Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 May 1895 — CONDITION OF THE CROPS. [ARTICLE]

CONDITION OF THE CROPS.

Drought la Relieved ,and Corn Plant--5 ing Now Well Along. Reports as to the condition of crops throughout the country, and the general influence of weather on their cultivation and growth, as compiled by Prof. Moore of the United States Weather Bureau at Chicago, show that generally the past week has been very favorable. In the Northwestern States much needed, and, for the present, ample rains have fallen! which, with unusually high temperatures! have been exceptionally favorable for the germination of seeds and for the rapid growth of all vegetation. The heavy rains of the previous week have caused delay in farm work in portions of the Carolinas, Virginia and Maryland; rain is badly needed In Michigan, Ohio and greater portion of Pennsylvania. Corn planting has progressed rapidly during the week in the Northern States, and is generally reported as promising in the Central and Southern States, although considerable damage has been done by cut worms in some sections. Cotton planting is about finished in the southern portion of the cotton region and is nearing completion in the northern portion; it is coming up to a good stand and cultivation is well advanced. Winter wheat has been unfavorably affected by warm, dry weather in Missouri and Ohio; Illinois reports are generally favorable; in Tennessee it is beginning to head. Tobacco plants are reported plentiful in Maryland; in Kentucky the beds have been injured by insects, and in Ohio the dry, warm weather has retarded growth. Fruit prospects continue excellent. Following are the telegraphic reports from various States: Illinois—Abnormally high temperatures with rainfall lacking, except in west central and northern sections, in the latter heavy showers. Corn planting progressing rapidly in all sections, early planting up, good stand and growing finely. Wheat, oats, rye, clover, timothy, potatoes and gardens in excellent condition in rain bolt, otherwise growing slowly; fruit setting unusually heavy.

Indiana—Very warm, sunny weather, only light local shoWers; crops advanced slowly, only heavier rains needed; much corn planted and ..coming up nicely; cut worms and army worms causing injury. Wisconsin—Plentiful supply of rain received, which, with the high temperature, caused rapid growth. Vegetation more advanced than usual for the season; grain all sown and coming up nicely, corn and potato planting well along; pastures in good condition and stock turned out. Minnesota—Abundant rains, with ample warmth and sunshine, have phenomenally advanced nil vegetation; considerable flax and corn yet to be sown; other crops mostly all planted; small grain and grasses have a good stand and healthy color; apple and plum blossoms plentiful. lowa—The week has been unseasonably warm, with copious showers; corn planting, though delayed, is' well advanced with increased acreage; small grain crops, pastures and meadows show vigorous growth. South Dakota —Frequent copious showers, well distributed, with temperature considerably above normal, produced marked development and growth in all vegetation. Field crops, gardens, grass and fruit unusually advanced and all doing finely; injury from local hails slight. Kansas—Warm, with good rains in southern and eastern counties greatly improving all crop conditions. Much corn outside of rain limits not germinated, while grass and small grains are at a standstill, and fruit is dropping. Nebraska —Warm, showery week unusually favorable for the growth of all crops. Small grain generally excellent; rye beginning to head in southern dbunties; corn planting has made rapid progress and much of the early planted is up and iu fine condition. Michigan—Dry and very warm week. Farm work far advanced for the season; light scattered showers very beneficial, but more rain badly needed; spring seeding nearly finished; corn planting beginning and potato planting becoming general. Missouri—Good rains except in southeast section and all crops greatly improved; oats and winter wheat considerably damaged by drouth and chinch bugs iu some counties, but generally doing well. Corn coming up well; considerable complaint from cut worms. Ohio—Excessive warmth and dryness retarded growth of wheat, oats, grass, potatoes and tobacco plants. All cereals looking fairly well, but needing rain badly; corn planting advancing, early planted and potatoes coming up. Excessive fruit bloom.