The herald., 1898-02-17
WEATHER AND CROPS
Temperature Abnormally High and
the Rainfall Deficient

| the Rainfall Deficient
| SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 15.-The fol-
lowing is summary of the Weather
Bureaus crop and weather bulletin fol
the week ending February 18th:
| The rainfall is again deficient through
out the State. In the northern portion
the rainfall is below the normal for the
week by more than half an inch.
The temperature for the week has been
above the normal; in some districts as
much as degrees. Except for the want
of rain the weather has been good for
growing crops. In many sections farm
ers are irrigating. A good, soaking rain
would prove Of the greatest value to
crops of all kinds. The ground is al
ready dry in some portions of the great
inland valleys and unless rain falls soon,
it will be too dry to plow.
Already considerable anxiety prevails
among those engaged in all lines of agri-
cultural pursuits, owing to the long con-
tinued deficiency in seasonable rainfall.
While there is no pressing need of i'm
| mediate rain 1t must come soon or injury
will result.
Fruit trees are beginning to bud. In
| favored localities peach and almond
trees are in bloom. If the present weather
continues, fruit trees will bud rapidly.
| Grain and feed are generally doing
nicely although the seasons deficiency
in rainfall is considerable
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
The past week was much warmer than
has occurred for some time past with dry
land winds prevailing. which counteracted
the good effects of the recent light rains.
The rains which fell the first of the week
just closed, and at the end of the previous
one. were generally light and insufficient
for lasting benefit. The ground is again
becoming very dry. and grain, as well as
vegetation generally. are making very
slow, If any. growth; irrigation of orchards
continues both to supply water to trees
and to fill the soil with moisture. The fair,
warm weather of the past week was very
favorable for orange picking. Lemons arc
being gathered and placed in the curing
houses. Almonds and peaches are begin
ming to bloom.
Extracts from correspondents reports by
counties:
SAN LUIS OBISPO
The weather conditions were generally
favorable during the past week. 92-1OO of
an inch of rain fell on the 9Th and 7th.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
rpinteria.-Light foggy weather pre-
vailed Thursday and Friday; on Sunday
there were traces of rain, but still the
weather holds very dry.
VENTURA COUNTY
West Saticoy.-Plowing and seeding bar
ley has been going on as fast as possible
but 1t Is about all done now. The weather
continues very dry, and rain is again
needed. 40-1OO of an inch fell on the 7th
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Fa.irmont.-About a quarter of an inch
of rain fell in the valley on the 7th, but in
good rainfall, which will start feed. Plow-
ing continues; the weather is warm.
West Palmdale.-One-fo of an inch
of rain fell on the 9TH.
Los Angeles City.-The weather during
the past week was fair and much warmer
than has occurred for some time past. The
light shoWers- of rain which fell at the
close of 9sShrevious week were insufi-
winds pre- and % the soil OILY is esebts again be-.
Azusa.-FAsk Weather is pushing orange
picking. The rain of the 9Th and 7th
helped outshay' some, but more is badly
needed. TheSrainfan was 57-1OO of an inch
Long Beaqh.-The rainfall of the week
was S-100 ofy4n Inch. Rain is very mucl,
needed to ensure crops and pasture.
North Ontario.-Teams are all busy plow-
ing since the late rains.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Elsinore.-All there is to report is that
the weather Is beautifully dry; only 15-1OO
Of an inch of rain fell on the 7th.
ORANGE COUNTY
Capistrano.-The rainfall on the 7th
am ounted to 15-100 of an inch.
Santa Ana--The weather continues dry
and warm; orchards are doing we'll Orange
shipments continue and lemons are being
gathered and put into the curing houses
Orange.-The weather of the past week
was cloudy at first, with little rain, end
ing quite warm, and north wind. There
were slight frosts In the middle of the week
but no domage. bitches are running water
to their utmost capacity, and it is being
used for irrigation. Every one is prepar-
ing for a dry year. Almonds and peaches
are commencing to bloom.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
San Diego City.-The temperature was
slightly above the normal; no rain fell
Rain is much needed, especially for grain
which is just beginning to show above the
ground. Not little anxiety is felt as to
the supply of water for next season. as the
seasonal deficiency is considerable.
Santee.--El Cajon.-The temperature of
last week was higher than the previous
one. There were indications of rain Mon
day, and the weather continued cloudy on
Tuesday, but no rain fell; it has been clear
SINCE 1t is becoming very dry and grain
has almost stopped growing. Unless 1t
rains soon there will be neither grain nor
hay; the situation is discouraging.
Escondido.-Over half an inch of rain fell
on the 7th; more in needed, but crops are
coming on slowly. Early peaches are be-