The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-07-14
THE WEEKLY WEATHER CROP
BULLETIN.

The reports Of correspondents of the
Weekly Weather Crop Bulletin, issued
by the North Carolina Climate and
Crop Service, for the week ending
Saturday, July 18th, 1896, are very I'M
favorable The chief feature for the
week was the excessive rainfall, which
averaged for the State more than 400
inches above the normal for the week,
and in the Central District more than
coo above the normal. The streams
overhowed their banks from the
French Broad to the Cape Fear and the
Roanoke, and did an amount of dam
age to lowland crops, which is difficult
to estimate, though it is hoped the eX-
tent of injury has been exaggerated.
The temperature was slightly below
the normal; the amount of sunshine
very much below.
Eastern District.-The past week
has been very unfavorable nearly
throughout the whole district. Ra2n
occurred on every day of the week,
and on the Sth in conjunction with
high winds. The precipitation was
very excessive; all low-ground was
covered with water, and streams over
flowed banks, destroying many low
crops. Grass is gaining again very
rapidly as no work could be done dur
ing the week. So far cotton has not
been greatly damaged, a little she'd
ding of forms is reported, some turn
ing yellow and some little damage oc-
Cured by wind. The crop is running
up fast; in south portion of district
there are plenty of half grown bolls.
Corn suffered more severely. Consid-
cradle corn was reported blown down
by high wind on the 8th, and many
lowland crops destroyed along streams.
Corn and cotton were in good rows
which helped water to run off. Dam
age is probably overeStfmated at pres
emit. Tobacco curing progressing very
we'll. Sweet potatoes fine. Peanuts
being hilled. In northern counties OF
the district where this is third or
fourth week of too much rain, farmers
are much discouraged. Elsew here
general conditions still very favorable
Central District.-The crop pros
Eects have refrigerated considerably
The area of heaviest rainfall conferred
over the counties of Arson, Randolph,
Alamance, GuiIford and Stokes. Storms
and floods did much damage, particu-
larly on Sth; lands were badly washed !:
many bridges swept away and some
crops damaged by winds. Cotton is
running up very fast and shedding
some lower leaves and fruit, but gen
orally outlook continues fine; picking
viii probably begin early in August.
Corn in bottom lands flooded to top
of stalk and difficult to estimate dam
age; much Of it may be completely de
stroyed. Outside of slight additional
damage by wind the rain has bene-
fitted crops. Early corn practically
made and yield will be above average.
Sweet potatoes best for several years.
Some oats and wheat in shock washed
away, and oats uncut beaten down and
tangled in north portion. Tobacco
also damaged to some extent by exces-
sive rain; running up too tall, looks
fine, however. Grapes doing we'll
Western District-Rain occurred
on every day this week except one
(9th) the total amount being very
large. Freshets did great damage
to crops in l0Wlands and many upland
farms were badly washed. The ground
had been so softened by previous rains
that corn was loose and much was
blown down and uprooted by the gale
on the 8th, but some is Strengthening
up again. The chief damage was
caused by the overflow of the streams,
and the injury can hardly as yet be es-
timated, but win probably be less than
expected. Cotton is growing up rap
idly and continues to look exception
ally fine. but needs more sunshine.
Some oats, wheat and rye in shock
carried away in bottom lands,and what
was not is sprouting badly. Hay con
siderably damaged. Farm work was
stopped during the week. a period of
fair weather and sunshine is badly
needed.