Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-01-17

him, but largely because he was very
busy with his theories and his new
farm.
The summer was ideal from the
farmers point of view. Sunshine and
shower followed each other as oppor-
timely as il they had been at the beck
and call OF these tillers Of the soil.
John Morrow was sure he could see
his corn grow and hear the wheat
build up its tall graceful heads.
Long before the season was over he
sought out the finest hills of potatoes,
the longest heads Of wheat, and the
thriftiest stalks of corn, and encour-
aged them by special cultivation. for
they We're to represent his prowess al
the county fair in the early autumn.
In due time the specimens were
carefully gathered and sent in charge
Of the hired man to the agricultural
hall OF the county fair, some 10 miles
away John Morrow, having no inter-
1T the fair. did not go over until the
last day when the awards for farm
products were to be made. An accl-
dent on the road delayed him so that
he did not reach The grounds until
after the Judges had rendered the de-
ciscn
He had won first on wheat and sec
ond on potatoes, but was very much
disappointed because the prize par eX.
cellence was wanting-that on corn.
He had taken the blue ribbon on this
product for several consecutive years.
Immediately he began to look about
in an excited manner for the winner.
He soon caught sight of the ribbon
across the hall and rushed over to in
vestigate. At once he noticed that
the stalks were not so tall and fine as
his and remarked about it.
But see" said someone at his side,
how fat the ears are."
He was forced to admit that he was
beaten. Then he put on his spec
tacles to read the name of the win.
ner. To his establishment it was
George Trimble.
Later in the day he put his car
riage in charge OF his farm hand took
the latter's horse and rode around
through the hills. & little before sun
down he came up to George Trimble's
house and found him doing up the
chores"
See here George whur did you git
that thare corn" he called out before
bidding him goodday.
81 raised it. Mr.. Morrow"
..Whuro"
Here on my place.
Got any more like it,"
Yes
I'D like 10 see it."
George took him across a meadow
10 a small field Of corn some distance
from the highway The old farmer
was dumb with establishment at the
sight Of the fine large ears. Finally
he recovered himself enough to ciacu-
late:
Well. never! BY gannie can't
believe my own eyes. George. how
the dickens did you do it,"
In the first place" George began
with enthusiasm II got some seed
from the farm at the college. 1t is
scientifically selected and will yield
- per cent more than ordinary seed.
Then | inoculated the ground.
Did WHAT" asked the stupeicd
listener THAT sounds mighty like
YOU was ialkin OF smallpox
II isn't very easy 10 explain.
George went on. but it is a process
we learned last year at the agricul.
Iural college. 1t enables the soil to
draw right down out OF the air what
is necessary to make the corn grow"
We'll. it beats my time," said the
old man. noddng his head thought
fully Then he put his hand kindly
on the Young fellows shoulder.
Say George, hitch mp yer boss. and
we'll ride over and tell Cynthy about
it,"