Norwich bulletin., 1910-06-29
THE WORK OF SOIL SURVEY.

Congressman Higgins has received notice from the agricultural depart rnent that the soil survey would be commenced on June 27 for Windhan county to which county it will be con- fined.
 It is the purpose of the soil survey to examine the different soils which occur in each county in the United States in order to ascertain not only what their present capabilities Of crop production may be, and to determine the best methods for producing large end profitable staple crops from these soils, but also to determine what new crops may be introduced to advantage upon each one of the different soil types, and which may in time replace part or all of the staple grain and grass crops which have formerly been raised. :.
 In New England. taken as a whole, over half of the population consists of consumers of farm products who. are earning wages or salary in the cities or large towns. These people must, each one. be fed each day, and the farmers of New England are awaken ing to the fact that their best en- deavor can be exerted along the lines of producing the perishabfe food prod ucts for human beings, which meet with such ready and profitable sale In the nearby towns.
 In order that the specialization in the production of fruits, vegetables, dairy products and high grade meats may proceed along we'll regulated and well determined lines. the bureau of soils of the United States departn ent of agriculture has determined at the request of the granges of the county to make a soil survey of Windham county, Connecticut This will con- stitute the first soil survey in the east ern portion of the state.
 Particular attention will be paid in the study of the soils to those which will be of imme value for the ex- tension of apple orcharding and the production of peaches and those which ares well suited for the production of market garden and truck crops. Wind ham county is well located with re- gard to transportation facilities and should be able to produce a large acreage of fruits and vegetables which would find ready market in the cities and large towns of Massachusetts. Rhode Island and Connecticut.
 The work of the soil survey of Wfndham county was begun this week ana the deid work will be completed ssme time early in October. The soil surveyors will visit every portion of the county and will examine both the surface soil and the subsoi1 in order to determine their important charac- terfstics and the kinds of crops which each soil is suited to grow
 The most progressive farmers will also be consulted with regards to the methods which they use for producing the largest crops and those of the best quality upon each type of soil. and the surveyors will also have the bene- Tit as the survey progresses of being able to compare the soils of Windham county with those of other portions of New England and the northea stern states where soil surveys have already been made.
 Such study and comparison of the soils of Windham county will enable them to prepare detailed map show ing where each different characteristic soil is located and what are its out lines and boundaries. The map when completed will be accompanied by report which will summarize all of the important information which can be secured in regard, to these soils and when the map and report are printed application for copies may be made to the United States department of agriculture or to Repres sentative Higgins, who will have comics of the report for distribution. Each report is accompanied by an engraved map of the county showing the location of tue soils, roads. houses. villages and streams.
 The place of MT. Frank Bennett at Willimantic will be headquarters for the surveyors from the bureau of soils. from the United States department of agriculture.
 A similar report has been made cov- n srfo to zfT D and work will be undertaken during the present summer in Plymouth coun- ty. Massachusetts,