Mother Earth

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 30, 29 October 1932, Page 16

Mother Earth

—ULGARIA could to-day be justly termed the new Canaan. Within | J its narrowed boundaries it possesses all the cultures known in [j Europe. But there is something more, it produces all the best qualities of similar agricultural products grown in Europe, and iu certain cases can claim a monopoly. The Bulgarian rose, from which the world-famous Attar of Rose is produced, is known throughout the world In the South of Erance there is a small area in the Department of Grasse which grows a similar rose, but it is no larger than one of the small Bulgarian villages in the Valley of Roses. The Oriental tobaccos are mainly produced in Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria. In respect to fruits and vegetables Bulgaria aspires not in quantity, but In quality, to surpass Italy, Erance and other European countries. Thus, for instance, tjicre are several different kinds of dessert, or table grapes grown, the most important of which is known under the name of “Afous All,” which can justly be stated as having no equal in Europe, or for that matter in any other country in the world. Having in view the above facts, it could be concluded that the Bulgarian land in respect to variety of its products, especially as regards quality, Las no equal in Europe. But the land could not give all. Mention should be made, and all honour given to the agricultural population, which for ages

past have been entirely occupied with the art of cultivating the soil, and In consequence, as the results of long experience, have been able to produce a variety of high-class products. In every village, men and women, young and old, work incessantly and assiduously in obtaining the best results which their soil can produce. The attachment of the peasant to his land is known for ages past, he cherishes and nurses it as a mother would her child. There arc no peasants in the country without land, nor are there any agriculturists holding a larger quantity than they can conveniently till. It could be stated that the democratic spirit in the distribution of land prevails throughout the kingdom. Mistakes have undoubtedly been made, but it must be remembered that our country is young;—nevertheless a solid foundation has been laid for its development. In recent years the intelligentsia in the country have shown signs of leaning towards and taking a greater interest in the land. This is not a sentimental affectation but a sound natural instinct inherited from our forefathers, and a clear conception imbued in the minds of the people that the future of the country depends upon the land and its products. There is a feeling now prevailing that political differences and partisan passions are gradually being put aside and the efforts of all factors are united for the advancement of agriculture.—The “Bulgarian British Review.”