Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-07-02
THE WORM THAT WAS TURNED

of worms, as numerous and deadly the Huns of
old Attila himself attacking the corn. What follow
ed is one of the most interesting episodes in Georgia
history, for it shows what scientific knowledge of
agriculture, applied through cooperative methods
can accomplish; and Furthermore, it indicates the
progress we have made in coping with evils that
once were looked upon the chastenings of mys-
terious providence and, hence only to be accepted
with resignation.
The farmer hurried to town with the bad news
When the Triton Chamber of Commerce learned of
the worms advent, it promptly got into cOmmunca
ton with every the rural telephone line
SO that within few hours every grower in the
county had been advised as to how the worms adj
vance might be checked.
The campaign of resistance dio not end there, for
this parasite known as the "army" worm from the
fact that it moves so rapidly and in destructive
Iegions was not confined to one particular locality
It's presence in Tiff indicated its march upon other
counties and 1t was remembered as having last sum-
mer destroyed in some districts at least fifty per
cent Of the corn crop Hence the need of statewide
and speedy action.
To this end there was held in Atlanta at the in
stance of this city's Chamber of Commerce meeting
of merchants bankers. manufacturers and represent
atves Of other business interests. The state ento
molOgist, Mr.. worsham. was present He told of the
damage the pest could infict and of the means by
which it could be checked An organized campaign
was perfected. Circulars prescribing remedy
against the army worm prepared and these were
sent broadcast by the merchants in their mailing
lists they also sent to every daily and weekly
newspaper with Geographic requests that they be
published.
The result is that every corn grower in the state
has set to work vigorously and effectively fight
ing this enemy of our great cereal crop. And as
consequence Georgia will be saved hundreds of
thousands of dollars which would have been lost had
it not been for two things: "a scientific knowledge
of hotO to resist this pest and united effort the
part of business and agricultural Interests.
These two facts. we say, happy omens of the
states progress and of its future prosperity.
Just as the public health is safeguarded today
more effectively than ever before, the security of
crops is being continually strengthened And in this
vital work. chief credit is due to those and in
situations that make a systematic study Of plant
health and plant diseases. In no other field of hui
endeavor has 1t been moro clearly exemplifed
that knowledge is power The man with the micro
scope and the crucible, the man who delves-in the
laboratory and pores over books is worth millions of
dollars to the farm Who can estimate the value of
the State College Of Agriculture or of the department
of entomology to the farmers of Georgia and through
them, to the industrial and commercial life of the
state?
These institutions and their competent officials
have not only saved the commonwealth from divers
evils to its crops but they have also increased our
harvests from year to year in quality well in
volume. They making scientific agriculture a
fact as well as gospel and thus they are adding to
the general store of wealth and opportunity.
No less interesting or important is the growth Of
cooperative sentiment between the farmer and the
business man. the country and the city The Farmers
Educational and Cooperative Union teaching the
farmers themselves the good of working for their
common instead of for merely individual interests
Commercial leaders have awakened to the truth that
after all the states total prosperity depends upon
the soil And so we find chambers of commerce and
boards of trade and railway companies turning their
attention to matters Of the farm and doing their ut
most to develop agricultural interests.
This is heartening sign for Georgia. 1t bespeaks
keener intelligence and, what is more import
ant keener sympathy among the people of all occu
pations; and it is upon this sense of common duties
and opportunities that the true strength and
glory of a state must rest.
The colonel says It doesn't make any difference