The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-08-25
WATER IS SCARCE.
SubSOil and Reservoirs in
Need of Rain.
Crops Are Reported to Be
Coming on Excellently.

Boston, Aug. 25.-The following
weather-crop bulletin is issued by the
United States agricultural bureau. New
England section. j. Warren Smith. di-
rector:
Cooler weather has prevailed In New
England for the week ending Aug. "a,
with slight frosts in lowlands reported
from northern Maine, New Hampshire.
Massachusetts and southern Rhode
Island. No damage resulted. Thunder
and hail storms prevailed in northern
sections on the 18th and 18th. but little
damage was done, except in Addison
county, VT. over a strip, about one mile
in width in that county, apples and
grapes were badly bruised and vegeta-
bles riddled. over one inch OF rain fell
at Burlington. VT. and i'm southwestern
Connecticut, but generally the fall was
about one-half inch. In most sections
Z this was sufficient for surface needs, and
all crops are growing well, but there has
been a lack of continuous soaking rains,
and the subsoil and the water reservoirs
need filling up. The cool weather has
checked mildew. rust and blight.
Maine
The very rapid growth OF crops has
been checked u little I'm Maine by the
cooler weather OF the past week. but
there is no cause for complaint as every
thing is doing well. Pastures are excel
lent, and the second grass crop is heavier
than usual. Corn is maturing, and the
sweet corn Will be ready for canning very
soon. The early grains are generally
harvested I'm the south and are being put
In in the north; they yield very well.
Late grain has been lodged some by the
heavy rains. Potatoes are growing we'll
in northern counties and few early ones
are being dug. Wild blackberries are
abundant. Apples continue very prom
Using.
New Hampshire.
The rain for the week has been sufi-
cient TO keep the surface of the ground
moist in New Hampshire and to start
along newly seeded grass. but the sub
soil and water reservoirs need heavy
and prolonged rain. Wells, springs and
streams are low, especially in southern
counties. The cooler weather has had q
favorable effect on potatoes, and reports
indicate that the rust is not spreading.
Corn is caring heavily. Beans indicate
a good crop. Cabbage has grown fast
during the week. Grapes promise well
Blackberries are very plenty. Apples
appear earlier than usual, and are i'm
proving every day.
Vermont
The weather has been COOL with plenty
OF rain in Vermont. and the grass
In pastures and fields is green and good.
All field crops have made good growth
also. and, with the exception Of potatoes
are very promising. Apples are excel
lent and a large crop. Blackberries are
plenty. Corn is maturing very fast and
a full crop is indicated. Late potatoes
are badly affected by rust in many fields
hassaciiusetts
Light TO moderate rains have fallen
over most OF Massachusetts, and all
crops are growing well, but in Bristol
county corn, potatoes and apples are
feeling the want OF rain. and in northern
Worcester county 1t is too dry to plow
and seed successfully. Generally the
ground Is in good condition for fall seed
ing to grass and much is being done.
Tobacco cutting has been pushed. and
some fields are prefix well housed. 1t
Is little cool for tomatoes to ripen 10
best advantage, yet they are doing well.
Potatoes are very uncertain. and the
crop will vary much In different fields.
The cranberry crop Is rapidly maturing,
and picking will begin soon. Consider
able damage resulted from the scalding
reported last week, and now the fruit
worm is busy On many bogs. The crop
has encountered many enemies this
year.
Rhode Island.
Crops are maturing well in Rhode ISL
and. and the outlook Is very encouraging.
Oats that have been threshed have
turned out well. wild berries are plenty
yet. Pastures have bvsn kept in good
shape by showers, but streams are low.
Connecticut
The ground was getting dry in Con-
necticut, but copious rains OF the last
OF the week have given sufficient water
for the present Pastures continue in
good condition. Flowing and reseeding
meadows is going OH under favorable
conditions. Tobacco cutting is general,
with a fine crop" Potato digging is
going on fast. with no reports of in
creasing blight or Of decay this week.
One correspondent in New Haven county
says early potatoes never were better.
The correspondent at Milford. New
Haven county, says: Some pieces OF
onion seed did not hold we'll TO the last,
blasting some: the seed is nearly all cut.
and crop Is generally fair" The blight
on onions i'm Fairfield county has not in