Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-08-09
THE CORN CROP.
A More Cheerful View of the Illinois Oot-
look.

look.
The Springfield Register takes a
more cheerful view Of the corn crop
outlook than is the generally ac-
cepted opinion of the situation. 1t
says:
Never during the past 10 years has
the corn crop of Illinois cut such a
| figure on all speculative boards as is
manifest over the condition of the
present crop; and as many diversi-
fled opinions are had from as many
different places regarding the actual
condition Of the crop Of 1891. The
United States government weather
bureau issues a weekly crop bulletin
and the state board of agriculture
issues one monthly; and for several
weeks past have these two authori-
ties on crops been at loggerheads and
not agreeing. The most reliable in
formation perhaps gathered is from
gentlemen who travel from this city
through every portion of the state
each month, and from these parties
are somewhat reliable reports re-
ceived. The government bureau has
correspondents in each county, while
the board of agriculture has an aver
age of four reports each month from
each of the 102 counties in the state.
The government report issued yes
terday states that the entire state is
suffering from want of rain; that
while much precipitation has been
had during the past week the same
was so badly scattered as to he of
little assistance to the corn crop.
In the northern division of the state,
where rain fell. the corn is reported
generally benefited and little i'm
prOvement is noticed in its condi-
ton. Many counties in this division
still suffer for the want of rain. The
most discouraging reports are re-
ceived from the following counties:
Stephenson, Winnebago. McHenry,
Dekalb. Kane, LaSalle, Kendall, Du-
Page and Cook. The Winnebago
correspondent says, Corn will be
cut for fodder unless copious rains
are had in this locality within few
days" Other counties suffering
from drouth where the outlook for
good corn is unfavorable say that
with heavy rain the crop will yet be
saved; generally the crop seems to
be little improved over last week
All bottom lands are doing nicely and
will produce a good crop of corn.
Chinch bugs are doing some damage
in certain sections, as also high
winds.
Oats and wheat are being threshed
| 60
pastures are reported generally ben
Gifted during the past week by
copious rains; where the rain has not
fallen the yield will be far short.
Farmers are still feeding stock. and
badly need water. Apples and pears
are still dropping, and the fruit crop
generally will be short. Gardens
are improving, while the potato crop
will yield less than expected even a
month ago; this crop will be shorter
than anticipated. Some wheat is
being sown for winter, where the
ground is broken and ripe. Much
more rain is badly needed. So much
for the government prediction.
Actual Condition Of Corn.
However. corn is reported in bet.
ter condition than is given out by
the government report; and Will,
much rain is badly needed. the cror
generally will be better than many
suppose. The bottom lands are well
!, prepared for an unusually heavy
yield; while but few counties will
produce short crop. The average
will be on par with any preceding
year. Could good rains have been
generally received three months ago,
the corn for 1894 would have exceeded
the fondest expectations; as il is. the
, crop will be a moderate good one,
with chances for Improvement with
the first heavy rain. The crop il
right now in condition to either be O
good one, or lose great per cent OF
yield over last year. The reports
from the wheat sections show that
the crop of 1894 will be larger than
any experienced during the past 1C
years, and the same is not only
large, but of an exceedingly fine
quality. and is being put away in
elegant condition. Wheat in Illinois
is y. X. for 1894. Oats, however.
will perhaps be short several points
from last year, and will be shorter
than anticipated. Pastures are in
poor condition. From travelling
men the report of the corn crop is
good, with chances of a large cror
and nice yield