The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1897-04-29

Tho nights were generally clear,
with tho exception of w Wednesday
night. The estimated percentage of
sunshine ranged from is at Orange
burg to % at ST. Paul.
The winds varied from brisk to light
IN force and in direction from norther-
ly to westerly.
The week was very favorable for tho
preparation Of lands and for planting,
and farm work progressed rapidly over
the entire State. Under tho influence
| OF bright sunshine and drying winds
even low lands became fit to cultivate .
The nights wore too cool for the
best growth OF crops, especially cotton
and corn, which in consequence arc
reported sickly in places but generally
are growing nicely.
Corn planting madc rapid progress
during the week and is nearing COM
plction in the moro casterly counties,
and central portions of tho State,
whnro the carly planted is coming up
TO good stands; but stands arc damaged
In the southeastern counties by cut
and bud worms and by birds, which
are reported very troublesome, neces-
! stating considerable rcplanting. In
tho western counties corn planting is
well under way, and early planted is
, coming up.
Cotton planting is now general over
the entire State, and about two thirds
finished in the eastern portions. Early
planted coming up to fairly good,
stands, but is not favored by the pre-!
vailing cool nights In tho western
counties whore the season is late, cot
ton planting is given the preference
over corn in many places.
In tho tobacco districts plants are
fine and plentiful. Considerable
| 10 gyNl a tis,Er al,
and this work will become general
when rains come TO supply the needed
moisture. Sc ting out tobacco is in
advance OF last year.
Rice planting has been pushed dur
ing the week. In the lower districts,
including the Combahcc, ,Salkehatchie,
the lower EdistO and around Charles
ton two-thirds Of tho crop is planted
but on the Santeo and near Winyah
Bay planting is much delayed by high
water. March rice coming up we'll
Wheat, oats and rye are growing
rapidly and look very promising, but
need rain in places. Rye is hcuding
over the eastern and central counties.
Sweet potatoes coming up in beds.
Irish potatoes doing we'll. but need
rain. Potato bugs have appeared in
Charleston County, but arc not numcr-
GUS as at this time last year.
Reports concerning peaches are moro
favorable generally than last week.
and unless injured hereafter promise a
fair crop. Apples and pears still in
bloom and apparently unharmcd.
Gardens growing slowly, but are
yielding early vegetables over tho
greater portion OF tho State. Trucking
interests necd rain and warm weather
for Best growth.
Favorable reports were received
concerning all the minor crops usually
cultivated at this season Of tho year.
The feeling Of discouragcmcnt has dis.
appeared and farmers arc pushing
their work with energy.
The National Bulletin OF April ~
gives the progress OF corn and cotton
planting rs follows:
Corn planting has continued,
whero not finished, in the Southern
States. But little corn has yet been
planted in Tennessee and none in Ken
lucky. Throughout tho Ohio valley
preparations for planting have been
greatly retarded by excessive mois-
turc."
"Cotton planting is becoming moro
general and in active progress over
the central portions Of the cotton belt.
Some has been planted in North Caro-
lima and preparations for planting are
in progress in Arkansas. Cold weather
has proved injurious in Texas"
}. W. BAUER, Director.