Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1890-05-09
THE TWO D.AKOTAS.
CROP PROSPECT REPORTS FROM EACH
OF THE TWINS. .

OF THE TWINS. .
The Soil is in Good Condition and the OUT
look La brighter Than HcretOforc-Ihe
Irrigation Committee at Huron-other
Notes.
The past week has been one of great I'M
portance to the farmers of North DaSota.
Ram and cool weather have prevailed every
where. 1t is believed that for the present
at least the crisis regarding the wheat crop
has been safely passed. l localities have
had showers, at least, while in some coun-
ties, such as Dickey and La Moure, where
the drouth was doing great damage, there
has been a soaking rain. The weather has
been unusually cold for this time OF the
wear. The conditions now are just right
for the growing wheat. The moisture IS
sufficient for the present. The seeding OF
wheat is we'll along toward completion,
which is a fortunate thing for the farmers,
considering the favorable turn in the
weather.
On account Of the drouth of last year a
feeling of uncertainty prevails among the
farmers. While the soil is in good condi-
ton for the planting of grain and seeding
is progressing rapidly, moisture is needed
to insure the crop. New breaking is dry,
indeed very dry. The hot winds of last
summer dried the moisture out of the sod
md as but little snow fell during the
winter, it leaves that portion OF the land
considerably dryer than the rest. The fall
blowing and stubble land absorbed what
moisture fell and retained it. With a
reasonable amount of rain the fields would
be in splendid condition for growing crops,
for the reoson that the soil is mellow, with
comparatively few Jumps. Spring work
was begun in reasonably good season,
and will be finished at an early date.
Many farmers are a little short on seed and
taking matters easily. Quite an acreage of
oats, barley aud corn will be planted, while
potatoes and flax will be increased. Sum
mel following to a considerable extent has
now become a fixed principle and part of
the regular work with many farmers. 1t is
found that land thus treated yields better
crops, is freer from weeds and foul stuff
and is less apt to be affected by drought.
Besides this 1t gives the land a rest, which
seems to be as necessary'as it is with the
human race.
The outlook is not ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
the contrary; but no II attempts to con-
ceal the fact that the new states are passing
through a very critical period. A good
growing season means general prosperity
and permanency. Another drought means
still greater depression than the country
has yet experienced.
One fact impresses itself upon all who
carefully observe the development of
Dickey county, and that is, that plenty of
people are ready to invest money or locate
here when the crop prospects are in the
least encouraging. There is an abundance
Of capital seeking investment, and the pub
lie have not lost faith in the Dakotas. The
prosperity Of the country to q considerable
extent is IN the hands of buainess men and
large property wners. They have the
power to invite and encourage settlers and
investors. Their liberallty in this respect
will do much to tide over the present de-
preston and continue the development of
the country.
Another Report.
Returns from thirty-seven counties in
ANOEtu huu COulu ouhOtd 60QC 10 the
United States signal Office indicate that
the temperature and sunshine conditions
the past week have been favorable to all
seasonable farm work. Rain has been in
the form of local showers, covering narrow
areas, and good rains are reported from
Burleigh, Dicky, Nelson, Ramsey, Steele,
Stutsman, Trail and Wells counties in
North Dakota, and Custer, Deuel., Nc
Pherson, Pennington, Sully, Walworth
and 1ankton counties in South Dakota.
Elsewhere the showers have been light;
reports indicate that the condition and
prospects have improved in most localities
IN North Dakota and small grain seeding is
we'll advanced toward completion. Seeding
is practically completed in South Dakota,
preparations for corn planting begun and
much of the wheat growing nicely. Rain
would, however, be very beneficial in
many localities in both states.
To Investigate lrrle alton.