The record-union., 1898-03-17
very heavy frost is predicted for to-


miliar with horticultural interests, to
make a thorough investigation of the
matter, as the estimates of the loss will
be greatly at variance. AS result of
the investigation it is conservatively
estimated that one-third of the fruit of
Southern California was more or less
affected the heaviest burden OF damage
falling on the low lands of Riverside.
The investigation also shows that the
distribution of frost over the country
is brought about by uniform methods,
the frost flowing like water on the lines
of lowest depression though in excep-
tional cases these frost channels are
affected by wind.
OUTLOOK IN san DIEGO COUNTY.
SAN DIEGO, March 16.-There has
been no damage in this county 10 fruit
SO far as can be learned by the cold
snap of the past week, as the coIdest
nights have been cloudy. The hay and
grain crop is almost entirely ruined by
dry weather along the coast, While the
interior valleys which have had more,
rain, are sure of about half a crop. The
last rainfall has stopped irrigation for
two or three weeks. The main anx-
iety here is due to the short supply of
storage water for next summer: all ir-
rigation systems in the county will put
consumers on short allowance
APRJCOTS INJURED.
HAYWARDS, March 16-Two heavy
frosts during the past week have un-
doubtedly injured the apricot crop in
this valley, but to what extent cannot
be learned at present
FRUIT BUDS NIPPED.
MARTINEZ, March 16.-Contra Costa
County experienced the heaviest frost
of the year this morning. The loss is
heavy. Fruit buds were nipp5d and po-
tatoes and tomatoes killed
EARLY FRUITS DAMAGED.
ELMIRA, March 16.-A severe frost
last night caused considerable damage
to early fruits. Orchardists report ap-
ricots almost a total loss. but peaches
and almonds We're not much injured
Showers which fell to-day Will probably
lessen the damage by frost. All grain
| is looking Well
ABOUT AUBURN.
AUBURN, March 1G-Frosts have
done considerable damage to fruit in
this section. Pluns, apricots and al
monds are reported badly damage in
much, while the injury to cherries, if
any. cannot be estimated for several
days. Grain IS looking fine, particularly
summer fallow
IN COLUSA COUNTY.
COLUSA March 16.-Frosts have de-
stroyed nearly three-quarters of the
apricot crop in this section. The trees,
however, are very heavily set, and with
no more killing frost will make from
one-third to One-half of a crop Al
monds and peaches are also badly dam
aged. Prunes and pears have not suf-
fered yet, but need more rain to ma
ture what fruit is left. Orchardists pay
close attention to the Weather Bureau
reports and when frost is predicted set
smudge fires. 1t is cloudy, but there
has been no rain to-day. The grain crop
/ looks we'll. but rain is needed.
APRICOT CROP RUINED
BAKERSFIELD, March 16-Heavy
frosts for the past three mornings have
apparently ruined the prospects for the
apricot crop, and early peaches have
suffered much. Late varieties will make
a fair crop. The prune crop has not been
injured much yet. Early ccrn and p0-
/ tatoes have been cut down.
SEVERE FROST AT SONOMA.
SONOMA, March 1G.-There was a Sc
we're frost this morning. Ice formed to
the thickness of a quarter of an inch
II is certain that apricots were injured
and peaches have probably suffered also
Hay and grain is looking fine in So
noma Valley and a big yield is antici-
p2ted.
LITTLE DAMAGE AT RED BLUFF.
RED BLUFF, March 16-Red Buff
was visited by light frost last night
but it did but little damage. Nearly all
the fruit trees are in blossom, but the
frost was so light that it will do no ann
except to the more delicate fruits, such
as peaches and nectarines. The grain
crop is looking well, but farmers are
hoping for rain socn. Feed is bounteous
or the hills.
APRICOTS DAMAGED.
CHICO, March 16.-The eloudines2
which prevailed here last night un-
doubtedly saved this section from
severe frost. The frost of the pre-
vious night did considerable damage
to the apricot crop. but UP to the pres
ent time it is not believed that other
fruits have been damaged to any eX-
tent This morning q heavy snow vls-
tied the mountains north and east OF
this place, falling very low in the foot
hills. Rain began falling here at
o'clock this afternoon. Fruit growers
are fearful lest the weather should
clear during the night, which would
surely precipitate a disastrous freeze.
A report from Vina says that the APP
ricot and almond crops have been
greatly damaged
FRUITS NOT BADLY HURT.
ANTIOCH, March 16.-Growing grain
has suffered little damage from frosts;
for the reason that there has not been
enough rain to bring it up so that it
could feel the effects of the frost. The
fruit crop was not badly hurt, although
in some law places some of it was nip
ped Last night was very cold and ice
formed in places. A good rain is badly
needed.
GREAT INJURY ABOUT vACA-
WILLIE
NACAVILLE, March 16.-Great in
jury was done by frost last night On
! the low lands apricots will be a total
failure On the high lands no damage
has been done. There has been sofnt
injury to plums. but it is not material.
Up TO the present time everything has
indicated a very large crop The loss
is undoubtedly very great. Peaches
suffered no serious injury.
PEACHES HAVE NOT SUFFERED
NAPA, March iG.-There have been
heavy frosts for the last four days. Re
ports from Union Station, Salvador,
Oak Knoll, Truebody and Oakville show