it is realized that a mature pecan tree attains such a spread of branches that it 

 is not possible for over ten or a dozen of them to occupy an acre of ground without 

 their root systems and branches becoming interlaced, and that they are literally 

 loaded down with nuts, it can be readily seen what a tremendous crop they will 

 bear upon attaining their full growth. 



The Pabst, Stuart, Success, Russell, Van Deman, and Schley pecans, which are 

 accepted as the best- known varieties in all sections, were all originated along the 

 Gulf Coast, and the parent trees, from which the original stock was taken, are 

 still to be found here in various orchards. 



Figs 



Figs are another fruit that are as old as the earliest settlements here, and no 

 door-yard is complete without a number of these thrifty, hardy trees. They bear 

 enormous quantities of fruit and the housewives find a ready market for preserved 

 figs at splendid prices for all they care to put into jars or cans, and the brokers 

 advise there is no possible likelihood of a market for preserved figs at fancy prices 

 ever becoming glutted. 



Shell Road Along the Gulf Coast 



Almost Ideal Living Conditions 



While the Gulf Coast originally made its bid for prominence because of the 

 manifold advantages it offered in the way of a climate with 290 days and more 

 between frost; chemically pure drinking water, which many physicians claim is 

 a specific for numerous organic diseases that have not reached an advanced stage; 

 fishing and hunting; and has attained a national reputation so great that Presi- 

 dent Wilson a few years ago established his Winter Capital on the Coast — the 

 permanent future of the Gulf Coast will not depend upon its advantages as a place 

 to live so much as it will upon the returns that general farming, live-stock, vege- 

 table and fruit growing will give to the farmer from other sections who, with some 

 means and abundant energy, will wrest from these productive areas the stores 

 of wealth that Nature has for many centuries stored up, awaiting the touch of 

 industry to realize. 



22 



