Arizona silver belt., 1896-06-18
Arizona Silver Belt
Thursday, June 18, 1896.
Weather and Crops.

 grows on the dry ranges. One frost was reported on the 4th from Hol- brook. Wheat and barley has been cut with good returns, and grain hay is baled. The second growth of alfalfa has been generally cut and the quality is good. Fruits are maturing fast and peaches, plutns, apricots, together with melons, tomatoes and early grapes, are to be seen in the southern tier of counties. Oranges in the foothills are in excellent condition, and are about the size of hen eggs; very few are dropping and the yield will, unless something extraordinary happens, be very satisfactory and will illustrate the fact that the culture of citrus fruits in the foothills is an established commer- cial venture. The few reports as to the condition of corn are very encouraging, and Q more extended report would be of interest. Would be pleased to pub hsh reports of the condition of Kafiir corn and canaigre. The condition of stock, especially in the more northern ranges, is very unsatisfactory and the extended drouths has placed. this in- dustry in jeopardy. It is very fortu- nate that SO much stock was shipped before more serious consequences re- suited, but as it is, the cattle are suffer. ing and many dying for want of feed ard water. Only two counties in the territory show a fairly satisfactory con, dition vf stock; in all others there is great complaint. Greeks, rivers and water holes have run dry, and many cattle are too weak to be driven into the mountain regions where there is still feed. A good rain would now be a boon indeed, and new grass would be in evidence in an incredibly short time.
 Apache county --- Stock shipments continue brisk and the ranges are very dry. Water is scare and creeks and rivers have ceased to flow.
 Cochise county-A warm week, with considerable wind and no rain. With irrigated crops the weather has been favorable. Range grass is dry, and good rain would make the new grass sprout, but the ranges, now that the cattle shipments are about ended and surplus stock removed, are in fair con- dition and will afford good feed after the rains.
 Gila county-A warm week with no rain. Wheat and barley has been cut. Second crop of alfalfa is being baled. Heavy drives of cattle continue aud as 8 rule the cattle are in very good con dition. Greeks are low, but there IS no great scarcity of water.
 Maricopa county--No rain; tempera' .ure above the normal. The cutting of fhe second crop of alfalfa is completed. Wheat and barley are harvested and the yield is good, with excellent qual. ity. .Deciducus fruits maturing fast. Citrus fruits in the foothills are making fine growth and the oranges are about the size of hen eggs and few dropping. . Peaches are in the Phoenix market; figs. plums, apricots and late straw berries are to be had; almonds are looking we'll and the shell is forming Water is growing scarce, but there IS still enough for all practical purposes. Cattle shipments continue brisk and it hoped that enough will be shipped to relieve the ranges.
 Mobave county-Another hot week -sithout rain and it thus had a very bad effect upon stock, water, and range grass, The grass is literally dried up and affords slight sustenance to stock. Water holes that have never before beer dry, now have not drop of water. All irrigated crops are looking we'll and made good growth.
 Navajo county-A hot southwest wind prevailed during the week without drop of rain. A light frost on the 4th at Holbrook. Irrigated crops look yell, but water is growing scarcer. Ranges need rain, and there is very little grass loft. except in the mount. aims, and cattle are too weak to be driven there. The Little Colorado is almost dry. Cattle are dying in great numbers
 Pima county-Temperature above the normal, without rain. Irrigated crops are looking we'll and grain hay has been cut and baled. Corn Is grow ing finely and will be fair crop Cattle shipments continue brisk and the feed on the ranges is more plentiful in consequence. Cattle are not looking as we'll as last week, as water is scsrcer and range grass very dry.
 Pinsl county.-A hot week, with no rain, and water is getting low in the reservoir. All irrigated crops made &ne growth, especially corn and alfalfa Cattle shipments continue and the cattle are not looking as well, as water holes are drying up and the flow of water is seriously diminished m the streams