River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1896-08-06
Wisconsin Weather-Crop Bulletin.

MILWAUKEE, August 1, 1896.
Liberal rains occurred in nearly all portions
OF the state the past week, and except in a few
localities the soil is well stored with moisture.
During the early part Of the week severe local
thunderst0rms, accompanied by high winds
heavy rains, and In some instances hail, occur
red throughout the southern counties, bat as
nearly all crops in that section are matured
very little damage was done.
Tie rains were followed by very hot weather,
and there is some complaint Of grain sproUting
and moulding in the shoC5.
The temperature was -htly below the nor
mai 1t the beginning Of the week but rose
gradually until it reached the maximum on the
2gth, the temperatures of % deg. or over were
reported from nearly all portions OF the state.
The week a. a whole has been favorable for
corn, buckwheat, potatoes and gardens, and
especially favorable 10 young seeding which
has been in need of good rains.
Grain harvest is practically over, and some
threshing has been done i'm the southern sec
ton. FAN blowing has commenced in some
sections.
Reports Of damage from army worms con
tinue from some Of the northern counties, but
they are decreasing in numbers and very little
further damage from them is anticipated.
NORTHERN SECTION.
The rainfall has been much less than in the
middle and southern sections and more rain is
needed for late crops. Oats, wheat. rye and
barley nearly all harvested and some grain is
being stacked. Corn doing well and there is
every promise Of good crop. Oats damaged
considerably by rust and insects. Potatoes a
fair crop but tie quality below the average.
Buckwheat Is doing well aud new seeding is in
excellent condition. Pastures have improved
but more rain is needed. The army worm has
done great damage in northeastern counties
but is disappearing.
MIDDLE SECTION.
Harvesting about completed. Stacking grain
practically stopped by the heavy rains, which
have been especially beneficial to corn, buck
wheat, and new seeding. Com putting out ears
and the crop assured so far as moisture is con-
cened. Potatoes are doing very well; some
complaint Of rOttng in the hill, especially the
early varieties Oats not so good as expected
earlier in the season; they are badly rusted,
and have been damaged by grasshOppers and
worms. Some threshing has been done and
reports indicate winter wheat is turning out
better than was expected. Pastures have great
~ improved The army worm still working
in some localities but doing little damage.
SOUTHERN SECTION.
This section was visited BY very heavy rains
the early part of the week. At Delayan 5.07
inches Of rain fell in less than p hours; Br0d-
head. Green county, reports - inches; and
Waterford, Racine county, inches. Grain in
shock was damaged to some extent by the rain
and the high temperature which followed,
causing some spFouting and mOlding. Corn has
been greatly benefited by the rain and an excel
lent crop is promised. FAN pasture will be
good. Fruit is plentiful. especially apples.
which are Of better qualify than for years Po-
tatoes are fully matured and the crop is better
As to quality than in other sections of the state.
The army worm has generally disappeared.
W.M WILSON, Section Director.