Evening star., 1947-07-17

suitable only for grass or trees. Altogether
only eight classes Of land are used, each
denoting different capacity for use.
With this basic information, the farmer
and the soil conservationist then are able to go
into the fields and pastures-over whole farms
and intelligently work out, on the ground
q complete plan of conservation operations
that meets the requirements of the land and
the economic and other needs of the farmer.
Our conservationists follow through by helping
with the installation of these practices The
farmer provides all labor and materials ex-
cept for example, certain seed or planting
stock supplied occasionally by service nurseries
for demonstration or trial planting.
BY January /, 1s47, It's, 900 900 acres of farm
land had been planned and 1900, 900 acres had
been completely protected. This work was done
principally in soil conservation districts. In
the calendar year 1916 alone, approximately
100000 acres in districts were planned, and
about 100000 acres were treated. Although
that was the second straight record breaking
year for putting conservation on the land, all
reports have seen indicate that soil conserva-
ton is being done at an even faster rate this
year.
Something Good and Tangible.
BY June 80, 1850, it is estimated that about
25O,O0O00C acres will have been planned and
100000 900 acres completely treated. That fig
ure may vary upward or downward, of course,
depending on expansion or restriction in the
availability of technical assistance or Of labor.
equipment, and materials from whatever
source. Also by that date, at the present rate
of their formation, we may reasonably expect
there will be nearly 2400 soil conservation dis
tricts in the country, embracing 1850 100000
acres and more than 5,500,000 of the Nations
fewer than 100000 farms
Measured by the size of the soil conserva-
ton job that still needs to be done, these esti-
mates are entirely conservative. Personally, I
hope they may prove to be much too conserva-
, tive. because it is most important that we
proceed with this task Of putting conservation
on the land with all the speed That is consist
ent with complete and lasting soil conservation
treatment.
I believe 1t is important to mention the
Mental attitude Of the people generally, for this
has its effect on soil conservation. Today
there seems to be great deal OF doubt and
concern about the future. People everywhere
wonder what tomorrow will bring. They search
for something solid and genuine they can
count on. Many of the old slogans they once
believed in have proven false. Few standards
ana ValueS remain CllaI are uOI SuDJeCt W
questioning, especially by the young men and
women of our times.
Out of this frame Of mind, new interest
in the land is growing by leaps and bounds.
You can notice it on all sides. Men and
women who would normally have little or no
concern about such matter as soil erosion
are spending great amounts of time and energy
to help blot it out. These are signs OF the times.
People are beginning to see in productive land
something that is good and tangible. They
have discovered that productive land, properly
safeguarded against erosion, is something a
man and his family can see. and feel, and
count on, to a. very great extent, through Pc
riods of trouble as well as in years Of pros
perity. Take care of the land and the land
will take care Of you is good way to look at 1t.
THIS idea extends beyond the farmer.
Throughout our society there Is developing q
deeper respect and appreciation for productive
land as source of strength and wealth.
Back of It all, believe, Is the growing
realization that productive land is one OF the
real foundations on which people can build
and prosper