Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-08-07
stanton NJ arkets.
SPECTATOR OFFICE.
GrA rv<rr1xy VI. A--,,ax rfI, JOG

STAUNToN. VA, August 7th. 1859.
The time for actively opening our wheat
market has arrived. This period in trade,
comes, too, with an unusual pressing demand
for wheat to supply our mills as well as 10
meet the general inquiry for the cereal in the
markets. to which our dealers ship their pur.
cheses.
Our producers harvested large and fairly
ell-yielding crop. Instead of the usual dry
weather of July and August in which thresh-
ing and full preparation for market takes
place, rain, with but an interval of a day or so
in four or i've, has continued to fall. and dark,
gloomy days have followed one after the 9TH
er to ell the heart OF the producer with des-
pondency. One-fifth OF the wheat area in Au-
gusta county, and more than that in Rock
bridge. all of which ordinarily would have
been housed or threshed is still in the field in
the rain battered and sunken shocks, and COW
cred with the growth of the sprouted grain.
Much of that which has been housed or ricked
is not yet in condition to thresh, even If the
assurance of dry weather offered the opportu-
nifty. This condition of things prevails in sew
eral States of the winter-wheat belt in all of
which there is the same demand by the interi-
or mlllers.
The hay and cats crops have also fallen I'M
der the destroying power of the rains. Perhaps
over half of the grass crop will be saved, but
very little Off IN good condition. This remark
is, perhaps, applicable to the oats crop. for in
many instances it is lying fiat upon the ground
beyond the possibility Of being cut.
Loss, and a very great loss, has been sus-
tanned and with continuation of rain and fog
the farmer can only look on and see his crops
yet in the field sink into moulded heaps, or
streWn upon the surface a decaying mass of
precious treasure. He Is anxious, too, to meet
the present urgent demand with at least por-
tion Of his crop. but cannot commence that
branch OF his labor till opportunity comes
around for 1t.
OF course. the wheat market, under the cir
cumstances referred to, cannot settle down to
a standard. 1t may be quoted at several figures
according to quality and condition from eigh-
ty cents up. The millers will take old whest
at 50 cents. or perhaps will pay more, accord
ing to quality.
The consolidation of the farmers through
club OF organizations, has lately assumed to en-
brace other objects sthan the discussion OF
farm-work and planting and the culture of
crops. There are several clubs in Augusta
as there are in other counties in the Vally and
the State organized on the same basis. The
club at Fishersville. in this county, appears to
be the most advanced in conducting the CO. op-
erative feature in purchasing fertilizers. but
we notice others pursuing the same policy
The members OF the club at Fishersville esti-
mated their demand at one thousand tons, and
invited propositions for supplying it according
to the different kinds wanted. The contract
has been awarded to John w. Todd. of this
city. who is experienced in the trade.
There are no material changes in the price,
current this weak.
The quotations ara wholesale. not retail
Country Produce.