The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-04-01
THE OUTLOOK FOR CROPS
TEE F3UIr CROP HAS BB6T In
YERGLY DINAGED BY COLD.
The Farm Preparations Arc Far Advsses"
and the Wheat and Grass Crops are
Strong. healthy and Luxuriant'

The crop report by the Commissioner
of Agriculture for the month just PAST
made up Of special reports from every
section OF the State. indicate on the
whole a most encouraging prospect ior
prosperous year. The report for coh'e-
nience is divided according to the grah'
natural divisions, as follows:
T.d~wn er
Most Of the reports received were pre-
Nous to the late cold spell, and they re-
port the weather up TO the 2Jtn 10 nave
been the most favorable for crops. he
ports received since the 18th. say tna'
peaches, pears, and early apples nave
been severely damaged. Crops are HOle
advanced and looking better than ior
some years. Winter wheat and oats axe
hourlshing, and the grass Is looking uh-
usually stroi aud vigorous. Nest'noie-
land reports a stand OF clover to nave
failed In some places. This county also
reports an unusually large area CT irish
potatoes planted.
The mild winter as reported before mas
been very favorable TO stock OF al. kinds
and they are reported to be In excellent
condition.
No diseases reported except a few cases
of distemper among horses in King
George county.
The farm crs are better up with their
crops than usual. 1t is reported the
good winter will help the appearance OF
the farm as there had been more clean
ing and fencing than ever.
Middle.
The month Of March has been unusual
~ fine for Flowing. seeding oats and
grass and very favorable for growing
crops.
The frost of the Goth inst, and fol-
lowing is considered TO have been general
throughout this section and very little
fruit escaped, although up to the time
Of this report the damage in some coun-
ties is not yet ascertained. The general
condition Of growing crops is reported
to be good. The condition Of stock is
reported to be above the average.
one county reports stock to be rather
poor on account OF feed falling short.
No diseases Of any kind reported. Farm
ers on account Of the open weather are
well-advanced with work-plant-beds
have been prepared and preparations for
corn and oats well-adyanced. Louisa
county reports 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.
ri dmont
The weather in this section has been
very favorable on the growth OF wheat
| and grass, and the open weather has en-
| abled the farmers to make good Roadway
| in the preparation of their land for spring
crops.
No reports yet received from this Sec
ton in regard TO the effect Of the recent
frost. Stock Of all kinds are in good
condition. with no trouble from disease.
The farmers have generally compl IT I'd
their blowing. Fencing and most spring
work well-advanced
III CIR ~ Valley.
The past month has been very fine.
Winter grain looks quite promising
The general condition of crops Is splen-
did. The wheat plant is strong, healthy.
and luxuriant; so with rye and other
small grain. No attacks from disease
or insects uron any crops reported. The
condition of stock is generally reported
good. The winter was very mild and
open and consequently less feed was
needed. Shenandoah county reports the
weather too warm during the past winter
for the good of stock-they become too
DAINTY IN tnelr eating, and do not thrive
as they should. No diseases reported
except in the county Of Smyth where
distemper has caused some deaths among
horses, and in Shenandoah county where
good many sheep are reported 10 have
died.
The farm work is well-advanced. many
done seeding oats and those that are not
done are pushing 1t vigorously ahead. \
great deal Of gardening has been done.
Smyth county reports that a large crop
OF cabbage, potatoes, and onions will be
planted this year No definite reports as
10 the effect of the frost yet received.
but it IL feared that this section has
suffered badly.
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 to be ex-
cellent. 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 is expected to be
good. No diseases reported Of any conse-
quence
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
Of the effect Of the frost on the 18th inst.
Cobra Poison as Medicine.