Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-04-01

THE CROP REPORTS.
MONTHLY STATEMENT FROM The
COMMISSIONER or AGRICULTURE.
Fruits Severely Injured. hut Wheat and
Other Grain In Fine Condition-Farm
Work Generally Advanced.

The monthly reports on the crops IN
the State issued by Colonel Thomas
Whitehead. Commissioner OF Agriculture
are being found Of great advantage ia
both merchants and farmers. These
statements deal with the yield and condi-
tons in every section OF Virginia. The
report for March was issued yesterday,
and while It verlnes the runored killing
or severely injuring OF nearly all the
fruits. its reference TO crops generally
and teamwork is quite encouraging.
Here IS the report:
THE TIDEWATER SECTION.
Most Of the reports received were
previous 20 the late cold spell. and they
report the weather up TO the 9th 10
have been the most favorable for crops.
Reports received since the 9th say that
peaches, pears. and early apples have
been severely damaged. Crops are more
advanced and looking better than for
some years. Winter wheat and oats are
ilourishing, and the grass is looking
unusually strong and vigorous. West
morcland reports stand OF clover 10
have failed In some places. This county
also reports as unusually large area Of
Irish potatoes planted.
THE mild winter. as reported before.
has been very favorable to stock OF all
kinds, and they are reported TO be in
excellent condition. No diseases reported
except few cases OF distemper among
horses IN King George county.
The farmers are better ny with their
crops than usual II is stated that the
good winter Will help the appearance OF
the farm. as there has been more clean
ing and fencing than ever before.
MIDDLE VIRGINIA.
THE month OF March has been UNI
usually fine for blowing and seeding oats
and grass, and very favorable for grow
ing crops.
1.-THE frost Of the 2Gth instant is con-
sidered TO have been general throughout
this section, and very little fruit escaped,
although up TO the time Of this report
the damage In some counties Is not yet
ascertained. The general condition Of
growing crops il reported 10 be good.
The condition of stock is reported TO be
above the average. one county reports
stock 10 be rather poor on account Of
feed falling short No disease Of any
kind reported. Farmers, on account Of
the open weather are well advanced
with work Plant beds have been pre-
pared and preparations for corn and
oats well advanced. Louisa county re-
ports a decided interest in the planting
OF apple trees for profit The price at
gathering last fall convinced the farmers
Of the value Of this crop.
PIEDMONT.
"The weather in this section has been
very favorable on the growth of wheat
and grass. and tine open weather has
enabled the farmers to make good head
way in the preparation Of their land for
spring crops.
mo reports yet received from this sec
ton I'm regard to the effect OF the re-
cent frost Stock Of all kinds are In
good condition, with no trouble from
disease.
THE farmers have generally completed
their blowing Fencing and most spring
work are well advanced
THE GREAT VALLEY.
"The past month has been very fine.
Winter grain looks quite promising The
general condition OF crops is splendid.
The wheat plant IS strong, healthy and
luxuriant so with rye and other small
grain No attacks from disease or in
sects upon any crops reported. The con
ditiOn Of stock is generally reported good.
The winter was very mild and open.
Shenandoah county reports the weather
too warm during the past winter for
the good Of stock; they become too
dainty in their eating and DO not thrive
as they should. No diseases reported
except in the county OF Smyth. where
distomper has caused some deaths among
horses. and in Shenandoah county. where
good many sheep are reported TO have
died
"The farm work Is we'll advanced.
many done seedlings oats. AMI those that
are not done are pushing it vigorously
ahead. a great deal Of gardening has
been done. Smyth county reports that
a Esrge crop Of cabbage. potatoes ana
onions will be planted this year. No
definite reports "a to the effect OF the
frost yet received, but it is feared that
this section has suffered badly.
IN APPALACHIA.
'The past month is reported TO have
been the most favorable on growing
crops. and TO the prosecution of farm
work
THE wheat crop bids fair 10 be excel
lent. Grass Is looking fine, and the
prospect generally for all growing crops
Is favorable.
"The condition OF stock Is better than
usual. The lamb crop IL expected to he
good No diseases reported Of any con-
sequence.
Farmers well up with their work
they are most done seeding oats, and
are well along with their blowing for
corn.
"No reports received from this section
~ the effect Of the frost on the 2Gth.
instant"