The Sun.
London, England, 1870-09-20 00:00:00

THE WEA:OHER AND THE CROPS.

Since last week, the Magnet says, farmers have been em-
ployed in preparing the land for seed, a considerable
average being already ploughed up. The character
of the weather during the week has been very
favourable • for the root crops. Rain has fallen
in most districts, and at the same time the
dews have been exceptionally heavy. Man-
golds and Swedes, especially the former, promise
well. The pastures are also assuming a more verdant
appearance, and less difficulty is now experienced in
finding food for cattle. With reference to the barley
crop, late advices from Germany state that about one-
third was secured in fair condition, one-third, was har-
vested fairly, but the remainder was greatly injured by
the rain. On the whole, the crop will prove useful for
malting purposes.
The Mark Lane Express says :—"The past week com-
menced with much rain, but subsequently the weather
has been mostly fine, with a cold autumnal character.
This cold has checked the growth of the grass, thou th pretty
well supplied with moisture. It has been beneficial to the
new-sown turnips, growing root crops, and taros, and
there has been a fine opportunity for the resumption of
field labour. The soil could, however, bear a good
deal more yet, as many ponds testify. Still, while our
own gatherings have been nearly out of harm's way,
and every shower was welcome, they. have suffered much
in Northern Germany, especially in the -wheat crop,
and we must look this season chiefly to the South and
America for really fine corn. From those countries the
quality will be excellent, while California, South
America, and even Australia may give fair supplementary
aid. Even in Scotland they have generally done well
this year, and when the confusion and distress of
this continental war is over, let us hope for a normal state
of things."
Bell's Weekly Messenger says the return of moist weather
has improved the aspect of the pastures ; but it is noticed
that the stock do not thrive well upon the grass,
which is rank and of rapid growth, and con-
tains little nutriment. With the exception of
a few very backward districts in the north,
the harvest has now been completed, after having been
prolonged to an,unusual length. The extended use of reap-
ing machines caused rapid progress to be made while out-
door labours were possible ; but operations have been
retarded from time to time, by the prevalence of rain.
As, however, these rains have been accompanied by
strong winds, which have effectually dried the corn, no
damage has resulted from them. Ploughing is now being
rapidly proceeded with, and farmers generally are pre-
paring the stubble fields for autumn sowing. The
root crops have been much benefitted by the late heavy
rains, but it is to be noted that roots have not
suffered to the extent that might have been anticipated,
considering the dryness of the season. Mangolds and
swedes are looking well, while a considerable increase has
taken place in the bulk of potatoes. Turnips have also
improved, but as yet are a poor crop. Nevertheless there
is less room for apprehension now in respect of food for
stock, though, looking at the scanty stacks of hay through-
out the southern districts; it is eertain that much difficulty
will be found in growing an adequate quantity of meat.
All animal food must rule very dear throughout the en-
suing season, in proportion to the expense incurred by
graziers in producing it.

BENEVOLENT NEUTRALITY. --- Lord Jersey, it
seems, has lent his steam fire-engine to the city of
Paris, and Messrs. Merry weather, who seem to be
acting in the matter for the French Government,
are to build his Lordship another with all speed.
Lord Jersey can, of course, do what he likes
with his own. But parish authorities are, as it
were, trustees for the public, and we are not at all
surprised to find 'that the Local Board of Twickenham
have declined to lend their engine even to a besieged city.
Charity begins at home, and in spite of the example of
Lord Jersey, the Twickenham Board decided that they
had no power to grant the Messrs. Merryweather's
request. We wonder if the request has been general, and,
if so, how many engines have been got together. Count
Bernstorff cannot deny that this is benevolent neutrality.
—Echo.