The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-28

classes of people. Rains may will take a lot to give only partis much good to any growing crop
 Many sources of water, never fail ing in the memory of the oldest inhabi- tant, have ceased to exist. Native grasses have failed, cattle suffering for food and water, fruits and nuts falling from shedding trees in short, the coun- try is taking on the aspect of winter except the severe heat continues. The fall vegetable garden, an important fac tor in existence is a mere charred mass of weeds and grass. Corn is very short and other necessary food scorce and high. In some sections, about the only crop outside of cotton the farmer is harvesting is hay. The faithful cow pea and soybean have borne up well, thus teaching the southern farmer that these two plants are his best friends. The unfortunate thing about such con ditions is the fact that many farmers who have deserted cotton for diversi- fled farming will return another year to the production of the staple. Rain is bound to come shortly, much gloom will disappear and there are many things that can yet be profitably plant ed and grown.
 The Farmers Need
 The writer is not going to enumerate the needs of the southern farmer be- cause they are too numerous to count but some very important ones may be pointed out. In many sections there is no stock law antl all classes of live stock are left to roam the country and prey upon other peoples crops. The loss from stock breaking in and destroy ing important crops is tremendous. In places where there is no stock law, the country is overrun with a lot of razor back hogs, itinerant goats and the scrub biest of cattle. It is almost impossi- ble to fence against such an, army of hungry beasts, especially when the range grows poor. Farmers need strict stock law, always a big factor in reducing the quantity and greatly rais- ing the standard of quality. You can see on all sides, farmers milking Q cows that actually yield less milk and butter than one real good COW ordi- narily gives. These cows have to be fed also, otherwise t,-ey won't come home at night to e milked. Another thing, the farmer needs only the best of work animals, they actually cost less to feed and can do more than twice the work. Just one more thing, no matter what sort of a job one sets out to do the york can not only be better. done but much cheaper if the best obtainable implements be employed. Yet many farmers will hoe all day with dull blade when it could be sharp ened with file in a minutes time. Flowers Make Winter Months Cheerful
 A dismal cheerless winter is the lot of a host of folks both rich and poor. A good remedy for this condition is to become interested in flowers and grow some blooming plants in the house durng winter. People who possess hearts that winter blooming plant does not appeal to are hopeless.
 On a recent trip through a sparsely settled country the writer stopped at an old settled farm house for water. The only inhabitant. an old grey. bent woman answered my summons. While she was drawing water l observed about a bushel of various winter flow ering bulbs that were being prepared for planting. There was a great pile of old cans, broken crockery and home made wooden boxes and a great heap of virgin soil from the woods. l be- came interested and on questioning soon found out that the old lady under stood her flowers and fareiy lived with them all alone. Her cows, chickens, pigs and garden su. ported her and dur ing the winter months she quilted while she gazed in ecstasy at the unfolding petals of her flowers. Here is an old woman who can neither read nor write T mobile, yet her winters are neither dis nal nor cheerless. There will be flow CTS in heaven for such tender souls. Questions and Answers
 o. Would it hurt an asparagus bed to cut down the old stalks now? I want to use the b. until next season for something else. Mrs. E. w., R. F. D.
 A. don't think so although its the custom to allow tie old plants to go to full maturity and die with their own accord
 Q. Is it possible to dry the whole pods of okra for winter use by simply stringing with thread and allowing to dry like red peppers? Mrs. s., Valley Head, Ala.
 A. It is possible but better results are had when the pods are cut up into thin rings and. spread in hot sun until bone dry.
 Q. Will you tell me the name of the rutabaga that isSwhite and very sweet when fully matured? Mrs. R., k. r. D.. Ensley. Ala
 X. There are more than one sort that could be indicated but the best one is probaly known as Sweet German. most excellent winter turnip. The ma ture roots are globe shaped, the crown being bronze, flesh white, firm and of exceptional good eating quality. Yes they may be planted as late as October but the sooner the better. They stand out all winter and make valuable roots and tops.
 o. What is the difference between the jonquill. daffodll and narcissus? Miss B., York, Ala.
 A. They all belong to the genus mar cissus and are merely different varie- ties of the same plant, Custom in some localities may dictate the use of one name while in another, different one would prevail.
 Q, Is there any market in Birming ham for the new crop of shelled cow pers? NJ. A., Vincent. Ala.
 A. There is always such market not only in Birmingham but in other cities Have mailed you list of dealers not only in Birmingham but of other cities
 Q. When hyacinth bulbs are planted in pots of earth should the soil be kept moist and just how moist? J. L., Ft Payne. Ala.
 A. Just how much to keep depends on when you want them to bloom. Blooms will come quicker if constantly kept in wet condition. If intended for late blooming but little watering should be done