Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1899-08-04
WEATHER-CROP REPORT.
Fine Growing Weather Continues Through
out the New England States.

The weather during the week ending
July 81 was exceptionally favorable to
the growth of all crops. Showers fell in
all sections of the district, and were well
distributed through the week. Owing
to large per cent of cloudiness and to
the general showers, the atmosphere was
somewhat too humid for successful hay
ing and for the cutting of tobacco.
The average temperature for the past
seven days was 90 degrees, which is 5
degrees lower than for the preceding
week. Nevertheless, it was very evenly
distributed through the nights as well as
the days, and was conducive to the rapid
growth of all vegetation.
With slight exceptions, in sections of
small area, and to minor products, the
crop conditions of New England at
present are very promising. Generous
rains have fallen since the last report
over the drought stricken counties of
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and
parts of Rhode Island, greatly reviving
and invigorating all crops. In nearly all
instances the rain came in time to save
the perlshing crops, which, at the present
time, are greatly improved and growing
rapidly. There are still localities where
rain is needed, though none, perhaps,
where crops are actually suffering for
it, Correspondents in parts of Addison
county report that the ground is get
ting dry on the surface. There are
numerous sections, especially in the
southern half of the district, where
streams, springs, wells, and brooks are
low. The favorable weather conditions.
showers and normal temperature have
been especially valuable in providing
good pasturage and abundant fall feed.
Thunderstorms occurred quite generally
over the district during the week, mostly
on the 26th and 9th. The lightning in
several instances was destructive to life
and property. In the vicinity of Calais,
Me-, buildings and trees were struck,
several others. At Watertown. Conn.
the lightning struck and burned two
barns. The heavy showers attending
the electrical disturbances did consider
able damage to crops in parts of Coos
county, y. II.
Slight frosts were observed in favor
able localities in Chittenden county, VT,
but so far as known at this time without
damage to crops. Caterpilars made an
early appearance in Franklin county,
Mass, but so far have not become numer-
Gus or destructive. Grasshoppers are
doing some damage in certain sections of
Oxford county, Me-, but there are no
apprehensions of a general visitation of
the pests. In general, the condition and
outlook of the crops of New England are
satisfactory and promising.
The grass crop has improved wonder
fully during the week, particularly in
sections where the drought prevailed at
the close of last week. AS rule.
meadows and pastures are now in grow
ing condition.: in some cases meadows
mown early show promise of second
crop. Fodder corn, of which there was
much sown in the south, to supplant the
hay crop, gives promise of a good yield
of excellent feed. The Intermittent con-
ditions of the week, fair weather and
showers, have not been favorable to rapid
progress in harvesting the hay crop.
There is vet a third TO half of the crop
to be cut and secured in the northern
half of the district. Notwithstanding the
unfavorable outlook of fortnight ago,
with many predictions of total failure,
the crop in many sections will equal in
value if not in bulk the average crop.
Cereals are generally in good condi-
tioh. Corn is greatly improved in the
south, and reports are again favorable tC
a good crop. Oats and wheat are be.
ginning to turn in southern sections, ano
are heading In the more northern part:
of the district. The straw is generally
short, and in some places there is com
plant of rust. The general yield will bt
less than the average. The harvesting
of rye has been completed In sections.
Small fruits, berries, wild and cultivat
ed, are abundant and of fine quality
Early peaches are rotting on the trees il
the vicinity of Oakdale, Conn. Apples
are in fine condition; early varieties ar,
plentiful and In the market. Cranberriel
continue promising. Excepting berries
the fruit supply Will fall far short of tn,
average.
With very few exceptions potatoe
are in very fine condition and promise
large yield. AS yet there is little fear o
extensive damage from bugs. Gardel
products of fine quality continue abund
ant. Turnlps are being sown. Tn
warm moist weather of the past weel
was somewhat unfavorable to cabbage
Tomatoes are ripening and promise
large yield.
A Good AnecdOte.
President Dwight and President-elec
Hadley were returning home from tn
last annual alumni dinner when the