Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 84, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 June 1903 — TEA GROWING IN TEXAS. [ARTICLE]

TEA GROWING IN TEXAS.

Said to Be aa I’romiaiiiK aa Fruit in California. L. Sea brook, of Port Lavaca, one of the Southern Pacific Immigration workers, states that practical steps will be taken to start ten culture In the Ticlnity of Port Lavaca, says the Galveston (Tex.) News. “Tea growing in this country la no longer an experiment.” said he. “The crop »ow regularly cultivated for the markets on the coast of South CaroHnn and ‘is found to be highly profitable and has come to stay. Tea la a plan i that thrive* to best advant-

age in const countlres, where there Is a dense atmosphere, and as there are ,tpt\ny similar points In a climatic sense between the Carolina lowland region and the Texas coast It has long been thought that the crop could be.*ade to pay with us. “The first experiment will Im> made on lands of the Placedo Canal and Irrigation Company, eight; miles above Port Lavaca, and uiunuged by Ross Clark. ‘ v “There Is a greater rainfall on the Carolina const than at Port Lavaca, and the rule Is that the atmosphere is more humid, bfit the company has an ample rice"irrigation plant and In dry spells the rainfall will be supplemented with artificial water. Dr. Shepard, the famous Carolina tea grower, believes In Irrigation and recommends It. If the crop proves a success at Port Lavaca, and doubtless it will, a labor supply in the picking season can,, be depended upon, for negro women and children cun be had in adjoining counties, and Mexican laltqy, also women and children, can be brought In from Cbrpus Christ! and other point* farther south on the coast.

“The experiment to l»e made near Port Lavaca will be watched with interest over the State, for its success will mean a new and highly profitable crop added to the list and big Increase in the land values of the coast country.” Mr. Seabrook said tlse facts are to be had and that tea farming as a moneymaking means will equal any fruit orchard In Florida or California.