The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-02-06

method of maintaining or restoring soil fertility, the proper ways for re- deeming land threatened by the ac- emulation of alkali and the general study of the soil and crop resources of the entire extent of the country" ]" In other days when the American farmer found his task easy because of the vast areas of virgin soil little thought was given to science, but from now on agriculture must be as scientifically treated as steel making or coke production.
 "The past few years have seen many new crops introduced, not only from one part of the United States to another, but also into the United States from abroad" says MT. Sid- man. "In order that this introduction may take place with the least expense it is essential that the soil and condi- tion of the region to which the crop l is to be introduced should be we'll known, so that comparisons may be made. This study of the United States as a possible field for the production of practically every crop which the people may desire either to produce or to consume, is one of the most impor- tant features of the survey work"
 The soil bureau has compiled a great amount of information, includ- ing maps, and all sorts of data will be sent free to farmers who manifest disposition to make good use of it. The agricultural department has been recognized for many years past as most helpful branch of the gov ernment, but it's value now more than ever justifies the large appropriation which Congress makes for it.
 Germans on board German vessels in American harbors lost no time in throw ing a monkey wrench into the machin- cry and doing whatever other damage they could
 :. MT. Bernard Baruch doesn't see why anybody schould get excited because he "cleaned up'' pa1try half million or so in the stock market. He has done better than that. An advertiser claims that the war in | Europe has proved the superiority of tea | over all other beverages It has certainly | given a black eye to John Barleycorn.
 < ' ~ Naturally, those neutral nations closest | to Germany are hestating before taking | steps which may lead to Zeppelin raids | and other unpleasantness It may be suggested that a cordon be | drawn around the German wards in St. | Louis if war is declared, but that will l hardly be necessary. Thanks to the recent developments in | international affairs, we are hearing no more of the ''suff sentinels'' and the birth 1 control advocates. If the inaugural ceremonies are aban- doned, it may be necessary to use vio- hotel keepers. MT. Hughes is showing himself true American and patriotic citizen. That beats being 100 per cent candidate Ambassador Gerard might have saved travelling expenses by prolonging his re- cent visit to the United States
 ,. * * Maybe General Carranza has sense of humor, after all. It is announced that Mexico will remain neutral.
 $. <: Ambassador Bernstorff should cheer up. He may be back on the job in Washing ton before the year is ended.
 * j: * Some people are of the opinion that we chung to our neutrality until it was worn to shreds and tatters.
 
 It begins to look as if Admiral Gray son will receive an honest -to-goodness "baptism Of fire" If the Kaiser has not yet lost his ca- pacity for thought, he had better do soma thinking now. William Jennings Bryan seems to think that the Spirit of 7s' was all a mis- take
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