THE DISCUSSION GROWS MORE INTERESTING.
"Now Fillmore," said Fern, "I wish to ask, what have you been doing in
the department of experimental farming?"
"Much of the work in that department is still in such a preliminary
stage, that definite results cannot yet be declared. However, among the
experiments worthy of mention, are the fields containing the various
kinds of true sugar cane, and of sorghum or Chinese sugar cane.
"By hybridizing and other methods, we are striving to increase the
hardiness of the former and the crystallizing-sugar product of the
latter. By the results already obtained we are encouraged to believe,
that five years hence, we shall have produced a sugar-cane equal to the
best, that may be grown with much profit, as far north as St. Louis.
"Small plots of ground have also been devoted to growing tea, peppers,
sage, hops, ginseng and other medicinal plants, with such excellent
results, that no doubt they will soon develop into profitable ventures.
"The ten acres planted to broom-corn, have produced the necessary
material with which to keep the workers in the broom and brush factory
profitably employed.
"In the line of fibre plants, other than the cotton crop before
mentioned; we have grown enough hemp and flax, to supply the needs of
our rope and twine works. In 'bromelia fibrista,' a new fibre plant, we
find a product that bids fair to rival silk in producing a fabric of
fine, smooth, beautiful texture.
"In addition to the foregoing, several swampy plots have been planted to
willow, and as a consequence, a growing basket-weaving industry has been
developed.
"At the very beginning of our work here, while I was preparing to stock
the seed beds in the nursery, one of our co-operators, a very
intelligent and observing young man, who had been railroading in Mexico
for two years previous to his joining our colony, called my attention to
the Mexican quince. So strongly did he assert his belief that the fruit
would thrive at Solaris, that I soon became a convert to his enthusiasm.
With the young man for a guide, two weeks later we were on the way to
Mexico; returning shortly, with enough three-year-old nursery stock, to
plant one hundred acres. In addition, we secured the seed for 500,000
young plants. Since that time, our plantation of quince bushes has grown
finely.
"Last year we gathered the first crop. Not a large one--perhaps, from
fifteen to twenty-five quinces from each clump of bushes. As the fruit
was large and the bushes thickly planted, the yield was about one
hundred crates to the acre. An aggregate of ten thousand crates for the
entire crop. We have every reason to believe, that the crop this year
will be double that amount.
"Owing to the fact that this quince thrives best on the elevated table
lands of Mexico, where it is subject to periods of cold and frost of
considerable length; it has readily adjusted itself to this location and
climate. We are now able to pronounce it, a complete success! It is a
magnificent fruit! Much superior in size, color, flavor and fragrance,
to our own domestic quince. In keeping qualities and a firmness of flesh
that will bear long distance transportation without injury, it is fully
equal to the northern quince. In a deep-toned richness of color,
perfection of shape and smoothness of skin, these peerless quinces are
veritable apples of gold! They are pictures of beauty which sell at
sight! The flavor is so fine, that Mexicans eat them with as much relish
as the people of New York eat apples. Dried, these quinces are
delicious!
"In Mexico, large quantities are annually reduced to a soft mass of
pulp, spread out in thin layers, and dried into sheets of what is termed
quince-leather. Armed with a generous roll of this excellent
preparation, the traveler in the desert countries of hot, dry climates,
may bid defiance to thirst. With such a wealth of recommendations, we
were able to sell our first crop of quinces at a net price of two
dollars per crate; or $20,000 in cash. Hereafter we shall save the
commissions, as we have already received advance orders for our next
crop, at $2.25 per crate, delivered on board the cars here at Solaris.
Next year, we propose to enlarge our quince orchard by adding another
hundred acres. Taking all these items into consideration, I think we
have good reason to be proud of our first attempt at experimental
farming in the line of quince culture!
"I have two additional experiments to describe. They are the last on my
list.
"While in Mexico securing the quince plants, I found what to me was a
new variety of table grapes. They were marked by the following
characteristics. Large clusters, berry large oblong, thin skin, few
seeds, fine sweet pulp, delicious bouquet, color when ripe, a pale
amber green; ripens about the first of July. As we found these grapes
growing on the high table lands, I determined to try them at Solaris. By
the dint of hard work, I procured enough young vines to set fifty acres.
From those vines, we have rooted enough cuttings in the nursery, to give
us 100,000 young vines, which have now reached the proper size for
setting in the vineyard. This fine grape we have named 'Solaris Early.'
"Last July we gathered our first crop--5000 ten-pound baskets, which we
readily sold at the fancy wholesale price of one dollar per basket. In
packing them for the market we carefully reject small, poor bunches. The
bunches selected are freed from all bruised berries. The stems of the
bunches are then dipped in melted wax. After this treatment they are
packed in layers of finely cut, soft chaff, made from clean, bright,
fragrant oat straw. The chaff serves to keep the berries and clusters
well apart, and also to keep out the air, which otherwise would soon
wilt the fruit. Packed in this way the grapes reach distant markets in
perfect condition. In fact, they are the only good table grapes on the
market at that season; therefore in choice lots they will always command
fancy prices. The experiment with them has proved so successful that
next season, we shall increase the size of the vineyard to two hundred
acres.
"By way of a commencement in small fruit culture, we have fifty acres of
ground, devoted to growing a great variety of berries. They require the
work of a large number of hands during the picking season. Owing to the
perishable nature of such small fruits, we do not attempt to market them
fresh, but make them into jellies, jams, marmalades, and preserves.
These we pack in glass jars, of the various sizes demanded by the
wholesale and retail trade. In preparing and packing these goods, we use
only the best of everything. This is in line with our purpose to
establish a reputation of a high degree of excellence, for each article
put on the market under a Solaris label. By a rigid observance of this
rule, we manage to sell the products of our berry crops at a good
profit.
"When the farm books are balanced at the end of the year, we are
encouraged to find that the fifty acres of berries, has a larger credit
than any other fifty acres on the farm.
"In the line of an extension of this kind of farming, we are now
preparing for next year, with the purpose of starting a factory for
canning our output of sweet corn, green peas, beans, asparagus,
tomatoes, peaches, plums and pears. This completes my list of items
under the head of experimental farming, which Solaris now has to offer.
What do you think of it so far?"
"I think very well of it indeed! I am especially impressed with the
Mexican quinces, early grapes, and the berries. They seem to promise the
greatest success, and the largest financial returns. Taken altogether, I
think the outlook for experimental farming at Solaris, is very bright!
"Now, by the way of recapitulation, can you give to me, a brief
statement of the crops grown last year; with an approximate one, of the
cash derived therefrom?"
"That will not be difficult. I will endeavor to make my statement as
brief as possible.
"By looking at this map, you will observe that during the season just
past, we have cultivated about 4,000 acres of land. The crops planted,
were nearly as follows: 1,200 acres to cotton; 1,000 acres to wheat;
1,100 acres divided between corn, oats, barley and hay; 150 acres to
vegetables, and 550 acres to a miscellaneous variety of crops, such as
the nursery, the quince orchard, the vineyard, the berries, the gardens,
and all ground devoted to experimental culture.
"The aggregate cash income derived from these crops, which found a
market in the outside world, in addition to those sold to our own
people, amounted in round numbers to $193,000. Of this amount, $95,000
came from sales of cotton and wheat. Next year we have good reason to
expect a cash income of $250,000 from our farm products alone. Last year
we realized $57,000 from the sale of our manufactured products; such as
brick, terracotta, drain pipes, tiles, earthen ware, furniture, brooms,
willow ware, and the output of several other minor industries. This
brought the total income of the farm for the year, up to $250,000.
"You ask what disposition has been made of this money? $50,000 has been
expended in additional improvements, machinery, buildings, and live
stock for the farm. $25,000 more, has been added to the stock in our
store, which now has a supply of goods, sufficient to meet the demands
of adjacent settlers who wish to trade with us. $25,000 is held in our
treasury, for use in any emergency which may arise. The remaining
$150,000, has been placed in the sinking-fund.
"Our farm-store, has proved a very important institution. The clothing,
tailoring, dressmaking and millinery departments, have proved
surprisingly successful; with a constantly increasing demand for the
goods turned out. This opens a wide field of remunerative labor, for our
women co-operators.
"The 2,400 acres of untilled lands, are now utilized as follows: 500
acres are covered by a fairly good native forest; 500 more, by the
scattered timber around the stone quarries, gravel beds, sand pits, clay
deposits and the various other mines. 400 acres are used for pasture,
100 acres belong to the village site. 200 acres are planted to apple
trees; 25 acres to pear; 25 acres to peach; and 200 acres to nut-bearing
trees. 100 acres are now being prepared for the addition to the quince
orchard. Another 100 acres for the vineyard. The remaining 250 acres,
for other desirable varieties of fruit.
"Of the 100 acres set apart for the village site, only forty, are at
present occupied by the streets in use, the buildings, and the public
square. The remaining sixty acres, are laid out with walks, drives,
lawns, oval, circular, and star-shaped plots. The latter, are filled
with choice roses and flowers. The ovals and circles, are thickly
planted with fruit trees and ornamental shrubbery. The fruits, such as
cherries, plums, peaches, pears and figs, have all been the result of
experimental potting and planting by the school children. The same is
true in a large measure, of the rose gardens and the shrubbery.
"The effect of this amusing work on the children, is most excellent. A
taste for the beautiful becomes permanent, while they acquire a fund of
useful knowledge about the care and culture of trees, and also how to
enjoy themselves in the conscious zeal of pushing forward some useful
employment; which will make them stronger, healthier and happier. With
the advent of spring, comes a wealth of bloom to reward their toil--a
paradise of beauty and fragrance; everywhere, clouds of pink sprays and
snowy petals charm the sight.
"This last item, like a long, ornamental flourish, must conclude my
summing up of the distribution of crops, the division of forest, pasture
and fruit lands, over the whole farm; with its complete chain of
financial resources, and its outlook for the coming season. I hope I
have not made my recapitulation too lengthy! Also, that I have succeeded
in answering your questions satisfactorily."
"Your summing up has shown surprising results! The magnitude of the cash
income, is really a crown of triumph for co-operative farming! I
congratulate you, and the people of Solaris, most heartily! In justice
to the able answers to my questions, I must say that many times you have
answered, even before I could frame them into words. With each
succeeding reply, my wonder and delight has increased. I have discovered
many new possibilities, in pleasant, productive and profitable methods
for farm work, of which I have never before dreamed. Now that you have
made them plain to me in such a charming manner; I am beginning to
understand how it is, that Solaris can produce such quantities of
marketable goods, that can so easily be turned into cash. I have yet a
number of important questions remaining unanswered, but they do not
pertain to growing crops."