The Washington herald., 1909-08-01
ONE ALABAMA FARM
w. C. Benton and Family
Have Ideal Life.
HIRE NO OUTSIDE LABoRERs
Operator Who Abandoned
the Key for More CongeniaI Occu-
patton Has Made Money and En-
Joys Plenty from His broad Acres.
His Sons Do the Work.

CoIumbiana, Ala. July Sl.-There are
many fine farms in this vicinity. but the
best-equlpped is that Of W. c. Benton on
the Siluria road. near Montevallo.
While Mr.. Benton has a large farm.
he Is cultivating only a limited acreage
this year. He was born within three
miles Of his present home, his ancestors
being among the pioneers OF the country.
While a young man Mr.. Benton learned
telegraphing. and became an agent Of
the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.
He began TO invest his earnings IN land
and to farm from the start His farm Is
equipped with reversible disc plows Cor
breaking land and all other machines
that help to make farming a pleasure.
His crops are so well tended by his
sons. and the land is so well prepared in
advance, that his corn runs from fifty 70
seventy-nve bushels 10 the acre; his oats
over thirty while a bale of cotton to
the acre Is not unusual. and other things
in proportion.
Operates n Grist Mill.
Mr.. Benton has a first-class grist mill
on his farm, and makes a good deal Of
-four and meal each year. His home is a
comfortable one. with wide verandas on
all sides The grounds are beautified by
towering shrubbery. The adjoining gar
dens contain fruit and vegetables for
homo consumption, and the house IS on
high ground, with perfect drainage in all
directions.
Seated on the porch in the evening
after hot July day. it is like some noun
tain summer resort. with the fresh breeze
tanning ones face. and there IS not a
mosquito about the place
The barns are substantial structures;
also on a well-drained site. A wide pas
sageway, with space for a high load OF
hay 10 enter, runs from end 10 end OF the
main barn. with lofts on either side Tor
hay and forage and stalls and granaries
under these lofts
The lofts are filled with the finest al
falfa hay, the granaries with oats. COW
peas. and other grain. 1t is a scene Of
abundance which one would Ike TO see
on every farm In Alabama.
Mixes Farm Fertilizers.
a feature Of Mr.. Bentons farm work is
the mixing of his own fertilizers. He
buys the best ingredients in bulk. and
then mixes them 10 fit the requirements
Of each crop, according to the scientific
rules laid down by the Agricultural De-
partment
It is plain throughout that Mr.. Benton
has mixed a goodly proportion Of brains
with his labor. There is not hired hand
on the place as a regular thing. One, son
takes charge OF the feeding, and needs no
call TO get him out at 4 clock each morn
ing to feed the stock and get them ready
for the days work. The regular work Of
the farm has not interfered with the boys
who remain at home in obtaining a good
education.
The home Is in charge of Mrs Benton
and her young daughters, who take pride
IN their part OF the programme Alum
dance OF poultry, milk, and eggs are al
ways on hand, with other products Of
the farm and garden, which ada TO the
comfort and well-being OF the family.
Perhaps no other department is of more
interest and value than Mrs. Benton s
canning outfit where she puts up a supply
OF all the luxuries for winter use.
! Taken altogether. 1t has not been the
writer's good fortune 10 see In the South
a farm which so fully represents all that
the poets write about when they describe
the American country home.