Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1894-06-15
(CONTINUED.)


The weather the first half of May was
exceedingly warm, the temperature for
several days averaging ten degrees above
the normal. and the latter half 1t was I'M
usually cool, the average temperature
ranging from five to ten degrees below the
normal General and heavy rains occur
red at the very beginning of the month and
continued until after the 20th, keeping the
ground well soaked for more than three
weeks. Such weather was favorable for
the growth of wheat, and the average con
dition June in the southern counties,
where 50 per cent of the crop is grown, is
reported at % per cent as compared with
:, in 1892, aud 9G in 1891. The average
condition this year is higher than any
previous year of which we have record eX.
cepting 1891,
The average condition in sthe central
counties is 90, and in the northern 80.
The figures for the central counties are
the highest for this section June /, since
1889.
The total number of bushels Of wheat
reported marketed by farmers in May is
SIS, ~.
The total number Of bushels of wheat
reported marketed in the ten months,
August May, is 10, 431, 945, which is,::423,
456 bushels more than reported marketed
in the same months last year
The heavy and continued rains seriously
interfered with the planting of corn, and d
much larger area than usual remained &c
be planted June |, and of that planted
early, more than an average amount had
to be replanted. The reports indicate,
however, that the acreage sof this crop
will not be less than in average years.
The area seeded to oats is fully equal 10
the area in average years and the. crop
is in fine condition.
Barley is not extensively grown in this
State. The figures indicate a decline in
area. The average condition is about 90
per cent, comparison being with average
years.
The average condition Of meadows and
pastures In the southern four tiers Of coun-
ties is - per cent, an average much below
what would ordinarily be expected in a
season when weather conditions were as
favorable as prevailed in May. The low
condition may be almost wholly charged
to damage by the clover root borer. The
condition in the central counties is 90,
and in the northern 101.
Glover sOwn this year has made good
growth. the average condition in the
State is but little short of 100.
The outlook for apples is promising
The figures indicate nine-tenths of full
average crop. One year ago the crop in
the southern counties was estimated at
%, and In the central at 60 per cent of an
average. Peaches are estimated at two.
thirds of an average crop.
In the southern counties the wages per
month Of farm hands average $3.50 with
board, and $22 16 without board; i'm the
central counties S1j.20 with board. and
S22 so without board, and in the northern
counties S17.09 with board, and S2714
without board.
The average wages this year are lower
than ever before reported to this office.
Compared with one year ago wages with
board have declined So 12 in the southern
counties, 1925 in the central counties.
and 81 10 in the northern counties.
The farm statistics of S12 townships
have been received at this office. The
footings of the sheep and wool columns in.
dictate that the number Of sheep now on
hand in the southern counties is more
than five per cent less than sheared in
1898. There has been some increase in
the central and northern countries, but
not enough to offset the loss in the south
ern counties The aggregate loss in the
State exceeds three per cent of the number
sheared last year.
WASHINGTON GARDNER.
Secretary of State.