The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1917-03-28
URGES PLANTING OF MORE
FOOD CROPS IN FACE OF
INTERNATIONAL CRISIS

ton Agents in South Carolina:
The conditions, as being reported,
Of the food crops of the world if
not alarming are serious. This is
especially true when we realize that
the reserves will be exhausted at
the end Of this crop year.
It is reported that the English
wheat crop is exceedingly back
ward. The Dutch crop is small.
The French crop is very much less
than usual, and what is most alarm
ing Argentina will have little wheat
or corn to export. The Australian
wheat crop is reported 50,000,000
bushels less than last years. The
statement is made that the English
Government has contracted for the
entire surplus Of this years wheat
crop Of Canada. Wheat in the win
ter growing states in our country
has suffered much for the want of
moisture. Early vegetables in the
Southern States have been destroyed
by recent freezes. Coming nearer
home the prospects for wheat and
oat crops in South Carolina are the
most discouraging in years. The
season is very backward and, there
fore, little gardening has been done
in this State.
The country is virtually in a state
of war and we have every reason to
expect that in short time thousands
Of young men may be called from
the. fields to arms. Therefore, it is
necessary to impress upon all classes
of our people the urgent need of
growing all vegetables for table use
and for canning purposes.
You should take this matter up
not only with the farmers but with
the officials and residents Of cities
and villages and bring about organi-
cations for the cultivation Of vacant
lots in food crops. Chambers of
Commerce, women's clubs and ev-
cry agency should be appealed to
to assist in this most important work
The production Of forage crops on
large areas, particularly the velvet
bean, sorghum, Soudan grass, cow
peas and soy beans, is urgent. The
acreage in corn should be greatly
The greatest care should be taken
with spring pigs. Hogs are now
selling in the northern markets at
15 Sd cts. a pound on foot; beef
cattle from 10 to IL cts, pound on
foot with every prospect of increas-
ing. The acreage Of sweet potatoes
should be increased many fold. Ev-
cry farmer should plant a crop of
fall Irish potatoes-the Lookout
Mountain variety if obtainable. -
With the food supply Of the world
in its present condition, we may be
assured of a profitable demand for
Ill food crops: 2We owe it to our
selves and our country to produce
the necessary supplies for the family
and in the event that war is declar-
ed, for the men who are performing
their patriotic duty. The indications
are that for the first time since the
Civil War we will be unable to pur-
chase supplies from other countries.
Therefore, it is imperative that we
produce them at home. This posi-
oility of shortage may bring some
If our people to actual suffering.
If you think wise, have this arti-
lie published in your local paper.
Call your bankers, merchants, and
farmers in conference so that the
most powerful influences may be put
on motion for the growing of neces-
sary food crops for man and beast.
Respectfully,
w. w. LONG, Director.
Morcb % 1917 CIenson College