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Illinois Verse/Experiment Strips

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4364849Illinois Verse — Experiment StripsAnna Shattuck Palmer
Experiment Strips
Near the dome where men search the wide heavens above
Lie the Morrow experiment strips where they study the earth
Beneath us. Closely watched for the forty-three years since their birth
By the seekers of truth about the soil that they love.

Next the oldest in the world are these strips that record
The results of exacting research on rotation of crops,
The alarming, increasing degree that fertility drops
And the richness intensive, wise care will reward.

The old country, at Rothempstead, holds the first place
Where the study of crops was attempted and knowledge attained,
But from Cyril G. Hopkins at Illinois there was gained
Redemption of the soil for the human race.

Just black earth we could tread underfoot with a glance
As we pass? We are thrilled when we read of our forefather's fight,
But the second great conquest of the land was made on this site;
In these strips you will find a true record of romance.