Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-01-04
AHDzoscooo1n Aos1cuLruRa
Crop Reports and Matters Pertaining to
the Farming Interests.

(Gleaned by Journal Correspondent
Facts learned through enquiry ana
variozs interviews with different farmer
show = vast shortage in numerous crop
throughout Androscoggin county, and out
side Of the '',iilers Of the soil" themselves
that is generally felt by the merchants il
their respective towns, who do not find the
ready cash coming in Is usual at this season
Of the year. Yet the majority of the
farmers are not discouraged, as they have
made up their minds to make up if possible
in SO what they lost during IS.
One farmer says Il find the sweet corr
crop was failure with all. or nearly all Of
great many who did not realize even third
of their eIpe cted crop. One party We know
of, got only one sixth Of what he would
have had the crop come up to what vas ex-
pected. The crop was backward and the
early frosts in September did the work.
Beans are raised quite extensively by many
of our farmers, and that crop followed the
corn. Some saved few in rather dark and
stained condition, which cook we'll and may
be consumed al home but will not bring a
large figure in the market. Those however,
who were fortunate enough to save beans in
good condition will derive the benefit Of
high prices.
Nearly all the corn packing factories did
but small business. Mr.. Z. s. Gading of
Livermore and others tell us that what they
did put up was 10 good condition and opens
well.
The potato crop in most sections of this
county was fairly good one, those planted
early however keeping best. Those planted
later and on low ground were caught by the
long rainy spell during the fall, and some
rotted badly in the ground, and few pieces
rottng after they were dug and housed.
Prices range between ffty-iye and sixty
cents per bushel at the present time. The
farmers re port the hay crop good in most
parts of the couny, some obtaining even
larger amount than usual, and of good quality
This with the apple crop greatly helps out
crippled. To be sure apples are
bringing but low figure in the market and
just now quiet at that, but the general feeling
is that appl will sell for better price dur
ing the latter part of January, farmers feel
ing that the demand ill be greater thus ad-
vancing the price, which is now but Sl.25
per barrel
Some grains early sown and harvested are
in good condition but considerable amount
was late cut and nearly ruined. Some farmers
We noticed had not, owing to the rainy weather
cut their grain the first of December. We
heard also of potatoes not being dug and of
course spoiled.
Farmers are bound in the face of the small
returns this year, % look on the bright side,
and are holding festivals and other meetings
as usual. The Grange meetings in the
county are generally well attended and much
interest shown. Many farmers say that they
have done but little fall blowing, the season
being so wet, and late and generally cold
that the work all seemed to come in lump,
making it hard to ''look out" for all that
should have been done, while others have
turned off the usual amount of labor. Stock
the usual amount-will be wintered, and
some who are deeply interested in dairying
will keep more than heretofore. Stock is in
good condition, and entered winter quarters
in good order.
Androscoggin farmers are ambitious and
are laying out for next seasons work, and
large crops. There are great many young
orchards scattered throughout this section
many of them coming into bearing-and
these, ere long, will yield goodly returns.
Interest is manifested in raising of bloodsd
colts, as wei as other high grade stock.
Feeling that the above would be interest
ing to the readers of the Journal, we OBJ
tanned these ia It's for that purpose. b.