The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1896-09-04
WEATHER. CROP BULLETIN
Of the South Caroliua Climate and
Crop Service.

VI thc south Carolfun Climate and
Crop Service.
VEere was little change in crop con-
d2aons as compared with the previous
week, but the tendency was still down:
ward. While the heat had moderated
to about normal for a portion of the
week, the other adverse condition,
drought, became intensified. The eff
fects OF the rather copious rainfall of
the previous week were scarcely no
ticeable, especially Oh the principal
crops, and it is the general opinion of
the correspondents of this service that
cotton is too nearly matured to bo ben
etited by rain, should it come soon. to
the extent of starting new growth.
Late corn has also passed the stage
where rain would benefit it.
Other crops, forage and root, would
be greatly helped by rain and cooler
weather.
Tho last Of the late fodder is being
pulled from corn in the cup countless"
and this work is practically finished in
other portions of the State.
1t is now possible to gain O fair esti-
mate of this years corn crop, and
most reports would indicate full
average crop. This applies without
qualification to tho early corn, but
late corn is not SO uniform in con-
dition. In localities it is complete
failure and a partial failure in others.
Taking late and early corn together,
and including all sections of tho State,
the yield will fall considerably below
an average. The first fodder was
saved in excellent condition, but that
being pulled now is dried and burned
or fred.
All tho reports on cotton for the past
week would indicate decline in con-
dition, although not marked or de-
cided one. In a few localities fresh
ening up of the plant, with q show Of
starting new growth is noticed, due to
the rains of the previous week, but as
rdle there is no promise of any top
crop. Cotton continues to open very
fast, and picking was very active over
the entire State. A remarkably
large proportion of the bolls
are open even after allow
ance is made for the carliness
of the season. Blooms are now
rarity in many fields, where in ordi-
nary years there is profus;on at q
corresponding date. This gives EN-.
phasls to the reports from oil portions
of the State varying in expression but
bearing the same tenor, that cotton
has done all it will do and that rain
would do very little good. There are
many reports of dwarfed bolls, and
premature opening, and correspond
short crop. Sea Island cotton con-
tinues to fruit and is doing fairly we'll
although there are complaints of she'd
ding. The first bag of Sea Island cot
ton was received in Charlotte Inst week.
Rice harvest continues under very
favorable weather conditions and the
reports from all rice sections indicate
a satisfactory crop.
Peas have not done we'll owing to
the heat and dryness, although their
condition varies greatly in different
localities.
Tobacco curing is nearly finished
and while the crop was well up to an
average in quantity the quality was
inferior. In portions OF Florence to-
bacco ls left standing in the fields as
it will not pay to cure it.
Sugar cane and sorghum, while in
appearance fine crop, are drying up
and promise very little sap.
Sweet potatoes would be greatly
helped by general rains. The tubers
are generally undersized.
1t has been too dry in most sections
for sowing turnips and other fall root
crops, and where sown poor stands
have been attained.
Finders poor. Grass for hay not
growing we'll. j. w. BAUER,