Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1877-09-11
nRnp RrpnRr ZOE August.

GhVf AEIVhA EOh AuuboAF
The committee on statistics ard infor-
nation of the Memphis Cotton Et'
change have submitted the August re-
port, from which we derive the following
valuable information. The report is de-
rived from l63 responses to interrogsto-
ries, average date September lst: 80
from West Tennessee, 5S from North
Mississippi, 46 from Arkansas (north of
Arkansas river), aid 9 from North Ala.
bama. 1t will be noted, aside from the
appearance of caterpillars, that the very
favorable weather which prevailed the
past month has materially improved the
condition of the cotton crop. However,
it can scarcely be doubted by any one
conversant with its very late end grow.
ing condition, that serious damage must
occur from frcst, unless previously cut
off By caterpillars. Of the damage al
ready, and to be done by the latter, it is
impossible, at this early date after their
appearance, to form an opinion, as fully
two-thirds of the responses had been
mailed before their appearance. To say
the least, present evidences would seem
to indicate very great damage to the
erop By them. The wheat crop has not
resulted in so favorable yield as was gen.
orally anticipated. The corn crop is
larger than last year, and promises an
average yield. The pork crop bids fair
to be much in excess Of last year. The
morale Of labor generally good, with but
little demand for extra labor 10 gather
the cotton crop. One hundred and Fifty
four responses aggregate as follows:
l. Weather-ll3 report the weather
for August as having been very favor
able, of which ITO report warm days and
%sessonable rains; 66 that nights had been
cool, 3 warm aud dry; Al report unfayor-
ably, "a account Of too much rain, 8 too
dry.
2. Weather Compared with August,
lS76-l03 report more favorable; 81 ac-
count Of less rain, l6 more rain; IS less
favorable; "A account of too much rein,
IL too dry; l6 report about same.
8. Cotton Fruiting. Etc.-l3l report
fruiting we'll, q not well, account Of ex-
cessive growth and grass; lg2 report no
shedding Of forms or bolls, 81 shedding
slightly, q seriously; Is report but little
bottom crop.
4. Condition of Crop at close of Au
gust-lOS report the crop in ve.y good
condition, II better than 1876, 81 not SO
good, more grass with excessive growth;
not SO heavily iruited; 81 reSorterop in.
about the same condition 40 last gear
3. Cotton Picking-l0 report picking
commenced August 10th to 3lst, IA re.
port that picking had not commenced.
6. Date OF General ~Pickiug-l54 an
swer that picking will become general
by September Sd TO October 18th; aver.
age date, September 18th
I. Worm Ravages-l20 report no su.
pearauee Of calerpillars: 81 GO from 8
counties in Mississippi, s from ! eoun.
ties in Tennessee, q from 4 counties in
Arkansas) report their appearances in
various stages, mostly ineipieng IL re
port :hcm as having stripped eutire
fields OF foliage, thereby destroying The
top, and partially the middle crop; !
represent them as just beginning /,
make damage visible; l6 as Just appear
ing; with buV three exceptions they az,
reported to have made their appearance,
during the psst week; owing to the yer,
late and tender condition Of the plan
much apprehension OF great damage il
expressed.
s. MiscellGneous-Under Ills head il
a general confirmation of the lateness O
the cotton crop, its exceeding verdan
condition, and liability to serious dam
age by frost. A few report considerabl
damage by rust, but as a whole, there
less than usual complaint from ihi
cause.
9. Corn Crops-77 report both earl
and late planting good to never better
40 early planting good, late poor; 5 LAT
good, early poor; % both early and lat
poor; the average is good.
10. Wheat Crop Yield-The yield {
wheat in this department is reported 3
from 4 to y bushels (the extremes
averaging 10 $40 bushels per acre.
IL Hogs-lS5 report the stock Of hos
in good condition; 10 report them poo
mostly caused by scarcity Of corn; {
report a continuance Of cholera in
mild form.
Il. Labor Morsle-l37 report labo
ers working well; II report them indife
ent; lao report a suticiency Of laboreI
to gather the cotton crop; Ii that ext
labor will be required.