The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-05-12
CONDITION OF CROPS.
THE WEEKLY BULLETIN ISSUED BY
THE OBSERVER.

Broad Acres Devoted to tho Farming
Interest In This State.
The following is the weekly bulletin
of the condition of the weather and
crops in this State issued last week by
State Observer Bauer:
TEMPERATURE.
Average OF 81 weekly means So de-
grees; approximate normal for the:
same period 6S degrees. Highest re-
ported 95 on the 28th at 4illisonville;
lowest Al on the 2Sth at Cheraw. The
temperature for the week was nearly
normal over the entire State. There
was a decided fall on Saturday,
May l. E
RAINFALL
Scattered showers fell on the ,26th
over the eastern counties, and on APP;
ril 80 and May rain was general
over the entire State. Twenty;three
correspondents reported measurements
of less than one inch; 20 from enc 10
two inches, and z more than two
inches. Heaviest weekly rainfall was
8 35 at Elloree and the least 0.12 ct
dalsellville. The average of all re-
ports was 1 L. and the normal for the
same period is approximately 0,78.
The rainfall was generally well dir
tributed and sufficient for the present
needs of crop, except in portions Of
Lexington, Newberry, Richland, Fair.
field and Chester, where the showers
were light and local and where in
places more rain would prove benef-i
cial. In Sumter, Kershaw, Spartan
burg and Anderson lands were, in
places, badly washed and some bot;
tom lands flooded.
Hail fell over the extreme western
counties on the 3Oth, but no damage
is reported.
SUNSHINE AND WINDS.
There was about the average dura-s
ton of bright sunshine, ranging, from
43 at Boiling Springs and Winnsbor0
to 80 at Beaulah and Hillsville.
Over the greater portion Of the State
the winds were generally south and
soutbwesterly. There were high
winds on the 30th which, however,
did no injury.
The warmer weather and rain had 9
very beneficial effect on growing crops.
For the greater portion Of the week,
however, it was too dry to finish pre-.
pairing some lands for planting, new
ertheless farm work progressed rapid
ly, and is generally as much advanced
as usual at this season, although IN:
some localities the season is considered
late. Farmers are generally well up
with their work. 'S,.ss.s
Upland corn planting is nearing
completion over the greater portion Of
the State, but in the northern coun.
ties there is much yet to be pla4ted
the dry condition of the soil having
prevented the preparation Of lands
Stands Of early planted corn are gen-'
orally satisfactory, with exceptions N
every county, owing to worms IN
Beaufort, Dorchester, Hampton. Col
leson, Williamsburg, Berkeley and
Florence; and lack Of moisture elso-
where, however, the needed moisture.
has since been supplied. Chinch bl9s
continue destructive in Chester. Over.
the eastern counties corn has received
its first working generally, and some:
its second. It is somewhat 'of color
in a few localities, owing to dry
weather and cool nights during the
previous week. A great improve
ment is expected during the present
week both in stands and color.
The percentage of cotton yet 70 20,
planted ranges from 5 to 25, the LATTER
in Chester and York and to the we1t-
ward. Stands are greatly improved
and are generally satisfactory. = Thel
late rains will bring up the recently.
planted to good stands. In the ass-
tern portions OF the State cotton has:
received its first cultivation and soma
fields have been chopped to stands "
is estimated that cotton planting Will.
be finished IN about 10 days. ~
Transplantlng of tobacco sets made;
much progress during the week, fols
lowing the rains. and this work "
we'll advanced. The plants CONTINUES
plentiful and of good size. .',z3sI .5.sI
River rice is about all planted, but
upland rice is late and planting has
been delayed. In Kershaw rice hasI
not done we'll. Considerable yet To-
SOW in the Georgeto wn district. The1
cool nights of the previous week we're
Injurious to young plants as also wefc'
the brisk winds of the past week.
Wheat reported as heading short,
but the rains are expected to make Al
marked improvement in this respect.
Its condition continues promising:
The reports on oats vary considers.
bly but It's general condition saill
good. The rain will prove OF great
benefit to oats in all portions OF thel
State. Oats are heading low in places.
Sore hum cane coming up slowly
More than the usual area is belng|
planted in the central counties.
A great improvement is reported
from the truck districts since the ralna
Large shipments continue from tneI
Charleston district.
Sweet potato draws becoming plen;I
tiful and transplanting has begun lna
the southern counties. Irish potatoes
growing we'll and are large enough
for use in the eastern counties.
Gardens are everywhere reported
doing well. The rains OF the week
were timely.
Peaches are dropping freely bal
Hampton, but in other sections q fairI
crop is indicated. Apples plentiful
on trees.
Correspondents report the entire[
crop conditions as eminently satisfac-
tory and encouraging to farmers over