Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1917-03-28
Secretary Urges Intelligent
Cultivation of Every Foot
of Available Soil, Including
Lots in Cities,
CARE IN SEEDING IS
ONE GREAT ESSENTIAL
Vegetables Should Be Cam
ned, Dried or Preserved So
as to Prevent Want When
Growing Season Is 0verA
LsI NoRNlna JouRAAL sPecnAL LEASED wIRsl

10" MORNING JouRHhL SPECIAL LEASED wIREl
Washington, March 27.--The farm
ers of America were appealed to by
Secretary Houston today to join in ag
ricutural preparedness measures so
that the country may not be handi-
capped by food shortage. Elimination
of waste, conservation of surplus and
attainment of maximum crop regula-
tiOns were outlined as imperative.
Both for economic and patriotic
reasons" the secretary said in a for
NAL statement, the American farmer
should strive this year for the highest
standard of efficiency in the produc-
tion of food.
Under the conditions in which this
country now finds itself, it is import
ant that everything practicable be
done to increase the efficiency of ag-
ricultural activities during the COM
ing season. 1t is desirable that
throughout the country farmers con-
fer among themselves on matters af-
feCting the production of needed crops
and that they consult freely with
county agents. state agricultural COL
leges and the department of agricul'
turc."
TO Mobilize Agriculture.
The secretarys appeal was part of
the campaign undertaken by the de
partment of agriculture to mobilize
the nations agricultural resources.
Assistant Secretary Vrooman previ-
ously outlined why tine various sec
tions of the country should become
self-supporting through crop divers-
fication, and pointed out also that
much food might be supplied by cul-
tivation of vacant city lots and yards.
Mr. Houston urged particularly that
as a means of preventing conspicuous
production wastes" Of important sta
pie cereals, proper attention be given
to the selection and safeguarding of !
seed for planting, the preparation of
the land and the care of the crop"
Urges Greater Efficiency.
Under existing conditions" he
said, every precaution should be
taken CD to reduce production wastes |
by testing seed sufficiently in advance !
to insure against the planting of dead |
seed; CO to treat with disnfectinG |
dips all seeds subject to diseases that
can be prevented, such as the smuts
of wheat, barley, oats and rye, the i
losses from which are estimated con-
servatively at 100000 to $50. .00O.-
600 in the average year; (3) to pre-
pare especially thoroughly for plant
ing these vitally important cereal
crops and to care for them as may be
necessary during the season."
The statement also declared it was
especially important to reduce the
risk of wastes in northern staple vege-
tables, such as potatoes, cabbage and
onions. Pointing out that seed stocks
are low, Secretary Houston suggested
that all seed potatoes should be treat
ed for scab before planting and that
equipment for plant spraying should
be on hand.
Preventable potato diseases, the
secretary said, frequently reduce the
crop from 5O,OOO,OOO to 100, 10000
bushels.
Where Losses Occur.
Some of the most conspicuous
'lOp "dSltS, lllt statement uou, |
occur with fruits and vegeta bles, of
which, in normal years, larger quanti-
ties usually are grown than the pro-
ducers can market profitably. Fre- )
quently these losses are due indirect 5
ly to disease and insect injury which I
lower their market value without re- {
ducing their food value materially if :
they can be utilized promptly by dry
ing, canning and other preservative t
methods. Under existing conditions i
every practicable step should be taken {
to protect these crops" ii
The statement declared that fruits c
and vegetables which ordinarily it is |
inadvisabe 10 attempt to conserve" I
should be Systematically saved now. V
Can. Dry. Preserve. i
Canning, drying and preserving op-
erations, it added, should not be de-
layed until late summer or autumn,
and family gardens should be planned {
to supply ample quantities of early V
fruits and vegetables for 4
and fresh products for r
consumption. q
He urged that plans be made for |,
storing sweet potatoes in the south b
ern states, pointing out that about G,
II 100000 bushels of the usual crop II
OF 5O,OOO,000 bushels goes to waste
through decay
The secretary suggested the preser-
Vation by drying for soup stock of =
such vegetables as carrots, potatoes W
and celery, and drying of surplus fl
4
ally for soil improvement or forage, N
he declared, possess large food value r