Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-08-20
HOW GEORGLA,S CORN CROP
GREW THIRTY MILLIONS


gias corn crop has grown thirty million dollars
within the past FIVE years has aroused statewide
wonder. Such an increase appears wellnigh miracu-
lous But it is we'll attested fact and it is due,
not to any extraordinary conditions but to the
patient practical application of scientific methods
of farming.
The chief factor in this remarkable growth has
been the work of the Boys Corn Clubs These clubs
were first organized in Georgia in 1906. In the out
set they we're few and scattered. but Immediately
their results became fruitfully manifest In 1909.
the State College of Agriculture turned its influence
particularly to this enterprise and about the same
time a campaign of farm demonstration work was
begun In both these undertakings the Federal De-
partment of Agriculture joined heartily and rendered
invaluable assistance.
1t is interesting to note the results of this work
as they have accrued from season to season At the
beginning of the club movement, the states
average acre yield of little more than ten
bushels In 1909, the record advanced to twelve
and half bushels; in 1910 to fourteen and three
tenths bushels and in 1911 to sixteen bushels.
This means that last year Georgia produced
seventysix million bushels of the great staple crop
and thereby won place of renown among the coun-
try's grain-groWing commemorative 1t that
within five brief years there have sprung from her
SOIL through the natural magic of and shower,
aided by intelligent labor millions and millions OF
wealth that hitherto had lain dormant.
The significance of this increase to the states
business interests cannot be overgauged. 1t touches
every shop and store, every balk and market place
1t puts more money into circulation and, what is
especially important, it keeps at home money that
formerly went to distant sections. 1t reminds us
that here within own boundaries we possess all
the sinews of selfmaintenance, that produce
harvests of food IS easily and more cheapy than
harvests of cotton, that be economically free
and independent if we only will
1t should be noted that tho increase from ten 20
sixteen bushels of per acre represents state
wide average There are instances, and they nu-
merous, where fifty, hundred and even two hundred
bushels have been brought from a single acre. This
result as we have said is due simply to the working
out of we'll known methods of cultivation. The soil
has been made to unbosom its natural treasure not
, much by the use of artificial fertilizers by
harder work by the adaptation Of means to ends
the practical use certain truths which science has
unfolded. The one primal secret behind the thirty
million dollars added to the states wealth is
education
Too much credit cannot be given to the agency
through which this knowledge turned actively
to account The Boys Corn Clubs have been the
practical instruments this constructive work They
have enlisted the thought and endeavor of the rising
generation in almost every county of the State and
have turned thousands of youths into ardent build
ers of a greater Georgia
Every possible encouragement should be given
such work and the boys who carrying it forward
They should be supported, and it is good to know
that in scores of instances they are supported,
by chambers commerce, boards of trade, the rail-
roads, by educators and by publichearted individuals
If within the next five years the State can accom-
psh in this vital work what it has during the past
hve we shall have a commonwealth even more pros
porous than now and that offers richer advan-
tages to every line of enueavor.
Mexico has developed Joan of Arc, showing
that the of the sufragette is progressing.
1t would seem that the Democratic party would