Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1899-07-14
WEATHER-CROP REPORT.

Inc week eDQlng July III mas averaged
very warm, with frequent showers and
thunderstorms during the latter half.
The precipitation has been large in
amount in about all portions of the dis
trict. Most of it occurred in the form of
local showers and thunderstorms during
the latter part of the week. In a few
sections, notably parts of Vermont and
Maine, showers fell on nearly every day
of the week.
The majority of correspondents con-
slider that the past week has been favor
able for planted crops, and many are of
the opinion that it has been the best
week of the season. The ground Is in
generally fine condition for all classes of
crops. The abundant rains haYe been of
large benefit, especially in those few
sections where the drought was still in
force at the close of the previous week.
The interior portions of Vermont, New
Hampshire and Maine have been especi-
ally favored, 1t can be safely said that
the drought is now something of the
past, although its detrimental effects are
apparent in the shape of a shortened hay
crop. The fore part of the week gave
good haying weather, and much was ac-
complished. Not much was done in the
latter part of the week, owing to the
frequent showers, but grass has made a
large gain both in quantity and quality.
Pastures have improved. Tempests, at
tended by hall, have caused some damage,
locally.
Haying is well under way in New
Hampshire and Vermont, except tenn
porarily suspended during the showery
period. In the southern section good
progress has been made towards compile
ton of gathering the crop. Although
short at the best, the crop is better than
anticipated some weeks ago, and is
secured in good condition. On low
meadows in the eastern counties of
Massachusetts a full crop is reported.
Mown fields are starting well and there
is abundant promise of fine second
crop.
Reports on corn are very satisfactory
for the district as whole. 1t has made
a substantial growth during the past
week, and bids fair to be good crop on
nearly all fields. Oats have improved
greatly, except early sowed on dry
lands. Buckwheat progresses finely.
Rye is being harvested in the southern
section in good shale.
The western half of New Haven
County, Connecticut, has a fair crop of
apples likely to mature. Grapes have
set enormously and look as we'll as could
be desired. Apples continue promising
in Rhode Island, especially early varie-
ties. Elsewhere there is little improve
ment in this fruit. Raspberries, black
berries and blueberres show lack of
moisture in most northern sections,
although in some localities, particularly
southern New Hampshire, large picking
of blueberries is being made. Small
fruits are generally ripening a full crop
in southern districts. Peaches. pears,
and plums are scanty. The season ap-
pears to be extremely favorable for
grapes.
Much complaint is made of the ravages
of potato bugs. First planted potatoes
are in Market in Rhode Island. The
yield is rather small both in size and
quantity, but quality is good. The late
crop is making good growth throughout
the entire section. generally speaking.
Tomatoes are doing well; peas and beans
have not yielded as well as usual in the
south, but are good in the north. Gar
den stuff has developed fine growth.