The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-10-09


we set aside 25 acres for reforestation.
10 years will have elapsed before the
home unit is fully developed with it's
orchards, groves, vineyards and the
needful soil building for profitable di-
versified agriculture of the kind that
creates permanent community wealth
and has paid its way in the meantime.
If we accept the foregoing in general
principle as a necessary or logical
method of procedure. the requisites
for clearing only two million acres Of
land per year resolve themselves into
simple mathematics: 100000 families
to settle on the land, which means d
million or more people. If evenly di-
vided over the states Of Georgia, Flor
ida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisi
ana, II would mean 20O,0 900 new popu-
lation for each. That is some increase
in population, and its potential import
to the south is beyond computation
This rural influx will not happen un-
less we find ways and means to prove
that conditions here provide the set
tier with opportunity that compares
favorably with other sections. The
possibility is a fact, but 1t cannot be
part. We must cultivate the habit Of
proving our words by our deeds; that
Is the only advertisement that wins
ana It doesn't cost a cent--it pays its
own way.
When each OF these 400, 900 family
units clear acres a year and realizes
a fair return from the knots, limbs
and stumps removed, 1t viii be neces-
sary to have outlets for the products
thereof. Allowing but two cords Of
fat wood per acre, it means 100000
cords in the aggregate; each cord con-
tanning two barrels OF useful crude
wood oils, or total of 100000 barrels
per year, and that is just about so
times as much as we now produce and
find markets for, Therefore, to greatly
stimulate production without creating
corresponding markets would be folly.
The annual production OF turpentsne
and rosin from the south during the
past ten years approximates an aver
age Of 100000 when stated in terms
OF barrels of 30 gallons each. This in
dustry Is decadent and viii gradually
decline while wood installation is only
In its infancy and may be tremendous
~ stimulated by giving It the atten
ton which its relative Importance In
our economic progress deserves. It IL
the only forest resource left us after
lumber and turpentine Shall We har-
vest the crop and prosper Or let it,
90 10 waste7
When the distilled products from fat
wood are well made they are at least
az useful in the worlds industries as
have been the rosin and turpentine
OF past generations. but, so far, they
have not become so well known or
appreciated. Before this potential
wealth Of oils stored in our waste wood
can be more completely realized their
wonderful good qualities and adapta-
biiity to wide industrial use must be-
come known and appreciated. Almost
nothing OF permanent worth has been
accomplished In this direction by the
small producers now en-
gagged In the business. The task IS be-
You'd means and capacity Of the in
dlvidual producer. even though he have
a rational conception OF its POSSIBLE
ties.
This problem Of standardizing ails
and stimulating their use is one OF
the most important considerations
that presents itself to such OF our peo-
pie who are seriously minded about the
welfare of the territory
comprising the whole coastal plain or
yellow pine belt. nor will the problems
prove difficult of solution when backed
by an appreciative public sentiment. J
based on good understanding OF the
needs, conditions and prospects that
confront as in this particular. How
existing mlsinformation and conse-
1uent indifference on the part of the
public may best be corrected Is debata- !
bic ground, but it can and must be
lone. 1t will be done II we make a be- :
ginning with the determination to win /
through.
Pensacola has a fine harbor and .
natural adV~ntAges in many other re- I
spects. 1t Is the geographical center OF :
he fat wood territory, and may be- /
some the center or mecca for pine
wood oils in all its notifications. All
II the retorts, condensers. coal coolers !.
IND other equipment may be manufac-
ured here. and major portion Of the
ills and charcoal shns-.& come to this
bort 10 be refined and marketed. It Il
nay be headquarters for chemists. en- \
yineers and other high class personnel
Great paint and disinfectant works de-
pendent on our oils could also be 10
,ated here. A world wide recognition
Il Pensacola for wood oils. like Grand
Rapids for furniture, Detroit for aus
omobiles or Pittsburg for steel. would
live It a publicity and 8 boost that
annot be equalled by any other single
because nothing else so
comprehends our needs O.
presents opportunity for which the
means are at hand. u
The utilization OF fat wood Is be- Il
coming a live issue throughout the
zine belt. Leadership in It's develop
nent and direction viii be assumed
by someone. We are well
long on the road and favored by
latural advantages to take and hold
he initiative. IL We are SO minded and
viii make 1t our business to press our
advantages while the opportunity is
,urs.
The world has not yet come into suf-