimulating to increased exertions, thu
enthusiasm of our citizens on theil
real estate holdings, and the result is ,
result Of fabulous prices for both city
and county property. The agriculture
question of interest TO every either
and agitating the minds Of our legis
lators at Charleston is the need Of q Law
regulating the practice of veterinary
medicine and surgery. A bill is nov
before the state Legislature, being in
troduced by the Hon. Gray Silver
Hon. e. NJ. Seibert and Hon. u. w
Daniels. who are actually interested il
successful veterinary legislation, w hiet
will not debar the empiric from prsc
tice.