The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1888-08-23
South River Items.
Reported for the VIRGIN1AN.

The varying conditions of physical phe-
nomena within an area of few miles is
remarkable. Within this immediate 10
caity we have not been more seasonable
! for a number of years, whilst south of here
only three or four miles, dry weather has
prevailed, and the blowing is not SO far
advanced. The rain fall of Monday night
1t is hoped. has ameliorated this condition
and softened the soil that is to come under
the plow. Down South river the corn
fields are sight to behold, such as have
not been seen for a long while. # the
forecaster Of crop events relied upon the
traditional sign of Locust bloom" as an
indicator Of the corn crop, his faith In the
sign will be materially deprecated, as it
has utterly failed, it's reverse being true.
There will be considerable clover seed
made. Quite large quantities are stored
away awaiting better prices than were Of
fered last spring. They may be realized,
but it is doubtful, as the more intelligent
new can be obtained. Throughout the
States where quantities are held, the
farmers calling is being materially adj
yanced. Why can't our Com missioner of
Agriculture and the president of our Agri
cultural College naugurate similar insti-
buttons In Old Virginia? These Institutes
are of more practical benefit than any
other method of lettering the farmers
condition yet tried. The old Common
wealth must look up and beyond; but we
remember that this has been so often
urged upon another line that we forbear.
The Long Meadow Farmers Club is doing
some good work. They combine in the
purchase of supplies, fertilizers, salt, &C.,
and thus Offset a large saving in the aggre.
gate. Their meetings held monthly, no
doubt, are pleasing social events.
At the sales which have been recently
held in the neighborhood, prices have been
rather low. Machinery of all kinds that
antedates a year OF two, though in good
condition, brings at sales mere song.
The general impression seems to be that
inventive genius will bring out something
far superior, possibly before the article
under the auctioneer's hammer is needed
for use.
DIR. Kennerly, wife and grand daughter
from Missouri, are visiting friends and
relatives in the vicinity.
Mrs Selsus Koiner is quite i'll with that
dire and weakening complaint. dyspepsia.
Mr.. Geo. Dollhouse of Atlanta, Ga, has
returned home, 1t was sad for him to be
here near two weeks and his brother not
recognizing him.
The Rev.. Mr.. Hawthorne preached an
able sermon at Thinking Spring church on
Sunday morning. His style is both CLASH
cal and poetic. This he could scarcely
avoid, as his theme was the great future,
text, Mathew xiv AZ. Nightly services
are being held this week at Central Point
school house. DR.. Latimer, of Union
Seminary. is assisting Mr.. Preston.
| The urbane representative of the 10th
| district has our grateful acknowledge
nents for copy of Agricultural Report of
! 1887.
| Last Friday Messrs. Ellison and Austin's
taller was engaged baling straw at Mr.
| Jacob Coiner's. The high wind prevailing
| It the time drove spark into an old shed
filled with hay and set it on fire. The fire
| was soon communicated to the barn and
other out buildings and all DESTROYED.
There were 800 bushels of wheat in the
barn; 100 bushels was gotten out. After
the fire had smouldered down, considera
BILE quantity of charred wheat was taken
out and bought by neighbors at SO cents
per bushel for feed The barn was insured
for $500, and Mr.. C's actual loss will be
$500 or $780, An accident of the kind has
not occurred in this section for long
time. Let those who have charge OF farm
engines be careful to keep the spark ar
resters' or screens in proper repair. The
Eengines will run with or without al ''ar.
|rester," but there is far less danger with
them in good order. THOMAS.