Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 May 1903 — WARM WEATHER AIDS CROPS. [ARTICLE]

WARM WEATHER AIDS CROPS.

Drouth, However, Afflicts Large Arena la Great Lakes Region. Tha weekly crop report issued by the weather bureau says all northern and central districts east of the Rocky Mountains experienced highly favorable temperatures during the week ending May 18, the central valleya, lake region and New England receiving ample and much needed warmth, while in the Southern States it was too cool for favorable growth. The very general absence of rain in New England and the middle Atlantic States and over a large part of the lake region and Ohio- valley ha* Intensified drought in these districts, In consequence of which crops have made slow progress and planting and germination have been greatly hindered. The east gulf States and portions of the lower Missouri and lower Mississippi valleys havt suffered from excessive tains. Com planting has been further delayed by rains in the States of the lower Missouri valley, and by drought in the Ohio valley, middle Atlantic States and portions of the lake region. Planting is well advanced in the. Dakotas, and, notwithstanding the wet soil in 'lowa and Missouri, has been vigorously pushed In those States, where it is germinating very satisfactorily. In Nebraska, the Ohio middle Atlantic States a large part of the crop is yet to be planted, not more than half the area having been seeded in Ohio and Nebraska. Winter wheat has made favorable progrers ia Nebraska and Kansas, and hae been improved by rains in portions of Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky. But in southern Missouri and the States northward of the Ohio river and in the middle Atlantic States the crop has suffered further deterioration. It is heading as far north as central Kansas and the southern portions of Indiana and Ohio. In the spring wheat region the weather conditions have been highly favorable for germination nnd growth of spring wheat, which is coming up to good stands with vigorous plants. In the Missouri valley, Oklahoma and Texas a general improvement in tha condition of oats is indicated, hut in the Ohio valley, middle Atlantic States and the greater part of the lake region, the condition of the crop is less favorable, owing to the effects of drought. There is general complaint throughout the cotton belt of the unfavorable effects of low temperatures on cotton. Considerable tobacco has been transplanted in Tennessee and western Kentucky. Further improvement in the outlook for apples is indicated, hpt the prospects for most of the other tree fruits are very poor. The grass crop in the Ohio valley, lake region, middle Atlantic States and New England is much in need of rain, but westward of the Mississippi it hat made rapid growth and is in promising condition.

State Reports. Illinois—Rain revived vegetation In portions of central and southern districts the first of the week; great need of rain In other sections; plowing' and planting retarded or arrested on account of dry soil; deterioration of wheat continues In southern districts; oats vejry uneven and general condition unfavorable. Meadows and pastures short and need rain. Indiana—Temperature considerably above normal; no rain except light local showers in few places; corn plantlug well advanced, but ground dry, hard and cloddy; oats and clover suffering for rain; wheat, rye and barley In fair condition, beglnulng to head lu south section; tobacco plants ready to transplant; melons, poor stand, much replanting necessary; all vegetation needing rain badly. Ohio—Temperature excessive; drought continues; ground so dry that plowing and corn planting are almort suspended, not more than half corn area planted: wheat Is holding its own well, Is heading In south, s little rust reported In south-central counties; oats, barley, pastures, meadow grass and gurdens suffering for rain; tobacco plants doing fairly well; apples, cherries, plums and peaches dropping somewhat. Michigan—ln lower peninsula warm and dry weather retarded growth and germination; soil dry and becoming parched; corn planting and beet seeding general, but germination very slow; winter wheat, rye, oats, meadows nnd pastun-a very Blow and much In need of rain; prospect for early peaches, early chortles and strawberries fair; apples, plums and pears blossoming plentifully. Wisconsin—Warm weather Inst of week caused vegetation to progress rapidly. Com ground prepared and about one-fourth of acreage planted, with £oll In fair condition; oats, barley and spring wheat on highland excellent, on lowland thin and uneven; winter wheat and rye strong, healthy and growing rapidly; clover uud timothy promise heavy crops; fruit trees blooming heavily; strawberries Injured by frost In exposed localities. Minnesota —Rains In south till 12th delayed corn, potatoes, flax and barley seeding considerably; rain on 11th In central portion delayed work somewhat, but was benefit al to growing nnd recently seeded grains; In Red River Valley there was almost uninterrupted seeding of flax and barley; warmer weather lu latter part of week made all grains, pastures and meadows grow rapidly. lowa—Week wanner than usual and all vegetation made rapid growth; excessive rain retarded field work In about two-thirds of State, but wherever practical plowing and planting were vigorously pushed; In most favored sections corn planting Is well advanced and germination Is very satisfactory; reports are fairly good as to apple and berry crops. North Dakota —Wheat seeding finished; oats and barley nearly all sown; flax seeding and corn planting well advanced; early sown grain Is growing rapidly and looks strong and healthy; warmer weather with showers has greatly Improved crop conditions. ' South Dakota —Warm week with beneficial rains In southeast portion and considerable high southerly wluds; grass, spring wheat, oats, barley, rye and snelt making satisfactory advancement. Wheat generally attaining good stand; com planting becoming general and advancing favorably; flax being sown; grass affords good pasturage. Nebraska —Warm growing week, with excess of rain In eastern counties; wheat and ;rasa grew rapidly and continue In excelent condition; oata Improved; com planting greatly delayed by wet weather and generally less than half the crop la planted; some early planted com np. Kansas —Wheat In good eondltton, headed In south and heading In central; com planting delayed by rains, corn coming up, getting weedy; oats, grass and gardens trowlug rapidly; alfalfa One, growing rapdly, nearly ready to cut; pastures very good. -