Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 April 1896 — CROP RROSPECTS EXCELLENT. [ARTICLE]

CROP RROSPECTS EXCELLENT.

Timely Rains and Warm'Weather Encourage the Farmers. The Government reports as to the condition of the erops throughout the country, and the general effect of the weather upon the cultivation, growth and harvest of the same, show that the unusually warm weather throughout the central, eastern and southern portions of the country has rapidly advanced the season, which has bee’n unusually backward, and has been very favorable for farming operations and of vegetation, which has been remarkably rapid. Winter wheat has shown marked improvement generally and is reported as doing well in Indiana, Illinois, lowa, Kansas and In portions of Missouri, and, while an improvement has been noted in Kentucky and West Virginia, the Condition of the crop in these States is poor, some haring Keen plowed up. In sections of Missouri and Texas, winter wheat seeding is well advanced in Southern Minnesota and is about finished in portions of Eastern South Dakota, where same of the early sown is up. In North Dakota no seeding has yet been done. Preparations for corn plantingTfavC beeiT pushed rapidly during the week, and in the more southerly sections planting has con-. tinned with much activity. Some corn has been planted in Illinois and Nebraska, and planting will be begun in lowa this week. Cotton planting has continued under favorable conditions, and in the central and southern portions of the cotton region is coming up generally to a good stand. Germination, however, has been slow, owing to the drought in,, some sections of the western portion of the cotton region. General rainfall would prove of much benefit from the Ohio Valley southward, and also in Texas, where rain is needed to insure a stand of cotton. The report by States follows: Illinois—A hot week, with showers at the beginning and ending, has caused a remarkable advance In aTI vegetation. Winter wheat, rye and grasses are greatly Improved and are doing finely; grasses afford pasturage. Oats are coming up; gardens and potatoes are planted; also some corn, but preparation of corn land Is general. Fruits are laden with blossoms. Wisconsin—Warm weather and abundant rainfall has been very favorable for the rapid advancement of all crops. Wheat Is greatly Improved, especially In localities where ft was thought to have been entirely winterkilled. Oats are all sown, and work well advanced In southern section. Little plowing has been done In the central and northern sections. South Dakota—Seeding Is about finished In southeastern counties, with Borne wheat above ground; elsewhere seeding has been retarded by heavy precipitation and cool weather. No winter wheat sown. In the central and northern portions the soil la too wet, and warmer and bright weather is needed. Nebraska—A good growing week, but rain and wet ground have retarded farm work. The seeding of small grain Is about? completed, except In the northwest section. Plowing for corn Is progressing; very little planted, and this only In southern counties. Fruit trees are blooming profusely, and generally uninjured by frost of Saturday. Kansas—A warm, rainy week, which great-ly-dmproyed all crop conditions, wheat much improved and growing rapidly. Corn coming up In central and southern counties, and Is a good stand. Fruit promised a full crop, but was Injured some by frost 6f Saturday. Grass Is supporting stock In south counties. Missouri—The unusually warm weather forced vegetation forward very rapidly. Wheat Is suffering for rain In some central and southwestern counties, but elsewhere Is generally doing well. Com planting Is progressing favorably and cotton has begun. Pasturage good. Fruit prospects are excellent. lowa—High temperature and abundant moisture have pushed vegetation rapidly, and the season Is now as early as usual. Grass and small grains are making a fine stand; winter wheat generally promising. Plowing for corn well advanced and planting will soon begin. Indiana—Warm weather has rapidly lm- ? roved all .growing crops. But few showers ell and rain Is mßeh needed. Wheat, barley, rye, clover and grays have advanced rapidly. Oats nearly all sown. Tobacco plants coming on well In Switzerland County. Fruit Is In bloom. Plowing for corn continues. Ohio—Excessively warm, sunshiny, windy and dry week, except in northern portion, where rainfall was about normal. Conditions were very favorable for plowing and planting. AH ' vegetation Is Improved. Apples, apricots, cherries, pears, peaches and plums are blooming. i Michigan—Abnormally high temperature and plentiful showers have rapidly advanced all vegetation and farm work. Winter wheat, rye and grass are doing finely. Plowing and oat and grass seeding In progress. Early potato planting has just begun.