phosphate in the mines of several States, and perhaps intended that
man should earn his bread by grinding that rock and applying it to
the soil. Possibly the Almighty intended--"

"Now, I'm very sorry, Mr. Johnston, but I have an engagement which I
must keep, and you'll have to excuse me just now. I'm mighty glad to
have met you and I'd like to talk with you for an hour more along
this line; but you take my advice and stick to the corn belt land.
Above all, don't begin to use phosphates or any sort of commercial
fertilizer; they'll ruin any land in a few years; that's my opinion.
But then, every man has a right to his own opinion. and perhaps you
have a different notion. Eh?"

"I think no man has a right to an opinion which is contrary to
fact," Percy replied. "This whole question is one of facts and not
of opinions. One fact is worth more than a wagonload of incorrect
opinions. But I must not detain you longer. I am very glad to have
met you here. In large measure the statesmen of America must bear
the responsibility for the future condition of agriculture and the
other great industries of the United States, all of which depend
upon agriculture for their support and prosperity. Good bye."

"I'll agree with you there all right; the farmer feeds them all.
Good bye."