The San Francisco call., 1898-02-25
A Timely Soaking That Gives New Life to All Parts
 of the State.
Grain and Fruit Crops That Were Willing Now Give the
 Greatest Promise.
Special Dispatch to The Call.


 to this hour-noon-withe every prospect of an all-day soaking storm. At g o'clock the fall was .66 of an inch. Total for the season, 5.92 inches, as compared win 15.22 inches at this date last year. The rain comes just in the nick of time. It insures a vigorous and rapid growth of grain, which generally is just getting through the ground good and ready for moisture. Orchardists are delighted, as well as the ranchers and stock growers, as it saves them the expense of irriga- tion. Many new trees have been put out, and the rain insures them a good start. With SeaSOna ble showers through the spring crops are reasonably sure now.
 SACRAMENTO, Feb. 24.-During last night and to-day this region was fav- ored with a heavy downpour, and in consequence farmers are feeling good. While there had been no alarm on their part, rain was sorely needed, and the present fall seems to have been suf- ncient to raise their hopes for splendid crops. Weather Bureau reports show that up to noon to-day the fall was go Of an inch for the present storm Re- ports from all points through the fruit and wheat growing sections of the Sac Tamento Valley show the fall to have ' that there is only about thirty-five inches of snow on the summit of the Sierras, where usually at this time of the year there has been from twenty to twenty-five feet. The effect may be low rivers, unless immense downpours of rain ensue
 STOCKTON, Feb. 24-It began rain ing here early this morning, though the rainfall was light-little more than a sprinkle. At intervals up to noon to- day there were slight showers The weather is very threatening however. and there are indications that a heavy rainfall will be the result. Upon the severity of this storm depends much. The crops are in splendid condition at present, and should two or three inches precipitation result from this storm the harvest of grain in this county will be Immense. This fact is conceded by old farmers and grain men throughout the county. Up to now there has been con- siderable anxiety among raisers of wheat, but the present outlook for a protracted storm has given things a much brighter aspect. Five-hundredths or an inch had fallen up to noon, and it is still raining.
 FRESNO, Feb. 24.-It has been rain ing here since midnight, and the best crops are assured. The last rain start ed wheat well, but dry winds have OolIldScu IL IO SOulS extent since. It IS agreed, however, that the rains of last night and to-day will reduce this damage to minimum. Wheat is well up, and there has now been rain enough to insure a good crop. Sheep and fattle men have not been com blaming since the last rain, which storm will assure plenty of feed for their stock.
 LOS ANGELES, Feb. Manifestations to-day are very favorable for rain here and i'll the greater part of Southern California, though not a drop has yet fallen. The need for a heavy down pour is very great, and it is an open question whether or not it is not now too late for early sown grain to derive much benefit, even if copious rains come. Supplies of water for irrigation and domestic purposes are very low. The hay crop will be light, even with plenty of rain now, and grain crops have suffered. Fruit will be backward
 SAN DIEGO. Feb. 24.-The weather conditions in San Diego County are much better in the fOothill velleyS of the county than on the coast. The total rainfall in San Diego to date is 3.17 inches, as against sos inches last year at this time. Only -hundredths of an inch of rain has fallen here this month and, although it is cloudy here, there is no wind, and prospects are not
 
 night. The grain crop in valleys twenty miles from the coast is about half the average crop. The principal anxiety is lack of water for irrigating and the city supply next summer, as the reser- voirs are all very low in this section, and unless rains come will not last the season out.
 NAPA, Feb. PA welcome rain has been falling since midnight. It was greatly needed.
 WALNUT CREEK, Feb. 24-It com menced raining here early this morn ing and at o'clock this evening it is still coming down, The crops in this valley have never looked better.
 WATSONVILLE, Feb. 24.-We are experiencing the heaviest rainstorm of the season. A gale commenced blowing last night at o'clock and continued until ' this morning, when rain began falling steadily till noon. During the afternoon f1tful showers fell, giving the ground thorough soaking. There are indications of more rain tonight.
 MARTINEZ, Feb. 24.-Rain com menced falling at midnight and con- tinued up to 5 o'clock this afternoon. The fall for the storm is 1.36 and the total for the season 8.01 inches Last season up to date, 20.62 inches. There will be good crops this year. The rain has been a wonderful help to fruit U 1uc ililS are green ana there IS no suffering of stock
 VENTURA, Feb: 24-Rain began falling here at o'clock this afternoon and has continued at short intervals. Heavy black clouds are lowering over this city and the wind is in the south east, which are indications for a heavy storm tonight and tomorrow.
 SANTA CRUZ, Feb. 24-The vel come rain commenced falling this morning at 5:30 and has continued steadily all day. At times the down. pour was very heavy. The river is higher than at any time this season. The rain came when most needed
 WOODLAND, Feb. 24-Rain began falling some time Wednesday night and has continued at intervals ever since. At o'clock this morning the precipitation amounted to nearly an inch, making about seven and a quar- ter inches for the season. The barome- ter to-day touched the lowest point 1t has reached this season. The wind is in the southwest, and all indications seem favorable for a continuation of the storm. Grain crops, while a little backward, are in fine condition, and will mature with less than the usual amount of rain. Four or five inches for the remainder of the season, if properly distributed, will insure one of the largest crops ever harvested in Yolo County.