The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1911-12-01
USE OF DYNAMITE IN AGRICUL-
TURAL PURSUITS.

Washington, d. c., Nov. 2S.-A-
the agricultural department the ex-
periments being conducted in various
portions of the country under the d.
rection of the agricultural colleges OF
different states, in farming with dy-
namite' are being watched with
great interest. A preliminary report
has Just issued from the census de-
partment showing that there are $50
great fertilizing producing concerns
In the country, and that in 1909 the
value of their products was $780,
100000. If the theory attached to
the use of dynamite in agricultural
pursuits is found to be correct, and
the. Du Pont company is evidently so
sure of it that they are spending
large sums to prove their claims,
then all this great outlay for fertiliz-
ers will be unnecessary. 1t is point
ed out that in ordinary plow.ng the
same old soil is merely turned over
only a few inches from the surface
year after year, and decrease in
CROPS is only prevented by rotation
or expensive fertilizing. The the ry
of farming with dynamite is that by
planting sticks of dynamite at regu-
lar intervals of space, and exploding
them. that the underlying soil is dis
turbed to a depth of several feet,
making it porous and capable. of alb
sorbing plenty of water in rainy
weather. and this water, which is the
principal plant food is drawn to the
top by the roots of the plant as
needed for it's growth, carrying with
it not only moisture but necessary
soluble fertilizing elements. In the
cotton fields of the south produc-
ton has been multiplied several
times over from blowing with dyna-
mite, while increases of thirty-three
per cent are reported from corn
fields. Melon patches also show re-
markedly increased yields. j. H.
Hale, the great orchardist from Con-
necticut, has become a convert to the
scheme, and has planted thousands
of trees with dynamite, with sur
prising results. Illustrations have
been received here showing how the
use of dynamite permits the roots of
fruit trees to take their natural
course into the lower stra-
tas Of soil in which plenty of plant
food elements are available, and the
development of the trees planted with
dynamite, and without, in the same
orchards demonstrates more than
else the success of the ex-
pertinent. Cornell university is au-
hority for the statement that trees
planted can absorb so per
lcuI VI Iuo luOloIule SuIIOuuuluS |
them, and where the underlying soil |
is especially prepared for this pur-
pose it is not strange that photo
graphs prove that trees set out in
and prepared by dynamite look fully |
100 per cent more healthy, and are
much more productive in three or
our years, than the trees set out In
plots where cramped roots prevent
healthy growth. In the wooded, Sec
ions of the country the settlers dis
covered for themselves many years
lgo that few sticks of dynamite
;ould beat al! the patent stump pull
.rs in the universe. The agricultur-
Il department was the last 10 be con-
rinoed, but Mr.. Wilson'S bureau has
-naiy acknowledged that inere is no
question about this-just as they arc
Going to wake up to the more won
lerful discovery Of the practicable
y of farming with dynamite when
here is no longer any question about
'eassemble, it has been suggester
hat the passage of the Simmons az
icultural experiment bill of. the six
y-first congress would result in the
aking up of such matters as farm
ng. with dynamite in practical
manner that would advance the agri-
ultural interests of the country TO
great degree.
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NEW ORGANIZATION ElRAIED