The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1892-10-20
General Remarks.

The present report being predicted
largely on the yield from gathered or
partly gathered acreage looses much of
the uncertainty that attends estimates
based alone upon conditions existing
earlier in the season. The previous re-
ports by correspondents for this year are
substantiated by the maturing crops in
nearly every instance. The decline in
indication of the yield of some crops is
due to the fact that the injuries resulting
from unfavorable seasons were of such
character that the extent of the damage
could hardly be properly estimated until
later III the season.
COTTON:
In this, our staple crop, the one upon
which we depend to supply our wants
outside of what we are able to raise on
the farm, is shown the most marked de-
cline. Excessive wet weather, followed
by drouth, and this drouth again fol-
/ lowed by excessive wet weather, has
been the prevailing character of the
season. Such weather condition resulted
in shedding and casting of fruit, and in
rust and rot. The full extent of tho
damage done was difficult of determine
ton during the early month, as much of
the crop presents fine appearance as to
| weed, but with maturing shows but little
fruit, with small and lightly filled bolts.
From many of the counties, espe cially
those located in Southwest Georgia,
comes the report that the yield in those
counties of that section will be the,
poorest ever known. When we consider
the fact that this is great cotton pro-
ducing portion of our state, the outlook
for a large yield is anything but fattering.
And when we note the unsatisfactory
conditions and discouraging reports from
all over the state, with the great reduc-
ton i'll acreage and in the use of COM
mercial fertilizers, we can safely predict
that during the past decade Georgia has
not produced so small crop as that of
this year will be.
If the decrease yield promised was the
result alone of reduction in the acreage
we would have much cause for congratu-
lation, and as it is, the gratifying reduc-
ton that was made will do much TO-
wards lessening the total yield.
The recent report from the New Or
leans cotton exchange shows that the re-
ceipts so far this year are smaller than
those of any year since 1893. This indi-
Gates that the reports on acreage sent
out by the heads of the agricultural de-
partments of the various cotton states
are correct; also that the crop has suf-
fered from unfavorable seasons in all the
states The decrease in promised yield
is making itself felt on the market not
w1thstandlng the enormous surplus car
rled over from last year, and under this
influence the price has already advanced
over three-fourths of cent from the
low price of the summer months. That
supply and demand govern our great
product, like all other products, is en-
phasized by this advance, and it brings
pointedly before the farmers that if they
want remunerative price for their cot
ton, the yield must be reduced by cut
ting down the acreage, SO that small
crop will be the result of favorable and
unfavorable seasons. Speculation un-
doubtedly influences the daily fuctua-
lions Of the market, and may
at times depress it or give
it an unnatural impetus, but compared
by decades the story is one of increased
production and decreased price. In the
monthly talk of the Commissioner will
be found tabulated statement Of the
number of bales produced and the value
of the crops for several years which gives
comprehen We view Of the whole mat
ter The word, it wouldsee has about
$40O, 600, 00Otopay for its cotton clothing,
whether the crop be large or small
one. 1t is to be hoped that the present
upward tendency of the market will con-
tinue until such figures are reached that
cotton may be, made at profit. While
the crop is backward, yet nearly all of it I
will be ready for market at an early
date, for while the first bolls that
mature are ten days to twoweeks late, vet
as there is but little August fruit unon
the plants nearly all the bolls will soon
be open and ready for picking. This
may operate against the farmer by caus-
ing too rapid marketing and
a temporary decline in price. But hold
ing as we do the solution of the situa-
ton within our grasp, we should not
feel too much discouraged if we cannot
right the results of two years overpro-
duction by the discretion of one year.
Diversified crops, renovated lands, and
a yield of our money crop within the
demands Of the worlds consumption,