The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1872-09-26
AGRICULTURAL.
The Cotton Crop.
WASHINGTON, Sep. II.


The September report of the statistican of
the Department of Agriculture indicates
decline in the cotton crop prospect during
the past month, in consequence OF the pres
ence of the cotton caterpillar in portions of
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and
Louisiana, and Of drought of moderate
severity in Texas, Arkansas and Tennes-
see.
Tho condition of the crop, as shown by
the average of returns received, isas follows:
Virginia, 81, North Carolina, 1O4, South
Carolina, 95. Georgia, 96, Florida, 90,
Alabama IS, Mississippi. 90, Louisiana, SG.
Texas 94, Arkansas IS, Tennessee 90.
Thus the prospect throghout the entire cot
ton area, which favored yield 5 per cent
larger than average product, promises at the
present time about 10 per cent less than
average. The increase of average Of last
year., and the unfavorable character of the
season of 1871, still point to material in
crease in the total crop Of 1872, while
extension of insect ravagcs, or the early oc-
eurrence of frost may modify the present
expectation. -.
Only seven counties report in Virginia,
and in these the average of condition has de-
clined from 1O1 in August, to 81 in Septcn-
Der. )
Returns from counties in n. c., average
1O1 in September against 81 in August.
Mecklenburg's estimate is l25 and Edgccome
has advanced from IS to 100. No material
loss from insects is reported.
The ACREAGE condition in South Carolina
has fallen from SO in August to 95 in Septem-
ber. Darlington, Barnwell, Edgefcld and
Fairfield counties, which together produced
10000 bales of the crop of 1868 average 96,
Darlington and Fairfield standing better
than in August. Richland reporting 100
in August has been visited by the caterpillar
and reduces the estimate to so.
In August only IL counties in Georgia.
out of 60 reporting, returned condition less
than 100 and the general average was 104
in September it is placed at sc. The insect
ravages are becoming serious in several coun'
ties.
The decline during the past month in
Florida has been from sc to 81 The caterpillar
appeared in Suwanee as early as July 18th
anu ulyeStcu Wuule HtluS VI tlle lea'eS DCiuic
August 18th. Lon, Jefferson, Madison
Gadsden ard Taylor have also been visit.
ed.
Only four counties in Alabama made re.
turns below 100 in August, the general aver.
age being 10Y. Two-thirds Of the present
returns are below 100, thrty-two connties
averaging 9S. Two-thirds Of the returns
include reference to insect ravages.
The general averages of Missippi returns
has fallen since the August report from IL
to so. Three-fourths of the returns are be-
low 100. Insect depredations are serious in
many counties.
The average for Louisiana was 40 ir
August and in September S6.
The drought has shortened the Texas
crop and reduced the ACREAGE of the return:
of condition from 103 to 81. Few reports
of the presence of insects are received.
The average of Arkansas returns has beer
decreased from 96, to 7a mainly by tho dry
weather.
In Tennessee the drought has also beer
Injurious, reducing the average from 1O4 te
92 The forms and young bolls of the tor
crop are rapidly falling of, threatening &
material reduction Of the crop.