The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1897-08-18
Weekly Crop Bulletin.
COLUMBIA, 8. c August II, 1897.
TEMPERATURE.

TEMPERATURES.
The temperature dnring the past
week, kept vithin comparatively nar-
row range, the maximum generally
ranged between 81 and "a with an ex.
treme maximum of 102 on the 18th at
Beaufort. The minimum ranged about
10 although she lowest was So on the
10th at Liberty. The average for the
week was IS while the normal FOR the
same period is approximately 10. 1t
was decidedly cooler over the extreme
western portion or the State, than 10
the central aud eastern portions.
RAINFALL
The rainfal for the week was gen.
orally 10 the form of showers where
any fell, for quite large areas in the
central and the southern counties we're
without rain the entire week, or at least
until late Saturday. the l4sh.
A few correspondents stated tha: rain
was needed while generally the ground
had plenty Of moisture 10 addition to
the showers of Saturday and Sunday
afternoon, Oath and l5tb) general
rain set in early Monday morning SO
TIA. the rainfall deficiency, where it
existed, has been fully supplied.
A few reports of excessive rain were
received twenty-five weekly meas
urenents of less shan ore inch we're re-
ceiyed, of from TO 2 inches, aud 2
Of over 2 incbes. The average Of these
80 measurements is 0 70 while the nor
NAL for the past week is about $50.
A severe hail aud wind storm OCCUR
red in lower Hampton on the evening
OF the 18th, accompanied by heavy
rain, and iniuring field crops seriously
ove. limisecl area.
The winds of the week were geoer-
ally light.
The sunshine varied greatly over
differeut sections, the estimated per-
oeotsge Of tho possible ranged from 20
to 90 With an average of 80 which is
somewhat below normal amount for
tais season. This deficiency 10 sun-
| shine was apparently favorable on field
corps.
CROPS.
There is a great diversity 10 the tone
Of the reports for the week. the cores
pondents being about equally divided
in calling the week favorable or an
unfavorable one AS general rule
the best reports come from the western
portions of the State where is places
...he>crops are magnificent" Worms
have appeared 10 many Of the eastern
counties 10 large numbers. and from
mesgse descriptions furnished, it is
supposed to be Army worms. They
have destroyed much grass, for bsy in
Williamsburg. Kershaw, Berkeley.
| Colleton and Beaufort counties aud in
places have attacked, corr, rice and
cotton. Their Increase in numbers
dur;og the week was alarmingly rapid.
They have also made their appearance
10 a pumber Of other counties bnt as
ye, in no threatening foroe.
Corn varies in condi.ioo with locality
and soil and the culture it received > but
that portion Of the crop already made
is very nearly if not quite up to an
average. Late corn is still very prom.
isiDg aod will be greatly improved BY
the recent rains. Fodder pulling Is
making rapid progress over the eastern
counties where it is rearing completion,
and extending gradually westward
where the crop is much later this year
than usual.
Chinoh bugs continue to damage
corn in Chester. Fodder was saved in
good condition.
Cotton was not uniformly sfected by
the last weeks weather ; many reports
indicate a seaeonable improvement. and
fully as many Dote deterioration, due
chiefly to excessive shedding Of squares
and some bolls, some rotting of bolls,
while on sandy lands the plant is rapid.
ly diving and consequently has quit put
ting on fruit. Rust also has developed