Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-08-08
SOME STATE STATISTICS.
Monthly Report of Crop Condition to thu
United States Bureau Of Agriculture.

| y. NJ. Mcf aflanu, tne STATE slallsti-
cal agent for Kansas, has sent to the
bureau of Agriculture at Washington
his report of the condition of crops
August LIST, which is as follows:
Hon. Geo. Ii. Loring, Commissioner OF
Agriculture, Washington, ID. c.:
DEAR SIR.-Untimely rains during
the month of July interfered mater
Tally with a successful harvesting of
wheat, rye and oats. In some por-
tons of the state rains were accom-
panied by heavy wind and hail storms,
resulting in large loss of both cut
and standing grain. Heavy and rank
growths were badly lodged and were
subsequently left uncut. Hot sultry
weather following these rains caused
rust and blight in both wheat and oats,
and former estimates of yields will be
reduced. In some of the western coun-
ties. notably Rocks, Rush, Osborne,
Ottawa, Russell and Ellsworth, the
winter wheat area was too large to be
successfully handled by the farmers.
A lack of laborers in the counties
mentioned has caused heavy loss,
and while average yields harvested at
the proper time will be exceptionally
large, county averages will be below
estimates of one month ago for the
reasons stated.
While wheat generally was unpro-
pitious for harvesting, it was exceed
ingly favorable to corn. The time lost
in the early portion of the season has
been nearly recovered and the corn
prospect is now equal to that of last
year at this time, when the promise
was full average. The crop of 1883
was injured by the bad weather of
September, and if that can be escaped
this year larger yield-possibly The
largest in our history-will be gather
ed. Pastures are in excellent condi-
ton, although some complaint is made
in the loss of the usual quantity of the
grass. Cattle are not fattening as
rapidly as in former seasons, the cause
being assigned in most cases to the I'M
usual quantity of rainfall, and a
consequent deterioration of the nutri-
tious quality of the grass. As the sea-
son advances, however, the condition
of the pastures will improve. Potatoes
both Irish anu sweet, complaint is
made from several sections that the
frequent showers followed by excess
sively hot suns have induced mildews.
The extent of danger from this cause.
| think, is overestimated, but reports
of my correspondents, should Judge
that they consider the danger as SER
ious. The cold weather of late
spring injured all the fruit trees, c.
pecially apples, and large quantities
are falling from the trees, partly from
the treatment early in the season, and
partly from the stings of insects. The
crop will not, in my opinion. be more
than eighty per cent. as compared
with an average, although indications
point to better condition. There will
undoubtedly be large crop of those
varieties of grapes which thrive best
in Kansas. The concord will make
more than an average yield,
while some of those more del
ica;e varieties, such as the
Delaware, will Weld but little
The product of clover hay will be
in excess of that of last year, and the
quality will also be superior. AS the
main prairie pasture becomes smaller
in area in eastern Kansas ihe lame
scres aud these in tho line of cx,or;
naot are sown 70 tame gra,s in ~.
western two.th;rds of the S,.te
The minor crons such 49, harley
buck wheat tobacro aud cotton have
OH heen fairly snc.esSf,I ,t,;s 49,
Rarlev has Increased iargn,v II, ,creage
aud i in yerv fair ennd;,i,n IT.
season has heen unnaecedan,eJ in Ua
eytre,ne western ner,;uu of The statc
While drawhacks and unfavoral,,e con.
d;tions have existed .Il tbrouyh Tho
season in n greater mr. less deyrce in
e."'"A iH S'SS. " 49, ~