The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-24
LIMESTONE LOOKS FOR BUMPER CROP Athens Thriving As Never
 Before WORK ON THE FARMS Value of Land in County Has h. creased From Three to Five
 Fold in the Last Ten
 Years
WORK ON THE FARMS
By JACKSON EATON


 has 2500 people and it is the best town in the world for it's size That is the terse description one of it's enthusiastic young business man gave me of this substantial and growing little north Alabama city.
 Athens is the county seat and principal trading center of Limestone county, and 1 even POW. In midsummer, it is busting and active Several brick business houses are in course of erection around the square. And one two-story building espe- ciaIy is handsome. commodious and sub stantially constructed. There are three banks here and all 1ourlshing-the First National. the Citizens and the Farmers and Merchants The Citizens Is fitting up now and will occupy by September 1 new banking rooms, certainly as handsome as any in north Alabama. The location is ideal--a public square corner-and the in- terior is fitted with mahogany<and mar ble William S. Peebles. the president. said today that Athens and the county are in better financial condition than at any previous time. He pointed out that the wealth of Limestone Is singularly well distributed, which condition adds much to the general independence, com fort and contentment.
 The merchants anticipate a record breaking fall and winter business. The active business season is a full month and more off. however for Limestone is primarily a cotton county, and business is dependent upon the marketing of the staple
 Few counties In Alabama surpass Lime stone in wealth of soil and climate. The subsoil is red clay, capable of taking and retaining the highest kind of fertiliza- tion and responds generously to cultiva- ton. The people are realizing the value and the splendid possibilities of these fer tile lands. Old barren lands, red hills and sage fields that ten years ago were considered too wornout to cultivate, to- day bear bounti tifu crops of cotton, corn, peas and hay. The price range is sl5 to $40 and higher per acre. The secret is more white labor. deep blowing and good bit of brains.
 The southern end of the county borders on the Tennessee river, and there is no finer agricultural land in America than this broad valley. Before the war much of the county was held in large planta- tons-10O0 acres and upward in body. And for years afterward 1t was so held and worked by negros according to their crude ideas and lazy lnclinations. More | business-like methods are used now. | While a number of these big plantations are intact, modern principles of farming l are employed. Deep blowing is general and the soil and its needs and adaptabil- | ities are studied
 The small farms are increasing in the county every year, Intelligent, ambitious young men are taking hold with win, l and determination to place the old and honorable business of farming in the forefront of profitable and desirable pro- | fessions.
 | During the last decade, with the im- petus of good prices for farm products and the influx of young blood. Limestone lands have increased in value two to five | fold. The people are coming to know that | their old red hills are inherently as val uable as the new grounds. It is just a matter of breaking down eight or 10 inches deep the old brier roots, undisturbed for I 50 years and intelligent fertilization and crop rotation. But enough of history and preaching.
 Reports from every corner of Limestone indicate bumper crops. Old-timers say l they remember few years when crops were so good as this August promises
 
 broken on corn and hay. This guaran- tees bread and meat and provender for stock. Cotton Is very fine indeed. True, 7, a bit more rain than Is desirable has fal- len, and the plant Is of heavy weed but withal the crop is going to be heavy.
 Limestone is thoroughly imbued with the good roads spirit few years ago the people voted bond issue to build roads. Sufficient money to construct roads from border to border was not available. so the board of commission CTS wisely decided to build from main highways out from Athens as far as pos sble-hve or six miles. The people were quick to see the immense value of good roads, and have given every aid to the upkeep and continuation of the good work. The road overseers are picking up the ends of the bikes and rapidly extend ing good highways across the county. The road working period Is on now, and prac- tically every man is taking vital in terest. An act-of the last legislature pro- vides for the use of every horse and wagon on the public roads for four days. This extra help already shows fine re- suits. The level country and proximity of gravel beds make good roads fin Lime stone possible at small cost. Good roads , here, as everywhere add much to the convenience and pleasure of the people, as well as to the tax value of adjacent lands. The county is interlaced with R. F. D. routes, bringing the farmer his daily paper and letters, and the Decem- Der rain Is no more a rebuff to the farm CTS daughter in her top buggy than June sunshine.
 Limestone is truly a singularly favored county. and her bountiful agricultural possibilities are barely scratched over