The news & observer., 1897-09-08
NORTH CAROLINA.
Large Increase in the Yield OF Cotton
Anticipated

Especial to the Times Democrato
Raleigh, y. c., Aug. 31.-The yield of
cotton this year will be greatly in ad
vance of the figures which were compiled
at the close of the cotton season last
years caused a decrease in the acreag-
of about Is per cent; all of this, and
more besides. was planted with cotton
during this year. and therefore this crop
will be the largest that the old North
State has ever raised. The acreage
planted in the staple during this year is
estimated at about 100000 acres, and
the number of bales will probably reach
100000.
The condition of this crop, as given
out by the United States Agricultural
Department during the past week shows
the condition up to the last date to
which any reckoning has been taken to
he 81 per cent: but the figures that we
have in this office. and which have been
taken with great care, and as the aver
age made was from Il great number OF
reports from individuals from each coun-
ty. make the present condition Of the cot
ton crop 1922 per cent These later
figures were taken more recently than
the United States report, and their show
ing gives great hope to the Department
of Agriculture that the farmers of the
State will not be disappointed in their
great expectations, for they truly believe
that this years crop will be the best
in quality. and that more cotton will be
raised to the acre. than for many years.
Thus they are hopeful, and it is expect
ed that if good prices are offered for cot
ton the farmers of this State will be
a BILE to large degree to hquidate their
debts and then improve the condi-
ton of their homes, which during the
hard times they have been passing
through have been sadly neglected.
The condition of the cotton crop has
created great deal of talk throughout
the State. The lands being in good con-
dition to receive the crop, having been
given the best fertilizing and having
had the best season for several years, is
the reason for this excellence In regard
to the wheat crop and to oats, they were
harvested nearly sixty days ago. The
wheat crop this year was normal, or
100: but this rating is low. as the nor
NAL yield in the State is nearer S5 than
100. There is no doubt as to its excel
lence. As for oats, which has become
Ia most important farm product in this
State, the same general conditions have
been alike favorable; so the reported
average is 94, fully normal.
Reports received here in the past few
days are most encouraging about the to-
bacco crop. The leaves are being placed
on the warehouse floors, and, though the
sales are not as large as they were last
year at the same time, the price is better,
and it is thought later in the season the
buying will pick up. The probable yield
in comparison with last year is decrease
of about 20 per cent. The condition of
the laboring people of North Carolina is
becoming more economical than they have
been for several years. and by this they
have been taught valuable lesson. They
/ have learned to make their crops with
! less expense, and are looking more close
/ ly to the raising of home supplies.
! The latest figures that have been COM
Il piled of the present condition of crops
are as follows: Rice 81, corn 94A, oats
90, cotton 1924, tobacco S724, peanuts
| 72, field peas 95, sweet potatoes 94, sor-
ghum 921a, cabbage 81, Irish potatoes
S2H, apples 54a, peaches 44A, grapes
50.
J. NJ. MEWBORNE,
Commissioner of Agriculture and Immi-
grafton.
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