The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1909-10-22

} In this department we pub
} lish matter on Farming that Is
} adapted to local conditions.
} Farmers are especially invited
to contribute articles or send In I
questions for 1t.
WILSON CHALLENGES METHODS
OF WESTERN DRY FARMERS

Billings, Mont, Oct. I4--SecTcldry
James Wilson of the department OF
agriculture has shown deep interest
in the progress Of dry farming in the
west and has devoted considerable att
tention to it in his report published
in the Yearbook of the department,
but he takes issue with many Of the
opponents of certain system OF so-
called dry farming, and 1t is likely
that his expression of opinion on the
details wherein he differs from the
western experts will precipitate ami
mated discussion at the Fourth Dry
Farming Congress at Bilvhgs, Man
tana, October 1928.
Secretary Wilson was invited to at
tend the coming congress, but In a.
letter to Governor Norris of Montana,
president of the Dry Farming Con-
gress, has expressed his regret that
he will be unable to be present In
person. However, he will send mes
sage to the Congress to be read at the
opening session. An idea of his posi-
ton in regard to certain details Of
dry farming methods is given in his
letter to Governor Norris, in which
Secretary Wilson says:
II have just returned from a
months visit to the mountain states
where we have numerous dry farm
ing experiments going on and have
been visiting them. It is one OF the
most prominent and interesting stud
les of this time. We know what Is
wanting to some extent and are close
students Of the conditions In the light
rainfall districts of the west. We
began some years ago getting plants
from dry lands In foreign countries,
where they have severe winters, that
would be suitable for our conditions
west OF the 10th meridian and are
having success. We have hardy al
falfa brought last year from Siberia,
also clovers and other plants. That
Is one thing that has to be done, and
another thing that needs careful
study Is the dry farming countries
where very gross errors are being
made and some very questionable
methods are being pursued, that Is,
they pillow two years for one crop,
the plan being that the precipitation
of two seasons will be grouped tow
ard the growing Of one good crop,
This will succeed for a number OF
years, but 1t cannot succeed perma-
nently. That Is why this department
has been securing the world for
plants that will grow and put organic
matter in the soil during the year
that Is now occupied in following.
have been close student Of this
practice during my recent visit in the
west.
Z II would be delighted to be present
with you and discuss these matters
but really have to direct the move
ments Of SO many scientists here and
in many different parts of the coun.
try and in SO many varied lines OF
enterprise, that 1t is rarely that
can leave my desk. What time j
could spare this summer has been
given more to the study Of dry land
farming than anything else. I know
we will eventually solve these prob
lens, but 1t reqires the ability OF
the best men we have to do 1t, and
It requires federal money to pay
these men. 1t also requires looking
over the habitable globe where 1t Is
hot in the summer and very cold In
the winter to get plants suitable. This
we are doing. would be entertained
by meeting your people and discuss
ing these matters with them, but
my dar governor, cannot get away
very much to my regret. Wishing
you profitable and enjoyable meet
ing, ] remain,
"Ver cordially.
JAMES WILSON,