Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1912-08-23
ALI, INTERESTED
|kF|GHT AGAINST
THE CEDAR RUST
Planting and Growing of Orchards In
This County Have Doubled the Val
ue of Lands In Proximity to Them
eBy Alex Clohan.)

~ MA ClOiietlsl
All citizens of Berkeley county are
interested in the fight against the
cedar rust and should take part in the
war for the determination of the ce-
dars. Science has apparently proven
that the cedar is the only home for
the pest that devastates our orchards
and that the only way to effect a cure
is to remove the cause whidl in this
case is the cedar tree. Some ask why
should those who have no orchards en-
list in this crusade? We answer be-
cause the planting and growing of or
chards in this county have doubled
the value of all the land in proximity
to the orchards, More than that-it
has created a market for the farm
products right at the farmers doors
Through the efforts of orchardists
we are improving our roads that adds
to the value of all lands on improved
roads whatever advances the general
prosperity of the county rebounds to
the advantage of all. The fruit indus
try of the county has given us prom
inence all over the country and has
brought capital from the north. south,
east and west to help build this in
dustry,
Therefore, this being the leading in
dustry in the county the more we can
develop, and the faster the better for
all concerned. Another good reason
is that the fruit growers themselves
cannot carry this war to a successful
termination without the help of their
neighbors, A great deal of sacrifice
will have to be exercised for the gem
eral good
There is no use for us TO say that
the cedar trees are worth ANYTHING.
unless they have an actual value for
fencing purposes, then some of the
old cedar lanes are reallg a thing of
beauty and utility also. We may not
always get a pleasant smile from the
owner of some fine old shade tree
which his father may have planted in
the days of long ago when we ask him
to get out and cut down those old rel
les of days gone by, but if we can
make our people fully realize that the
fate of great industry which employe
hundreds of men and brings thousands
of dollars into the general fund, is at
stake. Our farmers are too much alive
to the general good, even if some of
our grave yards have to be robbed of
their shade.
The meeting at Bunker Hill made
a good start, but the finish is what
counts, A long tiresomc job has been
undertaken. We will be able to make
it much easier to succeed if we can
find a market for the wood even if
only at a price that will pay for the
removal At least don't think that be-
ing on the committee is going to make
you good member unless YOU first
shoulder your axe and clear of your
own land, then persuade your neighbor
to do likewise. II he does not feel in
terested enough to follow your exam
pie perhaps he will allow you to per-
suade him to let you remove the trees
in some sections of the county.
1t will take the united effort of the
farmer and orchardst to win but we
can not sit still and see the great in.
dustry destroyed because there is
some labor involved, resolving won't
solve this problem so let us at least
make a start before September the p
when we have to report at the Will
derness orchard on Dry Run.