The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1911-12-13
WESTV|L[E GETS
FARMERS TRAIN
MANY FARMERS TAKE ADVAN-
TAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO
SEE THE EXHIBITS AND HEAR
THE LECTURES.
Special to the Journal.

WestVille, Dec. 11-Saturday was
farmers day in Westyille. At an early
hour the local farmers, accompanied
in many instances by their wives and
children, began to arrive in town for
the purpose OF meeting the farmers
special train, due to arrive at 1890
p. m. the special arrived. consistin5
of train of seven cars. The l.. & \.
too kcharge at River Junction, with
the regular train crew and equipment
The farmers special was in charge
of the following distinguished agri-
cultural experts: Prof. P. II. Rolls,
director state experiment station; Prof
c K. McQuarrje, assistant superin-
tendent farming instruction, and Prof
APP. Spencer. assistant in extension.
The better farming equipment con-
sists of one car of general exhibits of
dairy outfit, illustrating amateur
dairying ETC.: exhibits from the home
economics department OF the Womens
College, Tallahassee; exhibit from the
engineering department, University Of
Florida; corn club exhibit, twenty sam
pies improved varieties of corn best
suited to Florida, one hundred agri-
cultural books best suited for Florida
farming, bulletins on agricultural
topics for free distribution, raw fer
tilizers, chemicals and suggestions how
to mix them for different crops thirty
two varieties of forage crops, some
new, others of great value, well known
and often neglected, one car of i'm
proved hogs, Berkshires, Duroc Jerseys,
Poland Chinas, Tamworth and Hamp-
shires. They were to illustrate that
improved breeds do well in Florida.
Two cars improved farm machinery
chiefly soil cultivators.
At IL: 80 p. m. the cars were thrown
open to visitors and soon the eager
crowd had every car damned with in
TO-.
hibits Words of admiration and ap
probation were freely uttered for the
interest being taken in behalf of the
heretofore neglected farmer.
Expert lecturers explained the diff
ferent departments and our farmers
certainly enjoyed the exhibit in every
department. After inspecting the ex.
hibits in the cars, the farmers, ladies
and children all assembled under the
shade of the oaks alongside the rail-
road and, comfortably seated on cross
ties and timber debris, listened to the
lectures on farm topics generally. The
speakers, Profs. Rolls, McQuarrie and
Spencer, talked interestingly and in
structively until time to pack up and
leave. Prof. Spencer merely led out by
few Introductory remarks and then
busted himself with taking a photo of
the assemblage. Prof. McQuarrie spoke
on general farm topics, improved
methods. etc. Prof. Rolls. with the
aid of charts, illustrated the va
different forage crops, times of plant
ing, etc. The great value of improved
stock on the farm was urged with en-
phasis by both.
At the conclusion of the lectures,
questions were in order and some of
the leading farmers asked for informa
tion on subjects of personal interest
and received prompt and satisfactory
replies. On the whole it was a most
enjoyable and profitable occasion and
it is to be regretted that every farmer
in the county was mot present. Prof.
Spencer says the attendance to date
approximates $4,000, and that the in
terest manifested all along the route
has been more than was expected.
West Florida to date leads the van
with IS to So per cent of the people
within a radius of eight miles attend
ing. Prof. Spencer informed your cor
respondent that the average of at
tending has been greater in West Flor
ida than in more thickly populated
sections.
The L. & n. took charge at River
Junction and has been most liberal in
equipment and assistant generally,
taking a deep interest in the program.
Stops of about two hours are made at
each place on the program. Boards of
trade and other business interests of
lO"hSs dIe ldhlHB al active interest.
There is no question but that this
splendid practical illustration of better
farm is destined to promote a more
lively interest in improved farming,
improved stock and a general up grade
movement among the farmers
On the whole Florida farmers are
an intelligent class, aware of the need
of Improvement, and this demonstra-
ton is a great help in time of need.
The distinguished gentlemen in charge
of the exhibit and demonstration are
most enthusiastic advocates of i'm
proved methods, whose lives are being
| devoted TO the great cause of agricu1-
| ture and kindred pursuits in the cause
| of public Improvement all along the
| line and instead of '-cussin' out the
| railroad" let us take cognizance of the
| liberal manner in which the great L. <.
| n. is actually aiding the farmer and
| promoting his interests.