The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-05-04
frrom The New York Tines

Floods. frosts, and q backward spring
nave all worked 10 the injury OF the crops
this year. but the comprehensive statement
Of their present condition, which the
Times now lays before its readers, VIII
show that, despite these influences, the
general condition, with few exceptions,
promises an abundant harvest throughout
the country. From thirty-seven States and
four Territories-nearly all except those
whose agricultural products are OF no Inn
portance-the most trustworthy informa-
ton has been obtained. From 120 differ
ent places, covering over 1900 centres OF
agricultural work, persons whose business
and interest IL has been to secure accurate
knowledge OF the crops have sent the result
OF their Investigations 10 the Times.
The small grains, despite bad spring
weather, promise well. Winter wheat VIII
give an increased yield In nearly every
State except Indiana, Ohio, and New York.
THETA named only will produce much
less than the average. Spring wheat Is
much more 1attering in its promise. In
the great grain States west OF the Missis-
sippi the increase Is especially marked-in
some eases as much as 80 per cent. In
some OF the old grain States other grains
are replacing wbeat-barfey, oats, and
rye especially. In all these n large
increase IN acreage is reported, and
promises large crop. Insects and
rust are reported in some places, but
only in Tennessee Is much alarm felt. Corn
shows very large increase in nearly every
State where il is cultivated at all. In the
North IL shares TO some extent in the dis
placement OF winter wheat, and in the
South it Is replacing cotton to some extent.
Emigration and the pushing Of railroad
construction are prominent factors in the
increase OF the grain fields.
Cotton Is expected to give at least an
average crop. The area devoted to it is
much smaller, floods, partial abandon
ment OF the "all-cotton system, and the
inability Of planters to obtain sufficient
supplies work together TO this result. The
free use OF fertilizers, however, is expected
to keep the yield up TO the average. The
planters throughout the South have been
much hampered, also, by the difficulty in
obtaining laborers. The sugar-cane crop
Is looking splendidly, except in a few cases,
in some OF the flooded districts, where it
has been killed. The cultivation OF rice l.
receiving more attention, and pr0ba-
bly, the average crop will he secured.
Tobacco does not show much change; an
increased acreage will be planted in some
OF the Middle and Northern States. Hay
and grass crops have been much injured
throughout the country, and generally q
light yield Is expected. The high price OF
potatoes has led farmers TO devote an in
creased acreage to that vegetable this year.
The fruit crops have been the chief suffer-
ers Frosts have somewhat damaged
peaches and small fruit in Virginia, Mary
land, and Delaware. and the Hudson val
ley. Other fruits will give an average
Weld, except perhaps cherries. The dairy
interests IN the North and East are receiy-
ing more attention, and, with Embarrassing,
replacing the cultivation OF grain. The
great cattle-growing interests of the West
are most flourishing, the mild winter on
the plains having been favorable.
The condition OF the crops in each State
is shown by the following recapitulation
alabama. although the decrease
in land cultivated is marked, is expected
TO yield an average crop. The acreage OF
corn and oats has been increased.
Arkansas Winter wheat, with very
large increase in acreage, will soon be har-
vested. Corn and oats also show large in
crease. planting is going on, with
perhaps a slightly-decreased area.
California. The largest increase is in
the acreage devoted TO vines and barley,
which are thriving. Wheat ana oats will
be about rs last year.
Colorado. 1.-The wheat acreage has been
increased one third with promise Of a cor
responding yield. Crops in Southern Col
orado give way TO the cattle interest, which
is in fine condition.
Connecticut kitchen-garden, the
dairy, and the orchard are gradually lead
ing to smaller grain crops. These interests
are in a good condition. Much land will
be devoted TO potatoes.
Dakotd.-This great grain-growing State
promises an increase in ITS yield OF wheat
and oats OF % per cent. Barley is also
being planted.
Deldp0re.-Th farmers work is very
backward. The crops of corn and wheat
will be about the average. The peach and
small-iruit crop has been somewhat dam
aged, but an abundant yield is promised.
Rorida.-The cotton crop, through the
use OF fertilizers, is expected to yield 10 or
Is per cent. increase. A good crop Of
oats and large yield OF corn are expected.
Georgid.-Various causes have led to
slight decrease in cotton acreage, with
large increase in food crops, principally
corn and oats. Rice and sugar-cane are
about the average.
WinOis.-Winter wheat has not been
damaged rs much as was feared, and the
average yield is promised. a large corn
crop is promised. An increased acreage in
rye and oats is under cultivation.
IadiaaG.-The winter wheat generally
was badly injured by frost, and short
crop is expected. Barley is also injured.
Corn and oats show an increase. Fruit,
except apples, will give small yield.
Ioicd.-Ihe wheat yield will be about the
average, but this crop is giving way to corn,
oats, barley, flax, and hay, which promise
large returns. Cattle and hog-raising are
attracting much attention.
kanSdS.--The outlook for I'LL grain has
never been better. The acreage of winter
and spring wheat, corn, and rye has in
creased from 80 TO 100 per cent. Sheep
raising Is growing interest.
KentacIey.-Winlerw wheat shows larger
acreage; crop i'm good condition. Corn and
oats will be planted more than last year.
Tobacco remains as last year. There will
be fair crop OF peaches.
louisiana Cotton-planting has been re-
tarded the acreage will probably not
change much. The sugar-cane, except in
overlooked places, is generally in very good
condition, with the usual acreage. Corn
will show some increase.
Maine. and Ice have not permit
ted farmers to do much yet Hay and po-
tatoes are expected to yield largely. Oats
and wheat will be sown to some extent.
Moryldad. More than the average crop
OF wheat and corn is promised. Tobacco
will remain about the same. The fruit
crop has been somewhat damaged, as in
Delaware, but an abundant yield is still
anticipated.
Massachusetts,. -Grains generally are
promised about the average. Hay, pota-
toes. and tobacco show a sliohi incraase