An article about Sol Wright and his affect on rice farmers in the industry.
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Growers of Rice Owe Great Debt to Sol Wright
Is Developer of Seed That Means Salvation of The Louisiana Industry
The rice farmer says that Sol Wright saved his industry. The rice miller affirms that Sol Wright preserved rice as a profitable crop. The Federal government, while pointing to its own work and willingness, admits that Sol Wright has accomplished more for rice than anybody else, and accounts for the fact on the ground that Sol Wright is a genius, who rises once in a century, and that his achievements are no disparagement of the orderly, systematic progress of scientific experiment.
Who is Sol Wright?
His unabridged name is Salon L. Wright, sixty-two years of age, and he is a rice farmer, near Crowley. You can see him almost daily on the streets of the bustling town, medium in height, spare of build, wearing an overcoat before the weather makes it imperative, with thin graying mustache and his mild blue eyes curtaining dreams. And always he carries a little bouquet of rice in his hand. That rice is the symbol of the vision that absorbs him. He has always been eager to share his vision with the world, and he will expand upon it and expatiate upon it to whomever will listen. At first he was regarded as a crank, then as a savior, and it will not be many years before the fuller realization will make him wealthy, although he is still a comparatively poor man, for, so far his discoveries have enriched others, rather than himself.
Born on Indiana Farm
Sol Wright was born on an Indiana farm. When he approached manhood he joined in the rush to the West. He had never enjoyed much schooling, he did not possess much means, but he was one of the most ardent students and lovers of nature, and when he started a wheat farm in Oregon he at once became devoted to the study of wheat. When the experts came around to form estimates of the crops they lingered to talk to Wright, for the gentle farmer always had some wonders to relate and show. When their reports were issued they were unconsciously tinged with Wright. He might have achieved for wheat what he has done for rice, but the cold climate was too much for him, and his health broke down. The doctors told him he would have to move, and he sold his last crop before it was grown. That came near being the only stroke of modern business of which the farmer sage ever was guilty. A terrible freeze came along and killed the crop, for which he had been paid. The purchaser was willing to accept his loss in good part, and it is doubtful if Mr. Wright could have refunded the money had he so desired. But he remained on the spot, showed the buyer how to take advantage of the plowing and other work that had been done, and assisted in the quick cultivation of a spring harvest, which reimbursed him for the disaster.