Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1899-07-28
WEATHER-CROP REPORT.


Conditions Promising Throughout New
England-Small Drought in Some Parts.
Weather conditions prcpitious to crop
growth and progress obtained during the
past week, ending July 20, except in
eastern parts of Massachusetts and
Rhode Island, where rain is much
needed. The generally fair weather that
prevailed in southern sections of New
England was favorable to the progress
of all farm work, while showers were of
too frequent occurrence in the more
northern sections of the district for the
cultivation of crops and for harvesting
and maturing hay.
The temperature for the week was
near the seasonable average, and some
what higher than the preceding week.
The weekly mean for the district was a
degrees, which is G degrees higher than
the preceding week. 1t was highest. 73,
at Boston, and lowest, 5S, at Eastport.
A second drought is again retarding
and stunting crops in the eastern coun-
ties of New Hampshire and Massachu-
sets, and in some sections of Rhode
Island. Little or no rain fell in this por-
ton of the district during the past week,
and meadows, fields, and pastures are in
some localities becoming brown on ac-
count of the prevailing dry weather, and
streams, springs, brooks and wells are
low. For the remaining parts of the
district, crops have made rapid, and in
some sections luxuriant growth, and are
now In most satisfactory condition.
Correspondents in some of the eastern
counties of Maine report an excess of wet
weather, and that cut hay left in the
fields has suffered damage. Severe local
storms, attended by heavy showers, high
wind and hail, did some damage in Sec
tions of Maine and Vermont, washing
the ground and lodging grain and grass.
The territory over which these occurred
was, however, of small extent, and
damage of great value did not result.
Light to killing frosts were noted in the
lowlands of favorable localities in Wash
ington county, Maine, and Caledonia
county, Vermont. Little damage was
reported beyond the checking of vegeta-
BILE growth. Taken as whole, the crop
conditions of New England are now
sidered possible fortnight ago. All
seasonable crops are now growing to-
ward maturity. and with few exceptions
it is believed the general yield will be
sufficient and satisfactory and the season
considered fairly prosperous one.
A large portion of the hay crop is still
unharvested in Maine, New Hampshire
and Vermont. The weather during the
past week has been too unsettled and
showery for rushing work in connection
with harvesting the crop. All reports
indicate that the yield will fall far short
of the average, light in bulk, bur rich in
nutrition. Rowen bids fair, and sup
Elementary fodder crops such as oats,
hungarian corn fodder, ETC., are promis-
ing, except in the drought stricken Sec
tions of the south. In Maine many
mown fields and meadows are showing a
second growth of luxuriant grass. The
haying season has practically closed in
many sections of the district.
Grain is now suffering for rain In east
ern Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
In some fields. highlands, it is curling,
and must be failure unless rain comes
within a few days The crop is very
promising and well advanced in other
sections of the district. Green corn,
early varieties. where the conditions
have been favorable, is now nearly ready
for market in the southern states. The
present prospects are favorable to good
yield of corn. Oats promise a short
crop, which is now ripening in southern
fields. Rye has been harvested in many
sections.
The fruit prospects are unchanged.
Berries of all kinds, wild and cultivated,
promise an abundant yield of excellent
quality. Cranberries are In excellent
condition and as yet have not suffered
greatly from insect pests. Apples will
be small crop. but the present condi-
tions of the fruit is excellent. There
will be few peaches, and pears and plums
will fall short of the average yield. EX-
cepting berries. the fruit crop may be
considered failure.
Vegetables continue in a promising
condition in about all sections. Garden
products of all kinds are growing rapidly
with prospects of an abundant supply.
There are occasional complaints of
damage to peas and vines from worms
and insects, but these are less than the
the average. Potatoes are in good condi-
tion, growing well and the outlook for a
good crop very encouraging. There are
few complaints from bugs or beetles.
Reports are generally favorable to all
root crops. Tomatoes continue IN good
condition, and are beginning to ripen.
Another Vermont Monument.