The news & observer., 1897-04-07
ALL FARM WORK DELAYED
THE SEASON OF 1897 HAS NOT
OPENED VERY FAvORABLY.
Fruit Has Seen Cons derable injured
by the Heavy Frosts From the
25'h to 3Sth.

The first Weekly Crop Bulletin OF the
crou season of 1897 was issued yester-
dav hv the North Carolina Section or the
United States Department of Agrlcui-
ture climate and crop service weather
bureau It is for the week ending Mon
day, April 5th, and says:
The crop season of 1897 has not opened
very "a ayorably in North Carolina. heavy
rains during February and March deiay-
ed all farm work, while the excess Oh
temperature advanced vegetation SO that
fruit trees were generally in bloom before
the end Of March and were considerably
injured by frosts between the 10Th ana
Doth. The latter part of March was
more favorable for work; but rain early
in Arril placed the soil in excellent condi-
ton for preparation, and though farmers
are still behind, a week or two Of fair
weather will enable them to catch up.
The weather conditions for the week
ending Monday, April 5th, have not been
favorable. The temperature fell to the
freezing point on March Doth and April2d
as far east as Raleigh, with, 1t is
thought, considerable injury to peaches,
plums and pears, though apples escaped.
Rain occurred on four days, small in a.
mount except that of Sunday night (4th),
which, though not needed, viii not ma
terially delay farm work. The amount
of sunshine was about normal.
Eastern District-The frosts this week
damaged fruit trees, strawberries and
truck crops to a considerable extent, eX-
cept in the extreme south and east por-
tions Of the district Gardens are gem
H. -, (tnpc dor l.
ton Of the soil has been done and corn
planting is progressing rapidly now,
while some early planted corn on dry
uplanas is coming up well. Rye ana
wheat are looking well and oats have
been planted. Tobacco plants are grow
ing nicely and are numerous. High wa
ter has delayed plOwing in river fields
and yut that work behind about two
weeks. Much work has been done on the
truck farms and big crops planted.
Central District.-Preparation Of soii
for corn. cotton and tobacco was pushed
on every fair day, but is still behind. In
extreme south portion considera BILE corn
has been planted, and some upland corn
is up; elsewhere planting is now pro
crossing. Low lands all too wet t0 work.
All reports indicate that rye. wheat and
oats are looking unusually well. Unfor-
tunately, chinch bugs are reported at
one or two points. A large crop Of spring
oats has been planted. Tobacco plants
are up and doing well. Gardening very
slow, though some cabbrgps and toma-
toes have been transplanted. Apples
lust budding; other fruit especially
peaches and Strawberries seriously dam
aged by frosts and in exposed places en-
tirely killed.
Western Distriet,-There were only
three fair days, and an excessive rain
fall continues tosdplay farm work, which
is about two weeks behind. Land is be
ing prepared for crops, and little corn
has been plantedjfn the southeast portion
the freezing wedther has caused much
damage TO frlit, and peaches will be
practically \. a.-failure, though number
of correspondents repofr fruit still safe
Wheat ard oats are looking especially
promising and some oats have been
planted. tobacco plants are plentiful
and Of good size. Grass is growing fine
ly, but not long enough yet for pastur-
age. Forest trees are beginning 10 bud