The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1871-06-22
agricultural Bureau---RepOrf
Concerning the Cotton
e'rOD.

The following is the telegraphic sum-
mary of the report issued on the 10th
inst, by the Agricultural Bureau at
Washington in reference to the condition
and prospects of the cotton crop in the
first week of the present month. There
is no intelligent planter in the South but
will be qualified that this report rather
undertakes than exaggerates the unfavora-
bic state of the crop and the probable
decrease in production. We will add
that since these statistics were prepared
the weather has continued unfavorable.
During all the month of June to the
present time, from two TO three heavy
rains have fallen per week, greatly in
juring the young plant and seriously in
terfering with the labor which it should
have received in order to give it a start in
growing:
A diminution in the area planted in cot
ton appears in every State except Florida.
The most careful analysis of the returns
with due regard in making averages O. the
extent OF the cotton production gives the
following per centage of reduction I'm com
parison with last year:
Virginia 30 per cent, North Carolina IA.
South Carolina H. Georgia II, Alabama -,
Mississippi 10, Louisiana 8, Texas H. Ar
kansas l6, Tennessee u.
These State average reduced to a general
average the assumed acreage OF the respec-
tive States being an element I'm the calc1la-
ton, will place the reduction of the cotton
of 1871. as compared with that of 1870.
between fourteen and fifteen per cent,
equivalent to nearly million and a third
of acres. This would leave between seven
and a half and eight million of acres as the
present area in cotton.
The condition of tue growing plant is be-
low an average in nearly every State. The
spring has been unusually wet and cold
retarding the growth and causing many of
the plants TO turn yellow and die, and OBJ
structing the cultivation to a large extent.
Replanting has reflled the vacant spaces of
imperfect stands. The weather has recently
been more favorable, ana il is not impossi-
BILE that an average condition may be at
tanned by the commencement of the pack
ing season.
The condition of cotton in July, 1862 a
year favored with an abundant yield, was
only little better than the showing for
June OF the present year, while the prospect
is slightly improving. but there is nothing
in il of decisive character. The per cent
age below an average condition is respect
lively as lOliOWS III TIE several states North
Carolina ten per cent, South Carolinr eight,
Georgia eighteen, Alabama seventeen, Mis-
sissippi sixteen, Louisiana ten Texas seven,
Arkansas seventeen Tennessee ten. In
Florida the condition is three per cent
above an average. An official estimate of
the ultimate result so early in the season
would be an absurdity.
The influence of future rains, floods,
frosts and insect enemies can not be calcu-
lated upon in advance; but in view of the
extremely favorable circumstances affect
ing the crop of last year, there can not be
ex pected in the present year. upon a re-
duced area, crop exceeding 100000 bales.
An early frost. or the prevalence of insects,
or a very unpropitious season might, reduce
the yield to 1900, 600 bales, and a still fur
Their reduction ii possible in the union or
severity OF several OF these causes of
failure.