The Saint Paul globe., 1898-05-25
RECENT RAINS WERE A HELP
CROP PROSPECTS VERY FLAT
TERING AS HEARD FROM
Summary of Northern Pacific Prog
nOsticatiOns Herewith Presented
Gives Every Reason to Look for
Fine Crop When the, Sheaves
Are All Garnered - Manitoba
Shows Little Weakness.

Recent rains have promised fine
crops. In the Northwest summary Of
the statements made to the freight de-
partment of the Northern Pacific by
local agents, summarized by divisions
is as follows:
Minnesota Division-Copiousi rains fell dur
ing the week putting gram in first-class con-
ditlon. All reports indicate the prospects for
large crops of small grain We're never better
at. this time OF the year. and farmers feel very
happy. Corn and potato planting is pro-
crossing rapidly, many having finished. The
recent rains will delay this work little. A
few farmers along the west end Of the division
will continue sowing flax until June l. Hay
promises to be plentiful.
Little Falls & Dakota Branch-Conditions
are perfect for wheat and oats, which look
fine. The weather has been cool with several
heavy rains, which are most opportune in the
light soil section. The ground is now
thoroughly soaked and the temperature rising
potato planting is being carried on except
where rain interrupted Potatoes are coming
up but it has been too cold for corn to grow
There Will be a larger acreage Of potatoes
planted than usual tor market Prospects
generally are excellent.
Fergus Falls Branch-All that was required
to improve conditions as reported last week
has been brought about by the recent heavy
rains. Farmers consider them of inest mable
value and feel assured of having large cIOps
many say the stand Of wheat is equal to the
Pasturage and corn planting has been some
what backward owing to cool weather, but
since the rainfall temperature has been high
er and better.
Manitoba Division, South of Boundary
Heavy showers have prevailed since last re-
port, followed by COO, weather with ind cations
greater where the moisture was most needed
Wheat looks remarkably well and shows two
to four off-stoots to each kernel planted; ;
under normal conditions during balance Of
season an immense crop should be the cut
come; some say the prospects are better than
in 1895. Oats and barley are practically all
sown and fax is going in rapidly.
Province Of Manitoba-A good heavy show
er fell along the main line, Emerson to Nor
ris, on the 18th. doing great deal Of good
to growing grain, which looksofne. The same
shower extended along the Brandon branch
as far west as Altamont, but the precipi alton
was much less than farther east and South
Crops in this section are , doing nicely, but
no rain for some weeks between Altamont and
Brandon, also on the Portage la Prairie
branch, consequently crops are making slow
progress. Reports from farmers as to wheth T
crops are suffering for rain are conflicting.
Undoubtedly those on the low, heavy lands
are better off than their neiehbors on lighter
SOL, where the grain is coming up uneven and
thin. A good rain would not be too late
to start everything afresh. 10
Dakota Division-The crop outlook has been
past week. This is especially true of the
country weSt of Valley City, where it has be-
come quite dry. The ground IS now thorough
ly soaked and grain looks very much re-
freshed. Wheat is deeply rooted and will
flourish from now on under normal conditions
Oats and barley are about all sown and the
larger portion of fax. The wet weather will
delay ate seeding a few days.
Fargo G Southwestern Branch-Three days
Of almost steady rain have soaked the ground
literally. Farmers are Of the opinion that
there is sufficient moisture now to see them
through to the end of June. Everything
that grows looks splendid. and it is doubtful
If prospects for a large crop were ever as IS
under way. but VIII be delayed a few days
Cooperstown Bfanch-since last report this
rains. which have greatly improved the out
look of week ago. Latessown wheat and
oats are nearly all up, the early sowing grow
and seeding fax which wark will probably
continue until the 10th of jane.
James River Valley Branch-Rain has
crop conditions about perfect. Farmers look
continues. with slight delays from rain.
grain has been benefted by general rains
the past week. although nothing was serious
ly in need of moisture; the upward growth
additional moisture will facilitate breaking
of new land and thereby Increase the acre
age to be sown with fax. Seeding an plow-
inc. for this grain is being extensive car
cess of former years. some fields of fax are
coming I'D. Wheat is three and four inches
and stands thick and strong. Everybody is
pleased with the outlook.
Mandan to Dickinson-Farming conditions
have never been better at this time of the
year. and old settlers say prospects are ex-
cellent for a crop similar to the banner year
of 1891. Rains have fallen almost daily the
past week, and weather cool. making wheat
stool and root we'll. All seeding is prac-
tically done, and flax is coming up. Ranges
afford good DaSturape.
Montana = A generous supply Of rain
through the Yellowstone valley has placed
farming and ranching on a good footing;
there has been a large increase in acreage
crop. Conditions in the Gallatin valley are
of the best order. A soaking rain relieved
the western portion Of tte valley before
material harm resulted from continued dry
weather Spring and winter greens look fine
The Bitter Root valley enjoyed asgcod soak
ing rain improving everything growing.
Idaho Oregon and washington-Main line
east and west Of Pasco: Winter wheat looks
we'll rain desired for spring wheat. Spokane
G. Pallouse Branch: Winter and spring
wheat looks very we'll; weather showery.
w. & c. r. Ry.: Weather favorable; wirt r
and spring wheat looks fine. G. w. Ry.:
Condition of winter ard spring wheat never
better.