The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-30
Departments Statement

Following is the department state ment:
 The cotton market continues to be the overshadowing question, particu- larly with the people of the south. There has been little to transpire with
 in the past week to change the gloomy conditions foresbadowed in our last week s bulletin. Cotton is now selling al F cents, and We have the author ity o1 one of the best posted cotton men in the south that it will be sell ing around cents for the next several weeks. It is the opinion of this same authority that 1t will be many months before the farmers will experience any benefit from the relaxation of the cot ton market tension. His outlook is gloomy one and the logic Of the cot ton situation appears to confirm his views. The people might as we'll make up their minds to the fact that the south has a hard time ahead of her In respect to her main staple and that it will be an indefinite time yet when she can rely upon cotton with confi- dence and certainty with which she usually meets business conditions.
 "Cotton seed is now selling at s15 which represents an improvement within the past few days in the seed market. This is some small atonement for the ills which have been endured up to now as consequence of condi- tions which had practically eliminated cotton seed from the market In view of the conditions we have described, there have been a few sales made either of cotton or cotton seed. but with the advance in price on the latter the probabilities are that cotton seed will be more generally sold from now on and there will be some activity in this particular line. As for the volume of the cotton crop, little has occurred within the past week to change the forecast that a fairly good crop will be made. but it is certain that it's size in Alabama will be considerably re- dueed on account of the boil weevil In no section where cotton has taken on it's. second growth will any kind of a crop be made on account of the weevil invasion. In some sections it is reported that the army worm is doing considerable damage to late corn and grass crops. Forage and hay crops arc reported better than usual for this season of the year, but they are noth-
 ing to what they should prove if the planting of elovers and other grasses have the acreage that should be given them. Next year will probably afford us new object lessons of this fact, as from all reports the interest and ac. tivity upon this enlarged line of farm
 
 The prevalence of the European wal and the consequent hard times tha have resulted from this calamity inn press upon us all the necessity of vest ing the farm with an interest and im- portance never before given it. The high cost of living will continue to bt an economic rule with us, and the olls means of regarding it beneficially vii be in maintaining our own markets as far as this can be done. We must tLri to the farm and look to it's capacities for yields that will be needed to make buckle and tongue meet next year One of the prime items should prove the raising of vegetables and garder truck generally. We have soils in Alabama adapted to the raising Of ev- | cry necessary thing required for com l fort and sustenance of man. Thi: fact is worth nothing with the neglect with which we have regarded our op. Iportunities for lf-independence. Jus Inow when everything seems dark anc the entire cotton market and econoni, system appears to be out of gear, W, should learn the lesson of this jade pendence by raising for ourselves tn. things which we have all along oodgb | from others
 "rhe department is in receipt re gently of number of inquiries abou l the growing of alfalfa, which nJicate. continued interest in this great crop | for the cultivation of which tIe soils of this state cannot be surpassed b, those of any other country.