The record-union., 1898-12-20
A Generous DoWnpour Throughout
Northern California,
Frightening the Prospect for Good Grain
and Fruit Crops.
Point to Rain in the
Southern Portion Of the State,
Where Moisture is Badly Need
ed-Fruit Trees in Los Angeles
County Suffering for Water.

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 19.-The rain
which began falling last night has been
general throughout California as far
south as Merced, and the indications
are that the southern part of the State
will also share the moisture.
The downfall has been the heaviest
in the bay counties, O.S7 Of an inch be-
ing registered at Ell Verano, while at
Merced only O.O4 of an inch fell.
The Weather Bureau Station reports
that the storm is travelling south, and
that it will probably extend to the
lower portion of the State. Reports
from Santa Barbara and Los Angeles
Counties show that it is cloudy in that
section and the indications there point
to rain.
The rain that has fallen during the
past twenty-four hours is a welcome
addition to that of last week and will
be of great benefit to farmers and
stockmen. Flowing and seeding has
been progressing for several days, and
the moisture will also aid all late sown
grain.
Alameda County was visited with an
other downpour last evening and to-
of an inch. The farmers throughout
the county are jubilant. The indica-
tions are that the fruit and grain crops
will be all right.
GREAT BENEFIT IN SAN JOAQUIN
COUNTY.
STOCKTON, Dec. 19.-Rain began
falling about 3 o'clock this morning and
continued steadily for about three
hours. During the day there have been
occasional showers. Up to II O'Clock
this morning the gauge showed the
rainfall to be 0.41 of an inch. The
weather is quite threatening however,
and more rain is looked for before the
storm ceases
Farmers are much pleased with the
prospects Of big crop. Their conf
dence is shown in the way they are
making purchases for Christmas gifts
Since the rain of last Wednesday
there has been no sunshine. Fog pre-
vailed from Wednesday until yester-
day, when the clouds settled over the
valley. With Wednesdays rain, the
dampness of the fog and to-day's rain
the grain in the valley will get a good
start.
SONOMA DRENCHED.
SANTA ROSA, Dec. 19.-Sonoma
County has been thoroughly drenched
by splendid rain, and the farmers are
very jubilant. Rain commenced to fall
shortly before midnight and still con-
tinues, which will mean thousands of
dollars in the pockets of the farmers
and stock raisers. 1t will start grain
and feed in good shape, and enable the
farmers to plow. Clovcrdale. Healds-
burg, Sonoma, Petaluma, SebaStopol.
Guerneville and Windsor districts in
this county also enjoyed a good rain.
SONOMA, Dec. 19.-The second in
stallment of rain fell in this valley last
night, and has continued to fall all day.
This rainfall will do a vast amount of
good to the farmers and dairymen. Tt
insures plenty Of feed for their stock
and prosperous season for every one
in Sonoma Valley.
A SOAKING DOWNPOUR.
SUISUN, Dec. ia soaking down.
pour commenced early this morning.
with prospects of a continuance. Farm
ers and orchardists are delighted.
IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY.
WALNUT CREEK, Dec. 19.-About
quarters of an inch of rain has
fallen all over San Ramon Valley since
early this morning.
AT MODESTO.
MODESTO, Dec. 19.-Rain began to
fall early this morning and 80 of an
inch fell to-day. The sky is still cloudy
and the rain of last week, the fog and
all the moisture has been retained in
the ground. The total for the weeks
rain has been .65 of an inch and the
total for the season 1.S3 inches. The
rain was general in Stanislaus County.
RAIN AT MILTON.
MILTON, Dec. 19-Rain commenced
falling here last night, accompanied bv
a strong wind. About one inch of rain
has fallen, and as the wind still blows
tinuation of storm is confidently ex-
pected
GENTLE SHOWERS AT SANTA
CRUZ.
SANTA CRUZ, Dec. 19.-Rain fell
last night and to-day in gentle showers
sufficient to do much good
A MIST AT SAN JOSE.
SAN JOSE, Dec. 19.-Al visible signs
point to a generous downpour The
wind is from the south, the clouds are
thick and heavy, and a mist has been
falling since o'clock The distressing
feature, however, is that the barometer
persists in staying high. 1t is above
80 and shows a tendency to still rise.
The total rainfall since it began this
morning is only IA Of an inch to 10
O'Clock and a total for the season Of
3 Is inches. Same date last year. 3.21
inches.
There is no longer any attempt to
conceal the fact that serious alarm
exists over the protracted dry wea-
ther.
RAIN IN THE AIR.
FRESNO, Dec. 19.-"Occassional rain
Monday" was the forecast for to-day.
Up to 2 o'clock rain has not material
lied. 1t is in the air, however. The
temperature is SO degrees, the relative
humidity 80, and warm wind is blow
ing from the southeast at velocity of
four miles. The clouds are darkened.
and everything is gathering apparently
for good storm. The nights have been
freezing cold again.
The rainfall this season is 1.S3. as
against 4.94 for the same period last
wear 1922 in 129f-Q7 g 40 In 1QQ5.Q6