Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 August 1896 — PROSPECTS OF FRUIT CROP. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

PROSPECTS OF FRUIT CROP.

Apple* Indicate it Better Yield and Peaches a Reduced One. The Agricultural Department's August report of fruit conditions is as follows: Apples—The general condition advanced during July front (54.(1 to (55.7, a gratifying indication of sustained crop prospects. This general average covers all kinds of apples in all sections of the country. Notwithstanding it general condition of (54.6 July 1, which was low as far as the crop of the country was concerned, it was specifically stated that “prospects for excellent crops” continued in States of the northern belt front Maine to Minnesota and in lowa, with fair but comparatively smaller crops in Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. In the present report a very general betterment is shown iu thnt region. The condition is very uneven in Ohio, Illinois and Indiana, many comities reporting entire failure, while others report abundant crops, vrhic-h accounts for tho

somewhat lower conditions of (hose States. In the past a final condition of 75 per cent, or over lias been followed by au abundant supply of apples, so (hat the excellence of the crops of tiie present season. in this particular and extensive region, is plainly evident. In other parts of (he country, with a few exceptions, the condition is low. Reaches returns show a generally reduced condition. Of tile commercial States the best prospects still are found in Delaware, Michigan, Ohio and Maryland, while in New Jersey, Virginia. Georgia and California percentages indicate loss than half a crop. In Delaware rhe early crop was nearly ruined by enreulio and “yellows” anil fruit on the trees is badly stung there and in Maryland, though a fine product is expected from the mountain orchards of the latter State. In Michigan and Ohio excellent crops are indicated. Grapes—The condition of grapes is generally high. Some complaints are made of rot, due to excessively moist season, hut seemingly not extensive enough to much affept the general condition.

MAP SHOWING APPROXIMATELY HOW DR. NANSEN HAS ECLIPSED THE RECORDS OF ALL PREVIOUS ARCTIC EXPEDITIONS.