The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-07-06

The idea commonly prevails that when a farmer is seen with a load of farm produce that it did not cost any thing but was merely gathered as a natural product of the soil. This very thought deludes many poor mortals into a business easy to get into, where the profits are lying around loose only to be gathered up. Unfortunately these profits are highly perishable and melt faster than the proverbial snowball. It is unfair to expect the producer to feed the world through his unremitting toll and continue to do so without any net profit for his industry. But what is to be done about it? Here is prob lem in which all are interested. Who can solve it?
 Agricultural Education Needed
 As a rule, everything that pays is needed and that agricultural education pays is easily proven by an examina- tion into correct methods as practiced by the successful farmers. If one looks closely into the farming industry he will be surprised at the percentage of comparative young men and even boys engaged in the business. Furthermore the percentage of individuals who has had some training in our agricultural schools is revelation to the uninform- ed. When you find the- twill to follow the business of producing things and the necessary or acquired knowledge to intelligently pursue the game, you will find a contented and successful producer. Some elementary training or knowledge of the growing of things A~A A., s~-1 a,l. This would be a great help to those who afterwards chooses to enlarge their knowledge on the subject and decide to make business or life work of it. Every one is easily interested in those things about which they have some knowledge. While general ideas are al ways beneficial it is important to un- derstand the vital problems always con nected with the various communities in which farming is practiced. It would be impossible to estimate the money value to the producers of the United States if the most approved and ecOnom- ical methods were always pursued.
 July Suggestions
 Hot weather, dry, too. in some sec tions, has arrived. The weeds and grasses are on the job. striving to throt, tie all growing things. The sun is call. ing the timid to get out of his way and many are only too easily persuaded to do so. It is a fact that the garden or farm, if there is work to do, is no place just now for the timid. It takes grit and the will to do to cope with hot dry weather, yet the proper July opera tions are big factors in the successful issue of growing or producing most crops. It is positively necessary if you expect most plants to continue making growth and bearing fruit, to continue cultivation. A great many things have finished their course and are beyond help but where possible, the soil should be put to work producing another crop of the same plant OF anything else that might be wanted. The soil does not get tired but wants and needs to be cul- tiyated to conserve its energy for con tinued production. Many things should be planted in July to replace the quick growing crops that have matured, be. sides there are many desirable vegeta. bles that should be planted this month for fall and winter use. Vegetables may be cheap now but the present con ditions are not going to last long. Start the fall garden now and avoid the high prices that the average consumer must nav later on.