The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-06-13
LETTER FROM PETERSBURG.
Correspondence Of the Richmond Dispatch.
PRrERsBrRG, June II, 1867

PETERSBURG, June IL, 1867.
So great is the anxiety felt by all classes re
speeding the crops, and particularly for that
important crop now almost ready for the
reaper, that you will pardon me for so FIRE.
quent reference TO the subject. Having taken
n little launt into the country, and inspected
several fields, besides noting the general ap-
pearance Of others, am able TO form more
intelligent Judgment than from verbal reports.
II is extremely gratifying, therefore, TO be able
10 state that by far the larger portion OF the
wheat in this region OF country may be consi-
dered safe, beyond any ordinary casualty.
And If safe here, we may reasonably conclude
ii is equally so in other places. The growth,
without any exception, unless In cases OF very
late seeding, is assuming healthy golden
color, without any appearanes OF 49,, ON III y
blade which is perfectly innoccuous more
over, the ears are large and well niled, the
meshes being generally "thirded, 10 use the
popular expression-thatis is, with three grams.
This is always considered good evidence OF
fruitful WELD Most if not all the belds that
came under my observation VIII DE ripe lor 'he
harvest from Monday to Tuesday nextCsay
from the 18th 10 the Goth of the month. Con,
sidering the backwardness OF the season ana
the frequent rains, this may be regarded as u
very early harvest; but the Tree use OF ier'lh'
zers has contributed much 10 hasten the matu-
rity A few patches of late sown wheat are
still in critical condition, being Just III bloom
but so small is their proportion TO the whoie
that they cannot materially affect the aggre-
gate product one way OF lnc OlLti.
The sense Of relief experienced from tnis
tlattering prospect is easier felt than de-
scribed. A good wheat crop VIII carry JOY
10 thousands yea millions of hearts, and can
not fail 10 inspire with gratitude all VINO look
TO the Lord OF the harvest for the supply OF
their daily bread
Some farmers in this vicinity have been try
ing the experiment of spring wheat. II has
luXuriant appearance, but / have seen so
many failures from attempts OF TINS kinu
that no confidence can be felt in the least pro-
liability of success. In northern cnmate,
where the growth may be continued 10 July,
and even into August, without endangering
the safety of the plant, good returns may
often be realized; but under our ferNent sun
The imma ture plant is dried up thoroughly du-
ring the 7iTst few days of July, even If II can
survive so long. To expect spring wheat,
therefore 10 succeed here is against all rea-
sen and all experience
In regard TO other crops which came under
my observation, can report that oats are
looking well. The corn has a healthy appear
ance, but is unusually backward. There is no
cause for encouragement, however, in this.
find very extensive breadth of land planted
i'll cotton, and the stand is generally Sood-one
planter having put in 250 acres. To one OF the
ields-a beautiful, almost level eXpanse-
there appeared 10 be hardly any limits. Both
corn and cotton are terribly in the grass. The
rows have generally been sded,' ready for
the hoe, but the wet weather has lnterfered
with the cultivation.
From all parts l learn that farmers are
making great effort this year-sreater than
ever before. Such determination WILL in the
end, be crowned with success; and if perse-
yered in we may well hope that our beloved
State may yet escape, before many years, from
the Slough Of Despond. 5.