The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1886-06-02
Crop Reports,

The State Department of Agriculture has
received 2l4 special reports from County and
Township correspondents regarding the con-
dltion Of the crops, &C., OF ON average date
The Spring has been cold and generally. un-
favorable, retarding farming operations.
During March cold weather and high winds
prevailed. April was more favorable and
farm work progressed rapidly during the
month. Rain was general throughout the
State Mt the close Of the month, greatly bene-
fitting all growing crops.
coTToN.
Notwithstanding unfa yotable seasobs; 1t is
estimated that 81. per cent. Of the cotton crop
had been planted by May l. Early germina-
ton OF seed has been prevented by cold wealth.
er and lack Of rain. Thirty-one per cent OF
the crop is sup" against 81 per cent, at the
Of the crop is not so good as last year, but an
Improvement Is reported since the rains In
The latter part Of April. The reports indicate
a decrease OF per cent ss In the area cultivated
mercial fertilizers on cotton has been decreas-
cd about IL per cent, and 81 per cent OF the
crop has been fcrtilZed with home made ma
Stands Of early planted cotton in few Iocali-
ties, making replanting necessary.
CORN.
CORRESPONDENTS report that corn lands have
been better prepared and better fertilized
than usual. large part OF the lana or!sinal'
ly sown In small grain has been rey.'r.eo ~
corn. These lands were well fertilized, aH.
with ordinary favorable seasons will produce
good crops. Some OF tho early planted corn
on bottoms has been destroyed by the Spring
freshets. In some Counties the rains were eX.
dry weather in April. has injured stands.
Birds and worms have been destructive In To-
calities, but not more SO than usual. me
acreage will be increased per cent. over last
year The general condition of the crop Is re-
ported at 95. Fifty.fve per cent. Of the entire
crop has been fertilized. and 81 per cent OF
this with home made manures or COTTON seed.
WHEAT.
An Improvement Is noted in the condition
OF wheat since the April rains, but 1t is less
promising than last year; when an unusually
TssCr'sa isss. at S' against 60 on Tue ''' '' ~''
A large part Of the crop of Fall sown oats
was destroyed by the severe Winter weather
The condition Of Spring Oats Is reported at ~
against 70 last year, when the same conditions
prevailed as during the present season. owing
TO the scarcity of seed OF the red-ruSt PROOF
oats, which has proved the surest variety In
this State. Other varieties were extensively
used, and 1t is feared that the yield Will not
be satisfactory even with favorable seasons.
RICE.
TThe preparation of rice lands has been
| In the lower Counties 1t Is estimated that the
area will be three per cent. less than last year
The condition is reported at 95, against W on
the 1st Of May, 1885.
SUGAR CANE AND SORGHUM.
In some localities the sugar cane rotted In
the ground ditrlng the Winter freezesi and In
those places the crop has not been replanted
thus reducing the area per cent. below last
year. The condition Is reported as good as at
the same time for the previous year. The
area in sorghum Is the same as last year, and
the condition is 94, against 95 In 1855.
TOBACCO.
While the area in tobacco in the State ls still
insignificant, much interest Is shown In the
crop and experiments are being conducted
under the rules Of the Board of Agriculture,
by farmers selected to make the tests and BY
individuals in every County. The correspon-
dents estimate that the entire acreage hos
been increased 43 per cent. over last year.
LABOR.
! Farm labor Is reported more efficient tha
usual, and lower wages are paid for day labor
than for several years LaborerS employed
by the year are paid ss.S3 per month and
board or rations.
TEMARKS.
Less supplies will be purchased this year
than last less commercial fertilizers have
been used, farm stock is in good condition,
fruit crop is promising, and lands have been
we'll prepared for all crops.