Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-03-10

Editor The Journal Atlanta, Ga:
S q of grave Importance to all south
farmers. confronted by serious con-
ditions. considering the pitching or our
crops and fertilizers them. l have given very Sc
rous study to statistical position of cotton and
study really starting facts On De-
ccmber IS last we the hands of southern mer-
chants and farmers about 121OOOOO bales of cotton
time the worlds spnners nave taken about
100000 leaving today in the south about 106OOOOO
bales. present rate of consumption will be-
gin the cotton september 1876 with surplus
of 100000.
OF course. spnners watching all indications of
enlarged Already the spectators have de-
pressed prices $3.50 bale rhis detracts at
least $SOOOOOO from present holdings This great
loss will fall entirely southern holders. 1t is
brought solely by the expected acreage in
crease
does seem will from the
stern school of experience survey forty
years prove years those
biggest crops. We know from
peated experience that small actually bring
money big ones, and yet go and year after
do dead level best pile biggest
possible. We buy guano. mules bank credit and time
goods from supply merchants to more cotton TO
for all these supplies and actually receive less
dollars from the big crop with wnicn to meet these
multiplied obligations Failure credit and the
wisdom mercy the great Ruler of the universe,
the only stops to universal bankruptcy. Even last
year, with the greatest the world has known
in progress with two of our heaviest consumers
of cotton shut from the market planted enough
acres to have grown crop of 100000 or 100000
bales Providence alone by sending bad saved
from absolute bankruptcy. Now with all CONNER
cal fertilizers at advance of least so cent,
with the greatest uncertainty. as to market it
seems to me that we should stop and think If
to these advanced prices is very doubtful
if they will be of much benefit absence potash
will greatly detract from the increased crops hope
to obtain by their use The sellers, however will de-
mand the ultimate dollar called by notes. wheth
er it adds to the crop and whether cotton
brings cents or Is cents.
1t me that this is very opportune time to
break away from former suicide system of farming
We will get much more money for 100000 bale
crop than for 100000 one.
AS l see it, great problem is to quit buying and
go raising fertilizer We grow it 100
per cheaper than buy it, and at time
grow immense quantities of the very best pro-
ducing feed cost.
We pay attention soil building.
lands annually growing and to raise
of cotton using ever increasing
amounts of guano.
We feed smoke houses IN the west.
Every send uncountable millions Of dollars
there for products at less than half what
it costs the western We some cheap
crop adapted to land will build it up,
creasing our dependence factories. We have
an abundant supply of cheap cattle and hogs
If we are to compete with western meat growers.
Velvet fulfils both these requirements They
be planted and handled in connection with our
upland that they cost nothing save seed and drop
ping. They fertizing material to each at the
ratio of $40 to $40 Just many bushels of
be grown with them without and at least
many bushels of beans of Germ acre. As
cheap soil builder they our greatest crop. As
heavy producer of the very best meatgrowing feed,
they cannot be approached by any known plant.
For a good many years their usefulness
fined to a strip along the gulf and south
Georgia and Florida. The only known variety
the late Florida Speckle seasons all the cotton
belt except the small strip mentioned short.
Now however, there are varieties that will mature
full crops anywhere that cotton will
cesssfully. abundant and cheap. Every
of upland corn cotton states could be easily
doubled feeding value and following vastly
benefited by them. In few years any farmer can
get under the heavy expense of guano and meat
buying by their The crop is very easy grow
that the most ignorant negro cannot fail make
success with them. .... .-.- =, s .~.-.
1t would be vastly to the interest of business
of whatever character to take hold of and give
the very widest publicity possible to this family
plants Especially is this sections either al
ready invaded or threatened by the boil weevil
Now is a good time throw anchor to windward
and begin ready for them by changing
tenn of farming Before very long will be forced to
change or starve. all voluntarily begin prep
aration by providing better soil ana plenty of home
supplies The velvet bean will be of help than
any other possible crop. l believe they will if given
trial, solve pressing and difficult prob
lens Yours truly
Lovett, Ga. E J. P. MATHEWS.