The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-05-26
ANOTHER GOOD CROP WEEK.
But the Drought Still Continues Un-
broken in the West.

The ports of correspondents of the
Weekly Crop Bulletin, issued by the
North Carolina Climate and Crop Ser
vice. for the week ending Saturday,
May 23d, 1896, indicate very favora-
BILE change nearly everywhere. The
first part of the week continued very
warm and dry, but commencing the
10th favorable rains occurred nearly
every day over large portions of the
State. The drought, however, contln-
ueS to prevail in some of the western
counties, in southern portions of the
Central district, and especially over
the southeastern and coast region.
The temperature was above the nor
mai every day during the week, and
where sufficient rain fell crops made
rapid growth
Eastern District.-The drought has
been broken in this district by rains
from the 10th to the 23d, except in the
southern portion and along the coast,
covering the counties of Columbus,
New Hanover, Brunswick, Onslow,
pamlico. Craven, Jones, Hyde, Iyrrell
and portions of Fender and Duplin,
where drought continues to prevail
with very injurious effect on all crops.
On the other hand, in the north some
excessive rains have washed lands
badly and interrupted farm work. eX-
cept on light lands, Hail was reported
in eight counties, with, however, but
little damage, and a cloud-burst oc-
CURED in Gates. Generally great inn
Drovement is reported in the growth
of cwops. Corn and cotton are in good
condition: largest portion OF cotton
crop has been chopped, and work goes
on in the north. Much progress was
made in transplanting tobacco and
setting out sweet potato slips, except
in counties where drought continues.
A slight improvement occurred IN
wheat and oats and much improve
ment in gardens. Crops were Well
cultivated and in good condition TO re-
ceive rain, but grass is making head
way now.
Central District.-With the eNcep-
+ion of local areas in Montgomery,
Arson. Stanly and Forsyth counties,
the entire district received copious
rains this week from the 10Th TO the
23rd: the rains were quite heavy and
washed lands at a few points. Hail
was reported in nine counties with
some damage to crops, neeessitating
| some replanting. but less than might
have been expected. A very favorable
change results from the timely break
ing of the drought, and crops are now
making spledid growth. Setting sweet
potato slips made much Roadway, and
the transplanting of tobacco Is APP
= SI~{. kls0t
was planted to replace failed crops,
and some cotton was damaged by hail.
Early and we'll worked cotton is quite
large for the season. Irish potatoes
and vegetables now doing well. Rains
came too late to help wheat much, it
is beginning to ripen. apparently with
good heads. though short; oats prac-
tically a failure. Water-melonS doing
extra well.
Western District.-A few CORE
spondents report the drought still I'M
broken, but a large majority indicate
that favorable showers occurred this
week. which, though less than in other
portions of the State, greatly
benefited all crops. The most serious
injury by drought occurred to wheat
and oats. These crops are heading
very low. Where rain occurred corn,
cotton. potatoes and gardens are now
doing well. 1t is still too dry in some
sections for transplanting tobacco.
The weather was favorable for farm
work and crops are clean and we'll
cultivated.
Rains reported as follows: Eastern
District-Old Sparta, 4.50 inches;
Roseboro, $50; Mt. Olive, 500; Snow
Hill, 1.25; Nashville, 3.65; Spring
Hope, $50; Wilmington, Dol; Colds
boro. 100; Weldon, ASS: Newbern,
0.1o; Lumberton, 1.52. Central Dis
Raleigh, 1888; Spilona, $50; Au
burn, SAG; Greensboro, 0.99; Liberty,
400; Glendale, 2.40; Burlington, 400;
Hillsboro, 200; Worthwhile, 2.75; Lau-
rinburg, 3.88; Chapel Hill, SOL;
Soapstone Mount, 1.76 Western Dis
Charlotte, o.os; Mount Airy,
0.8o; Mount Pleasant, 0.74; Mocksville,
orr.