Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 34, Number 54, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 March 1902 — WINTER WHEAT IMPROVED. [ARTICLE]

WINTER WHEAT IMPROVED.

Government CroiZTßeport Shows Bettered Condition. The monthly crop report issued'by the weather bureau says the northern portion of the winter wheat belt was unusually well protected by snow during the month and an improvement in the condition of winter wheat is indicated oyer the northern portions of Ohio, Indiana. Illinois and Missouri, the outlook being less favorable in the southern portions of these States and in Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas. The severe sleet storm near the elose of January left a large portion of tile Ohio valley covered with. ice. In Nebraska and Kansas the crop as a whole is in prime condition. Special reports were received from the following States: Missouri—ln extreme southern counties ground covered with thick coating of lee nearly entire tnonttl and it is feared wheat has been considerably hijured. Elsewliere crops well protected by snow and grain in good condition, though needing njore moisture in some districts. Illinois— Wheat prospects have not changed materially, but possibly have improved, slightly; prospects fair to good in northern district, unfavorable in southern; crop protected by snow during cold weatner; meadows are poor in gome localities and good in others; peach buds reported killed in central nnd southern districts. Indiana—Temperature continuously below freezing from Ist to 23d; weather generally fair, precipitation for month markedly l>elow average; ground generally covered’with snow, however, except in south portion, until last week: condition of wheat shows Improvement: fruit uninjured; stock wintered well; preparations to begin spring work well under way. Ohio—Wheat was well protected by snow during all the cold weather and shows some improvement in southern and eastern counties; plant is generally small ami weak, but does not appear to be winter killed.

Michigan—February <lry nnd cold, with very little snow protection for winter wheat; at close of month snow practically all gone in wheat counties; corrcspondenta'quite generally report that very little winter killing has occurred and that present condition Is fair.

Kansas—Cold. dry. but ground well covered with snow In easterit counties; wheat generally in good condition, but somewhat damaged by void in central counties; plowing progressing in central add southern portions; oat seeding begun iu southeast portion.

Nebraska—Most of month winter wheat was nicely protected by snow, which melted last of month, leaving ground moist and wheat in good condition: no unfavorable conditions, except on some high lauds, where snow blew off and wheat was somewhat damaged, but acreage injured Is very smalt; crop generally very promising.