The record-union., 1898-03-23
The WEEKS CROP OUTLOOK.
WIDESPREAD DAMAGE FROM
THE LATE FROST.
North Wind Having n Bad Eject
on the Growing Grain
Generally.

G|0cIaA~J'
Following is the California Sections
report OF the climate and crop service
of the United States Weather Bureau
for the week ended March 21st:
The following summary of the eli
mate and crop conditions is based upon
reports received from nine Weather
Bureau Stations, ffty-two telegraphic
reports received through the courtesy
Of the Southern Pacific Company, and
many reports scattered throughout the
State. Telegraphic summaries are
also received from the observers at Los
Angeles and Eureka, based upon re-
ports received by them from CORE
spondents in their districts.
The week has been very unfavorable
for vegetation, being both cold and
dry. At the end OF February the pros
poets of a bountiful fruit yield in the
northern portion Of the State particu-
larly were very bright. The past week
has been marked by injurious frosts
and low temperatures. Throughout the
state the temperature has averaged
about seven degrees below the normal.
The rainfall was again deficient, and
in the great valleys, especially the Sac
these were of little value to growing
crops. The heavy frosts occurring
night after night have done great dam
age TO decidUous fruit, which was well
advanced. Apricots, almonds and early
peaches have been badly damaged;
citrus fruits are reported in some
places as probably uninjured having
been protected bysmudging The full
extent of the damage can not yet be
determined
Heavy north winds have also had a
bad effect on vegetation. Early soWn
grain suffered less than late sOwn.
Small fruits have suffered and straw
berries are reported as injured in some
localities Vegetables also have felt
the effects of the cold. dry conditions.
Pasturage is poor in many of the
southern coast counties, and cattle are
being moved to other sections where
grazing can be had.
The average conditions for the week
ended March p, 1898, were:
Temperature-Eu A degrees;
Red Bluff, As; Sacramento, IL; San
Francisco, Al; Fresno, As; Independ-
ence, 40; San Luis Obispo, rs; Los An
geles, %; San Diego, 81
Raiafall-Eureka. 1.02: Red Bluff,
0.O1; Sacramento, 600; San Francisco,
0.01; Fresno, 0.23; independence, 600;
San Luis Obispo, OBS; Los Angeles,
O.22; San Diego, DIG.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY.
Shasta County-Severe frosts killed
nearly all almonds, apricots, early
peaches and tragedy prunes
Tehama County-Heavy northerly
winds have been hard on everything;
not enough rain to start the small
creeks; such a condition, it is said, was
never known here before.
Butte County-Frosts have probably
killed almonds peaches and apricOts;
pears and prunes do not seem to be
touched; citrus fruits were protected
by smudging and do not seem to be
much damaged; bottom lands suffered
most; on high lands damage has been
slight; rain is needed to cultivate or
chards; cold weather holds back orange
bloom.
Yuba COunty-Although grain is not
suffering, rain would be beneficial;
blowing; peaches and apricots slightly
damaged by frost; smudging viii prob
ably save almonds
Glenn County-Heavy frosts; grain
looks very good, but is badly in need
of rain; most farmers still blowing.
Yolo County-Apricots and almonds
badly frozen: prunes blooming very
thin, probably hurt by FROST outlook
very discouraging for deciduous fruit.
Solano County-AI apricots on low,
Hat lands killed: late varieties of
peaches badly injured, almost entirely
killed; prunes, plums, pears and a few
early peaches not injured much, as
buds were not fully open; the worst
freeze than ever here before; grain suf-
fering for rain.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY.
San Joaquin County-Severe frosts
have damaged apricots, peaches ana
almonds; showers freshened the grain;
planting beets; some fruit orchards
show total loss, and few, if any, es-
capped injury.
MERGED County-Reavy frosts killed
almonds. apricots. prunes and early
peaches; light showers kept grass
growing slowly; no prospect Of hay
crop.
Stanislaus County-Frost; no rain;
crops looking badly; fruit badly burn
ed
Kern County-Frost killed all al
monds and apricots, damaged early
plums, peaches and French prunes;
y
Fresno County-Heavy frosts did
great damage to pears. apricots and
nectarines; cattle and sheep suffering
from cold and scarcity of range feed;
shearing will begin soon.
Kings County-Much damage to fruit
crop.
Tulare County-Frosts injured april
cots and peaches; prospects for grain
discouIaging.
COAST AND BAY SECTIONS.
Sonoma County Warm weather
early aprt of week brought out fruit
buds, and the three frosts following
have thinned the peaches badly; prunes
on high lands are safe; orchardists say
that the peach, apricot and almond
crops are practically ruined.
Napa County-Apricots and almonds
badly damaged; early peaches and
cherries slightly; hay and grain look