Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1896-04-16
WEATHER AND CROP BULLETIN.
Re port Of the Department of Agri'
culture for the Northwest

Report Of the Department of Agri-
culture for the Northwest
The report as to the condition of the
crops throughout the country, and the
general effect of the weather on the culti-
vation and growth of same, made by the
directors of the several climate and crop
sections, and received at Chicago, show
that over the central and northern por-
tions of the country the season is from
two to three weeks late, in consequence
of which farm work has been correspond
ingly delayed. The condition of winter
wheat is reported as poor in Virginia and
Ohio and fair in Illinois and Kentucky,
but more favorable reports were received
from Kansas, Arkansas and New York.
The recent freeze has caused some injury
to winter wheat in Michigan. No spring
wheat has yet been sown in North Dakota
and practically none in Minnesota. In
South Dakota spring wheat seeding is be-
coming general, and On Nebraska and
Iowa seeding is nearly completed. Oat
seeding is generally well advanced in the
States of the central valleys, and in the
Southern States this crop is reported as
doing well. Reports by States follow:
Iliinois-March was a cool, dry month,
In few of the extreme southern counties
along the Ohio River. Vegetation was held
In check by the coolness, and the crop sea-
son begins about ten days later than usual.
Grain came through the winter in fair condi-
tion only, the freezing and thawing, with
only light snow protection, inturing IT some.
what but It Is probable that sad the lack ora oe
harm. Wheat Is In the best condition In the
wet counties along the Ohio. Spring work
began generally during the last week In
Mar hut or NaA hu tha nnld xyaot
the middle of last week and Is just beginning
again. Some oats have been sown, but the
crop will go In this week. Stalk cutting and
corn corn land viii be- be prepared this week. early
gardens and potatoes are being planted
Grasses are coming on nicely, with the ex-
ception of clover. Fruits are thought to be
unharmed and trees are laden with bloom
buds, which are bursting in southern coun-
ties The soil Is working well throughout
the State, although the subsoil Is generally
wheat the northern counties contain seems
to be In good condition; rye also Is doing
well and grasses are starting nicely. Fruit
beds have not yet started, but are thought
to be unharmed. In central counties winter
wheat is generally in good condition, al
though few fields In every county have
suffered from freezing and thawing and
good, warm rains are needed. Chinch bugs
wisconsin-fhe greater portion of the
State was visited during the last three days
IL
snow storm, which was of decided benefit,
yet more rain is needed in the middle and
southern sections; no farm work has been
started In the northern sections and very
little In the middle; In the southern sections
the farm work was generally stopped by the
cold weather; the weather has been gener-
ally unfavorable to winter grain, especially
wheat.
South Dakota-Stormy weather, with snow
during first OF week and frosty nights since,
have retarded spring work; soil amply moist,
generally In good condition for seeding; but
little seeding has been previously done,
though now Ii Is becoming general; season
unusually late
Nebraska-Fall-sown grain Is starting and
Is In excellent condition; spring wheat most
ly sown and oat seeding well advanced;
plowing for corn has commenced In south
ern counties, and soil is In fine condition for
working and seding.
lowa-Temperature and rainfall below nor
mai; seeding and plowing In progress, with
soil In good condition; bulk Of seeding done
In southern districts and well begun In
northern section.
Indiana-Warm, rainy weather first days
OF week improved cereals, which began to
show green, but windy weather following
checked advancement; plowing for corn and
oats continued and oats and potatoes plant
ed In localities; fruit buds swelling.
Ohio-Fore part of week favorable, latter
part unfavorable; some powng done, but
farm work Is greatly delayed; wheat gener-
ally poor and other cereals and grpss yari-
able and backward; some peaches winter
killed, other fruits probably safe; buds swell
Ing.
Michigan-Cold wave of Thursday and Fri
day caused considerable damage TO wheat.
rye and clover; farm work held back by cold
weather; spring plowing just begun In south
ern counties and some oats being sown fruit
buds reported In generally good condition.