The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-08-16

WASHINGTON, Aug. lO.-The August
report of the statistician of the depart
ment of agriculture shows that the con-
dition of corn has declined a little over
six points during the past month, the
average for the entire breadth being
81 as against 1872 for the month Of July.
This decline is due in the main TO the
drought. which has proved both extern
sive and persistent. While in some parts
of the country the continued dry
weather has injured the crop beyond re-
covery, is nevertheless true as to the
larger portion OF the area devoted to
corn that improvement is not only pos
sible, but with sufficient rainfall
through the month OF August the crop
will be assured. The averages in the
principal states are: Ohio, So; Indiana,
70; Illinois, 81; Iowa, 1O2: Missouri, IS:
Kansas. So; Nebraska, S4.
There has been a considerable falling
off in the condition OF spring wheat
since last month, amounting to some
thing over ten points, the average con-
dition the present month being 81 as
against ia for the month of July. The
condition by states is as follows: Wis
consin, 20; Minnesota, 67; Iowa, 81; Ne
braska, rs; South Dakota, 60; North Da-
kota, S. This decline Of ten points Is
the result Of the too high temperature
and deficient rainfall in the spring
wheat states. The drought Is prevalent
over extensive areas and has done much
damage. Much injury has also been
done this crop by the chinch bug and
rust in several Of the states.
The condition Of spring rye in August
is 7s.5 as against SO in the month OF
July.
The condition Of oats has fallen ten
points since the July report, being 1873
as compared with SIS last month, while
in August, 1892. ii stood at S6-2 1t IS
| the lowest condition reported in August
for many years, and is due to a cold,
wet spring succeeded by continuous
| dry, hot weather during the latter part
| Of June and the whole Of July.
The August returns for barley show
| a slight decline in condition from that
Of last month, being SAC against S5.3 in
| July and precisely the same as II was
| in the month of June.
The acreage Of buckwheat is reported
at s6.S. as compared with 1892, and con-
| dition SS.s.
The condition Of potatoes has de-
clined nearly nine points In the last
month and now stands at Sc Condi-
| twice in the last decade The general
drought has been the cause OF this fall
| ing of and rain is needed badly to pre-
vent further disastrous losses.
The condition Of the timothy crop Is
| 500, as compared with SO in 1892 The
| hay crop on the whole is large and has
| generally been secured in good condi-
| ton, although in some important re-
gions unfavorsble conditions caused a
| reduction of the crop.
| The general average Of tobacco fell
| from SO on July 1 to S22 on the LIST inst.
A still further decline IN the condi-
| ton Of apples is made evident by the
| August returns. The indication that the
| commercial crop would be very light is
| confirmed at this date. In many of the
| states a complete failure is reported.
| The drought has done damage to
| peaches in the Atlantic peach belt.
| Complaints are frequent Of premature
| ripening. Conditions still point TO a
| large crop in this section, however, and
| local showers have benefited some To-
calities. A further decline is noted in
Michigan, where fruit has dropped Sc
| verely. California has q good crop OF
excellent quality. An abundant crop Of
grapes is promised at this date. The
| percentages Of July have been general
| ly we'll maintained. Dry weather has
| tended to check the spread of rot and
| mildew.