St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1909-03-06
'POssun 1'r0t Farm.

'Possum Trot Farm is soon to be
realized, and the work of Miss Mary
Theresa Elder, which, has extended
over a period of twenty years, will
win its crowning achievement.
'Possum Trot Farm is to be in the
heart of the piney woods, in beautiful
st. Tammany Parish, and close to it
will be Fellowship Farm. The two
institutions, founded on sound eco
nomic principles and conducted on en-
tirely practical lines, will do much in
the way of agricultural development
and laying the groundwork for a cam
paign of education in farming that
may spread over the entire State.
It is Miss Elders plan to instruct
boys in practical farming, the science
of tilling the soil and getting the best
out of the rich lap of nature. Miss
Elder appreciates that sometimes the
ory should go before practice, but it
is her intention to reverse this ac-
cepted order and introduce the pupils
to practical farming, bringing in the
theoretical side later.
Miss Elder is the promoter of Pos
sum Trot Farm, and she is inspired to
strenuous effort by the success gained
by Miss Berry, in Georgia. Miss Ber-
ry began six years ago on what seem
ed most unpromising land, and she had
as her material only raw, unmanage-
able country boys of no education and
of rebellious spirit. To-day Miss Ber-
ry's restitution is valued at 800, 200
and her work is steadily reaching out
and it's results multiplying.
Miss Elder intends to instruct all
boys who come to her institution, but
she prefers country boys, deeming
them better adapted for farming than
city boys and of stronger constitution.
The has already secured ten prospec-
tive pupils, and the land which she will
use has been offered rent free for five
years. At the expiration of the five
years she will be allowed to purchase
the seventy-flve acres for $1,000,
which proposition she considers moth
ing less than generous gift. On the
land there is house and several out
buildings which only need a little re-
pairing to put them in fit condition for
immediate use.
Miss Elder has received a number
of offers of Assistance. A young law
yer and notary Of this city has volun-
| teered to give up a lucrative practice
in this city and go to the farm as an
| instructor. He will also do all notarial
work connected with the Institution
free of charge. A doctor also offers
| his services free, and scientific agri-
culturalist, a man who thoroughly
understands farming, will serve with
out compensation. Two carpenters
offer very fair conditions. and on the
score Of assistance Miss Elders mind
! is altogether easy.
Miss Elder wishes it understood thai
/ the farm is in no wise charity, ane
Estates that the prospects of paying
| investors and stockholders handsome
| ly are very good. The pupils at the
school, when possible, will board else
where, and only those who cannot
secure accommodations in the sur
rounding country will be given lodg
ment.
The Fellowship Farm idea is a1se
taking definite shape. While the Eel
lowship Farm is not to be identified
with 'Possum Trot Farm, the two res
ervations are to be contiguous. Undel
the Fellowship Farm plan not les!
than twenty families nor more thar
forty are to take a large section O
| land and own it in common, but havt
separate home acres in individua
ownership. The main barn. the i'm
proved farming implements and sucl
things are to be owned in common
In other words, the members Of tn
settlement are to constitute a grea
stock company, and by joining thei
energies and their means will hav
within their reach improved machiner,
and facilities that they would not b
able to purchase as individuals.
Miss Elder intends to begin opera
ton on 'Possum Trot Farm early mex
month, and she sees nothing but sue
cess ahead. Miss Elder had con
ference with several ladies and gentle
men interested in the moyemnnt a
. her home in Race Street yesterda
afternoon. At the meeting plans Wer
generally discussed and arrangement
perfected. -Picayune..