The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1913-04-27

In the centre of one OF the best ag-
ricultural sections OF this part OF the
country lies Jay, Florida, where the
farmer is independent, and lives on
the fat Of the land. Without doubt
the lands lying in and around Jay are
among the most fertile to be found
in the state.
This statement is not made by an
interested citizen of the town or by
one who will profit in any way by the
influx OF settlers, which Is bound to
come within the next few years. It
is the general consensus OF opinion
voiced by those who have seen the
lands of this state and Of others, who
are practical farmers, and who are
considered authorities on southern
lands. 1t rs made with a view of in
v1ttng investigation by those who are
seeking q farm where the natural soil
produces crops, and with the aid OF a
fertilizinG stimulus viii greatly repay
the grower in abundant increase OF
yield
A visit WIN satisfy one who knows.
for the broad fields, well fenced, the
growing crops. the modern houses, wei.
Allied barns and smoke houses, give
assurance OF the prosperity OF the TIL
1ers of the soil.
Jay IL IN the cotton section and cot
ton is the staple crop, to bring the Fall
money. There were more than 1900
bales OF cotton raised within q small
radius and gfnned by the three cotton
gins in jay, and within close range
II Is estimated that this was grown on
about 1000 to 2, 500 acres.
Corn also gives an abundant yield
per acre, and with oats. which yield from
three to five tons per acre. hay. pea
nuts, etc. which form large acreage
on each farm. the farmers have their
years stock feed. with plenty for the
market.
The farmers Of this section seem TO
have learned the secret Of true living.
as Is evidenced by the large guam
titles OF food stuffs which are grown
for home consumption. Corn. potatoes,
sugar cane, Irish potatoes, and wei,
assorted varieties of vegetables, are
commodities that are found ON every
farm.
Cabbage. Irish potatoes and straw
berries are now being grown for the
market. and prospects seem good for
an even more prosperous condition to
exist in the near future.
Large numbers Of hogs, cattle and
goats are found in the woods or pas
ture, and bring to the stock farmer
rich rewards for his trouble in raising
them.
The farms range in size from a two
to a tw slve-horse farm, and machinery
is rapidly taking the place Of the old
one-h horse plow. and hand planting
methods. Many travelling men and
others who come TO Jay are struck
with the general conditions surround
In us, and are either investing in
lands while they are comparatively
cheap, or are planning to do so in
order to profit by the advance in price,
and enhancement in value which is
sure to come within a very short time
The town proper is Incorporated and
is about one and one-half miles long
by one mile wide, and has a popu.a-
ton of about two hundred fifty. 1t is
situated near the Florida Alabama line.
about seven miles from Pollard, Ala
One Of the advantages that Jay has
over her sister towns, is that it is on
an elevation, far above high water
mark OF the Escambia river, and tribu-
tary creeks. Water stands on the
ground only short time after a heavy
rain fall. and work Is hindered but |
very little. During the recent flooded |
condition Of the river. when Pollard, |
Brewton. and other nearby towns were |
inundated. and traffic on the L. & N |
railroad was suspended for about ten |
days, Jay suffered no Inconvenience |
save lack of communication for short |
time. A few hours after the rains had /
ceased, work on the farms was re- |
stunned. and most OF the spring plant
ing has been done.
Business establishments.
While Jay is small at present in |