The herald., 1896-03-05
WEATHER AND CROPS
All the Late Conditions Reversed-Good
Prospects Ahead


Following is the United States depart
ment of agriculture climate and crop bull
Ietin OF the weather bureau for the week
ending Monday, March 2. 1896:
The warm, dry weather which has been
the prevailing feature for several weeks
past, continued until the 1st day Of March,
when the weather became appreciably
colder, and was followed on the I'd by a
decided fail in temperature and copious
rains which, in the more elevated places,
turned into snow. The storm continues at
the close of this report, with heavy rains i'll
the valleys and snow in the mountains.
The rains came at a most opportune time,
as grain was beginning to suffer in places
and irrigating orchards had already begun.
These rains will save the crop, except in
few of the very dry places, and will obviate
the necessity of irrigating and will also in
cure water for summer use.
While the storm was of inestimable
value and allayed apprehension of dry
season, yet the very cold weather which
accompanied the storm has caused some
fear lest the deciduous fruit trees we're in
jured, as the abnormal warm weather of
February made almonds, apricot and
peach trees bloom freely. The effects of
the storm will be given in the next bulletin
as the greater number of the reports for
this issue was received before the rains be-
gan.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Flowing and seeding is still in progress
and the soil is in good condition, but grass
feed requires rain. Almonds and apricots
are in bloom. The general conditions are
good.
VENTURA COUNTY
Bardsdale-Very dry windy weather pre-
vailed the past week until Monday, when
show fell for an hour, something almost
unknown here. Rain cannot now make
heavy grain.
West Satacoy-The extreme winds which
prevailed during the week have greatly
dried out the ground. Highest tempera-
ture SO degrees, lowest 80 degrees.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Los Angeles City-Warm, dry weather,
with desert winds until March 1st, when
the temperature fell appreciably, and on
the I'd the drought was broken by rain
storm, which continues at the close of this
bulletin. The rainfall on the I'd was 73-1OO
of an inch, which made 5.77 inches for the
Aeason. Highest temperature, S4 degrees !;
lowest, 50 degrees.
Lancaster-Some grain is showing the
objects of the drought. Most of the week
was cold and windy. Snow fell in the
mountains Saturday night.
La Canada-Dry northerly winds pre-
vailed, which dried the ground consider
ably. Grain is looking well. Almonds and
some varieties of peaches are in bloom !;
grape vines have begun to break their buds.
Highest temperature, 72 degrees; lowest,
AZ degrees.
Pasadena-Remarkably hot. desert winds
prevailed for the first few days and then it
rapidly cooled off. A light sprinkle of rain
fell on Saturday. Sunday was cool and
windy, and Monday morning ushered in a
fine rain, which continues. The grain
crop is probably saved, and though the
snow may injure the blossoms on fruit
trees, it is of vast benefit to all.
Duarte--The week passed without rain.
end unless rain comes soon the grain and
oil other crops outside of irrigated districts.
Highest temperature 81 degrees, low
est 43 degrees.
Pomona-Warm and clear, with occa.
sional clouds till February Goth, when a
dash of rain fell. Monday was clustering
of March I'd. Rainfall on 1st and I'd, 1.6O
inches; for the season, 6.S2 inches.
SAN BERNARDINo COUNTY
Redlands-Exceedingly dry weather, with
drying winds from the north. Hay and
grain outside irrigated lands in bad shape
from lack of rain. Peaches and apricots
in blossom. Orange and olive tree plant
ing going on.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Moreno-A warm dry week has advanced
the bloom of apricot and peach trees; bar
ley has hardly kept alive. Saturday was
cloudy and it stormed in the mountains,
but only few drops fell in the valley.
ORANGE COUNTY
Tustin-There was some indication of
rain during the week, but no precipitation
here; only strong, cold west wind on the
st. Barley continues to look fairly we'll
as whole, but some of it needs rain and
much more will also need it soon. The
rainfall to date is s 5.O6 inches, and much of
the ground is hard. Irrigation will COM
mence in few days il rain does not come
in mean while.
Capistrano-Highest temperature during
week. IA degrees; lowest, so degrees.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Escondido-Dry winds prevailed through
the valley and farmers are very anxious in
regard to their crops. Apricots, peaches
and oranges are blooming. Garden vege-
tation i5 not i'll as good condition as de-
sired.
San Marcos-Almond trees are heavily
covered with blossoms; the days very
cloudy and warm with occasional east
wind.
Valley Center-The past week has been
warm and dry. the temperature ranging
from 20 to 80 degrees in the middle of the
day. On March - the temperature fell to
80 degrees; the day was cloudy and .O0 of
an inch of rain fell, with appearances of a
change for the better.