Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-10-07
The Virginia Agricultural Outlook

We make extracts from the crop report
of Col. Randolph Harrison, Commissioner
of Agriculture, dated September LIST. Inc
drought referred to has continued and IN
creases the drawbacks it had already MADE
in some sections. The introduction to the
report, as well as estimates and STATISTICS
following, will be read with Interest,"
''The bright anticipations of unusually
bountiful crops of corn, tobacco, cotton,
pean dts, and other spring crops have not
been fully realized. Up to certain polnG
the conditions were all favorable good
stand was secured. the land was in f1ne or,
der, and the rains came when wanted-ahd
the outlook was so good that the neWspa-
pers teemed with premature congratuiations
for the abundant compensation received 6y
the farmers for the disastrous failure OF tne
wheat crop. 1t is gratifying to learn that
in some sections of the State there has been
no disappointment, the crop of corn IS SUI
perb, as is the tobacco, and the pastures are
luxuriant; but in others drought has pre-
vailed for several weeks, preventing sue
cessful maturation of the crop, so that the
average is by no means large one. AND
in some quarters the drought is still going
on, increasing in intensity, SO that the dam
age may prove to be much greater than re-
ported. Especially is this the case with to-
bacco; continuation of dry weather, espe-
cially if it S. ould be hot, as was the case
last year at this time, would reduce the per-
centage far below that hereinafter given.
I had hoped that our farmers would take
heart and SOW full crop of wheat, but the
proportion of following down is small. =
With good season large crop may yet be
sown, although Virginia farmers are some
what leaning to the opinion that it will be
best to give to other crops some of the at
tention which wheat has so long absorbed
Some interesting returns were given by cor.
respondents in answer to questions put forth
August LIST, and were accidentally omitted
from the bulletin for that month. To the
query, "What is the most profitable crop ir
your section? the answers enumerated q
great variety of products, but corn and to-
bacco had more advocates than any others
with hay next, and acheat largely in TIN
minority.
Withdal, it will not do to abandon the
culture of wheat. Sow it more carefully
make more to the acre.
The returns spoken of made favorable
showing for the progress of agriculture, OF
-
large majority of correspondents testify
that agriculture has advanced in the las
five years. More than two-thirds repor
improvement in the fertility of lands. TIL,
Improvement in farm buildings, reported
makes gratifying exhibit.
CROP REPORT.
Corn.-As will be seen below, the aver
age for tho State is only 1854 per cent.
notwithstanding the splendid condition o
the crop in the southern half of the Valley
in the Blue Ridge counties, and in Appa
lachia. The crop of 1880, which was per
haps an average one, was estimated a
45, $50, 900 bushels, from 1, 809, 200 acres
There is an increase of acreage this year
exactly how much is not clearly ascertained
Putting it at 5 per cent, we may expect {
crop of about AZ, 500, 900 bushels.
Tobacco.-The average for the State il
90.96 per cent. AS remarked before, DIR,
weather, which has prevailed since the frs
of the month, with rising temperature, will
almost certainly damage the crop in quail
ty, and reduce the quantity far below tn,
estimate given on September first.
In tobacco there is all increase of area
From the showing on September 1st Their
should be crop of about "a, 600, 900 pounds
but l think considerable per centage O
this will be burnt on the hill.
characterization as reported only 84.9-
per cent. There being slight increase o
area; the probable crop of the State is be
tween $4,000 and $4,000 bales.
Peanuts. -Condition 1880 per cent, ant
area reduced in consequence Of the low
price.
Potatoes The yield and condition of pc
| tatoes, both sweet and Irish, is reported al
very low, only
For sweet 1854 per cent.
For ;sh.....................65 per cent.
Pastures and Stock.-From some coun
ties the reports are all that could be desired
from others very discouraging. Some O.
the best grazing districts of the State, al
the northern end of the Valley and Pied
mont, have been worst afflicted by drought
Condition of stock. ...........S9 per cent.
Condition of pastures.......79 per cent.
Fo1loacing.-Proportion done, only 40 PEI
cent"