The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-05-16
COMING up NICELY
THAT IS THE REPORT FROM ALONG
THE NORTHERN PACIFIC
LINE
ABOUT THE WHEAT CONDITION.
WEATHER ON TWO OR THREE d.
VISIONS HAS BEEN A LITTLE
COOL,
WHICH HAS RETARDED GROWTH
Red River Valley Reports Are Pro-
pitious-COnsidera Corn Is
Being Planted.

by the general freight department of
the Northern Pacific railway, covers
the week ending last night.
Minnesota Division - Exceptionally good
wheat weather has prevailed during the week;
frequent showers and cool atmosphere are
causing wheat to take deep firm root, and
making it stool we'll at the same time, IN
many places it stands three to hve Inches
high. Farmers feel very confident OF goou
crops now providing normal conditions exist
throughout the growing season. Corn piow-
ing and planting on the east end is In
progress and most of the potatoes are planted,
there are inclined TO be fewer potatoes than
usual, owing to low prices, and Slight IN
crease in corn. Some are still seeding oats
and fax along the west end. heavy shower
en- Wednesday interrupted their work for the
first time this spring.
Little Falls and Dakota Branch-Crops are
rot growing very rapidly owing to cool wealth
er, but farmers say wheat is stoollng very
well. A few local showers have fallen, not
more than enough to wet the surface. There
is no necessity for moisture at present Corn
Planting is being engaged in, though lew
are Withholding for warmer weather. flax
seeding continues in the vicinity or MOTIFS
The acreage will be about the same as last
year. The general situation is very satls-
factory.
Fergus Falls Branch-Small grains are prac-
tically all seeded and great deal OF 1t, espe-
cially wheat, is coming up nicely. several
cool showers this week have added much to
the encouraging outlook, and the whole COM
munity feels in a happy frame OF mind
Flowing for fax continues on the west and
also preparations for planting corn and po-
tatoes.
Manitoba Division, South of Boundary
Without exception all reports from this d.
vision, embracing the Red river valley, indi-
cate the crop outlook is highly propitious
at this time. 1t has been cool and showery
the past week, ideal weather for wheat:
Wheat is showing a remarkable growth and
healthy appearance, even as far north as
Pembina it is coming up beautifully. In some
districts the cool nights are proving of great
benefit towards killing off obnoxious weeds,
which the young wheat will now suppiant.
The preparation of land and seeding OF coarse
grains and fax continues in Polk and Nor
man counties, and in some instances potato
planting has commenced. Through Grand
Forks and Walsh counties, wheat seeding IS
about so per cent finished, and good start
has been made with other grains by the
smaller farmers; the acreage OF flax will be
considerably decreased owing to the advanced
season, and on account of low prices, there
will be but little barley and oats grown above
feeding requirements. Along the line in FEM
bina county seeding on the higher land is
mostly done, while a considerable area which
was overlooked will be available in a few
days If weather continues favorable.
In Mantoba-Reports all show rapid ad-
vancement of crops. When last report was
made not a sign of grain above ground
this week the first sown fields present per-
feet mantle of green throughout the terri
tory. Rain has been unevenly distributed,
varying from light showers to heavy down
fall in different localities. the heaviest rain
failing where seeding was most advanced; only
in a few instances has work been Interrupted.
Wheat is al in except along some OF the low
land tributary to the Red river; this will all
be cropped il weather keeps reasonably dry.
Farmers are seeding larger acreage of oats
and barley than they originally intended, ow-
ing to the early season. Manitoba has never
experienced better prospect for good crops
at this season.
Dakota Division-Wheat seeding will be
practically finished this week; large amount
of barley, oats and fax is already sown, and
blowing will continue through next week for
these later crops. Fully 90 per cent of the
wheat is up and looks healthy; it is surprise
to many how rapidly it grows, considering
the cold, dry weather of the last few days,
but investigation discloses plenty of warm
moisture in mother earth; good general
rain would be beneficial. however especially
west of jamestown. The outlook at present
is very encouraging.
Fa go and Southwestern B-anch-Most of tn ,
wheat is up and looking fine; seeding of other
grains is we'll advanced. Weather the past
week has been cool with numerous light show
ers, just the thing for growing wheat and not
enough to hinder work. Condition of the soil
Is perfect. Farmers and merchants are much
elated over the prospects.
Cooperstown Branch-Farmers are now SOW
ing oats barley and rye and preparing land
for fax wheat is all in and most of it up
from two to six inches. Cool weather is doing
growing grain much good; there has been no
rain to speak Of, moisture not much needed.
Conditions thus far have been all the most
exacting husbandman could desire.
James River Valley Branch-The acreage Of
wheat sown is about Is per cent greater
than last year, it is all in and showing fine
growth. There will be about the same amount
of oats, barley and rye and little less flax.
A few light rains this week were very ac-
ceptable and were the first this spring; few
places would be benefited by a good drench-
ing. The general outlook continues very sat-
isfactory.
jamestown and Northern Branch-By the
end of this week, wheat will all be seeded. 1t
Is coming up rapidly everywhere, including
the most northern points, and many fields are
quite green. Light showers have been general,
but not enough to impede the progress of
seeding other grains. The weather has been
very cool the last few days, good for making
wheat stool. There is an increase of Is to 20
per cent IN wheat acreage over last year, prin-
ecpally at the expense of flax, and judging
from the amount of "breaking'' being done
the general acreage is increased 10 per cent;
this will be mostly put into fax. The season
Is fully two weeks earlier than last year.
Mandau to Dlckinson-Weather has been de-
cidedly cool lately, with no rain west of
Glenullan, and crops beginning to show
the want Of moisture. They are not doing
as well as week ago. The district further
west has been more fortunate in having two
or three showers. which is bringing grain
up rapidly. Farmers continue busy sowing
oats and barley, and considerable new land is
DcluS DTUhSu LOT udA. GTdSS mas MADE q
good start where 1t has had rain, and shows
prospects for good hay crop.
Montana-The end of last week was cold
snd damp, retarding somewhat the compile
ton Of seeding in the Gallatin valley. Warmer
weather this week, however, is improving
crop conditions in general. Around Bozeman
and Belgrade there is still considerable seed
ing of oats and barley to d. Grain that is
eown has made but little Roadway. It is re-
ported that a beet sugar expert has been
making an examination of the feasibility of
connecting this industry in the vicinity of
Manhattan. He Is much pleased with the
valley. The West Gallatin Irrigation com
pany will double the capacity of their present
ditch this season. Rain Is needed in Bitter
Root valley, though nothing is suffering yet.
Seeding is practically all done, and on the
whole the outlook is fair. There is plenty of
grass on the ranges, and the prospects are
good for plenty Of hay.
Washington, Idaho and oregon-Along the
main line east of Pasco crops are fiourishing;
weather is favorable. with occasional showers.
West of Pasco, seeding is about 80 per cent
finished. All conditions are excellent for
good results. Seeding is for the most part
finished along the Spokane and Palouse
branch, crops doing splendidly, with favorable
weather and copious showers. Central Wash
fngten> Railroad-Weather warmer and fa-
vorable to growing crops; prospects bright.
Conditions and prospects continue excellent
along the W. G c. R'y.