The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-04-22
CROPS IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

CROPS IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
The Weekly Bulletin Of the Department of
Agriculture.
COLUMBIA, s. G., April 14.-This
bulletin covers the weather and crop
conditions for the week ending with
Saturday, April 18th, snd in its
preparation were used reports from
one or more correspondents in each
county of the State.
WEATHER.
The general weather conditions dur
ing the week were not the best for
growing crops, although more favor.
able at the close. The week opened
cold and windy and light frosts on
the 5th and 9th were recorded as far
Eastward as Berkeley County. 1t is
generally reported that these frosts
had no Injurious effect other
than to retard the growth of vegeta.
ton. The temperature averaged
about four degrees per day below the
seasonable, and ranged from a mean
of 50 to "a degrees in the extreme
Western counties to mean OF from
80 to 60 in the extreme Southeastern
counties. The average temperature
for the week for the whole State was
56 and the normal for the same period
is approximately 60. The extreme
range of temperature. as reported, was
from maximum Of SO on the 10th at
Gillso2yille, Hampton County. to a
minimum ot 80 on the 9th at Santuc,
Union County, on which morning
thin ice was noted at various points IN
the hill country. ~,
There were two days with rain. On
the 9TH a sprinkle of rain fell at q
number of places and on the evening
of the 9th there was a general light
rain over the entire State; too light to
be of much benefit. The greatest
amount recorded was 0.20 of an inch
at Statesburg, Sumter County, and
the amounts ranged from that to
Trace" The normal amount for the
same period is approximately 0.90
inch. The deficiency in rainfall since
March 1st, 1896, is about three and
one.half inches.
There was more than the usual
amount of sunshine with an average
of 67 per cent. for tho State. There was
least cloudiness in the Western por
tions OF the State and most in the East
central portion.
CROPS
Planting made rapid progress dur
ing the week. The only unfavorable
condition, against the thorough prep
aration of lands was tendency of
ground to bake, or become too hard by
reason of dryness, and this condition
was confined to clay lands. 1t was
too dry and cool for the rapid gerrni-
nation of seed and poor stands are, in
consequence, reported at this time.
The progress of the various crops is
briefly given below, averaging the re-
ports, so as to give the prevailing con.
dition, and nothing such exceptions
only that are at wide variances with
the general terror of the reports:
Upland corn about all planted and
much of it up or coming up. Perfect
stands the exception. Cool weather
affected its color. Bottom lands being
planted.
Cotton planting progressing rapid
ly and is drawing to a finish in the
Southeastern counties while only
fairly; begun in the extreme Western
counties. Some early planting is up
but affected by cool weather. Sea is
land cotton about all planted.
Reports indicate that tobacco will
receive considerable attention this
year. Beds did not do well except
where well protected. Some farmers
are about ready to transplant.
The sowing Of rice has been in pro-
gress during the past two weeks.
Wheat is reported as looking prom
ising, but making slow growth.
There is want of uniformity in the
reports on the condition of oats, some
reporting fair to good and others fair
to poor stands. In some localities fall
sown oats are doing best; in others
spring sown. The prevailing condi-
tion is no doubt promising, but oats
stand in need of warm weather and
rain. Rye is heading.
Pastures do not as yet afford graz
ing in the central and North western
counties
1t is the general opinion of CORES.
pondents that early fruit. especially
te Conte pears and St. John and al.
berta varieties OF peaches, are greatly
damaged, but'that late varieties are as
yet safe. Wild plums and berries are
putting on fruit heavily. -
Gardens continue backward, but
gardens planted in the fall are yield
ing vegetables for use now. Ship.
ments of early vegetables and fruits
from the coast continue. Stra berries,
asparagus and lettuce largely, peas in
small quantities.
Irish potatoes mostly planted and
up. The early planting touched by
frost but scarcely injured. This crop
needs rain badly.
J. W. BAUER, Section Director.
Tillman In Colorado.
DENVER. COL, April 14.-Senator
T;lI,a,, of South H,rolino orri ued in