The San Francisco call., 1898-03-17
Discouraging Reports Re- ceived From Many
 Sections.
Peaches, Apricots and Almonds Nipped by the Cold
 Wave.
panaaqe in the Vicinity of Sacramento Placed at a Half Million
 Dollars.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

STOCKTON, March 16.-The fnd1ca- tions are that the heavy frost of last night has been very injurious to al- monds, apricots, early peaches and veg etabIes, not only in Stockton and in the immediate vicinity, but throughout the fruit-raising sections of San Joaquin County, with the exception of Oak dale and the adjacent country, where there was rain last night of .09 Of an inch. An inspection of blossoming fruit there showed that the frost had done no damage whatever. From Acampo, Lodi and Knights Ferry, however, come reports that of apricots, almonds and early peaches, there will not be more than half crop, and pos sibly not more than a third. The out look for grain is fair, but more rain is needed to assure a crop.
 FRESNO, March 16.-Last nights frost was one of the most severe of the season, and has done much damage. It is reported from all parts of the county that the apricot crop is ruined. The peach crop is also badly damaged Out of 1000 peach buds taken at random from various parts of the county not one was found to have escaped the ef- fects of the cold snap.
 SACRAMENTO, March 16.-The Sac ramento Valley was visited by a severe frost this morning. J. R. Runyon, a prominent fruit grower below Court land, in the valuable river fruit belt states that the frost has done great damage to peaches and apricots, if it has not entirely ruined them, and that hoI i,lil On the lower part of Grand Island, also, the orchardists have suffered great loss by the frost. Reports have not been received from fruit sections outside of the river lands, but it is not probable that they will be so glowing. MT. Run- yon says the loss in the district fifteen miles along the river will, he believes, amount to $500,000
 SAN JOSE, March 16.-Santa Clara Valley has had two white frosts this week, thin ice forming in parts of the county each morning. It is not be- lieved, however, that serious harm has been done. In some districts the cold may cause some apricots to drop, but orchardists generally do not report se- riouS injury even from the frost of this morning.
 SAN DIEGO, March 16.-The hay and grain crop is about entirely ruined by dry weather along the coast, while in the interior valley which had more rain there will be about half crop.
 LOS ANGELES, March 16.-The heaviest frost of the season occurred last night, and considerable damage was done in the lowlands. Reports from Gardena, Vernon and other dis trictS where vegetables are grown say that the damage was almost complete; in fact, there was a thick formation of ice in places. Higher up buds which are out rather early this year were no doubt touched. A high wind which prevailed Sunday and continued Mon day and yesterday blasted feed to a considerable extent. The wind also null lified the effect of the late light rain. A very heavy frost is predicted for to- night
 RED BLUFF, March 16.-Red Bluff was visited by light frost last night, but so far as learned it did but little damage
 SONOMA, March 16.-There was a se- were frost this morning. Ice formed to the thickness of a quarter of an inch. Apricots were injured, and peaches have suffered also.
 EVANSVILLE. March 16. - Crop prospects in Tuba and Sutter counties have not been so bright in twenty years. The grain acreage is the largest in many seasons. The fruit crop bids fair to be heavy.
 MARTINEZ, March 16.-Contra Costa experienced the heaviest frost in years this morning. The loss is heavy. Fruit buds were nipped and potatoes and to- matoes killed.
 MONTEREY, March 16.-Heavy rain fell here last night, accompanied by hail and on the neighboring mountains by snow. Farmers report the apricot crop completely spoiled.
 SAN RAMON, March 16. - Last nights severe frost killed all the al- monds, peaches and apricots of this valley.
 ST. HELENA, March 16.-The noun tains surrounding this place are GOV cred with snow, which has fallen to within mile of town. There was a sharp frost this morning, which would have proved disastrous had it not been followed by cloudy weather. Rain be- gan falling this afternoon and it is hoped that the crops in this vicinity will be benefited thereby.