The record-union., 1899-09-20
REPORTS ABOUT THE CROPS.
WARM SPELL CONDUCIVE TO
FRUIT DRYING.
Scarcity of Labor Continues-Cit.
rus Crops Are Promising a
Good Yield.

The temperature the past week has
averaged nearly normal along the coast
and from 3 to Z degrees above in the
interior. The only precipitation re-
ported was trace of rain in Independ-
ence. Strong north winds and forest
fires in the mountain districts of the
upper Sacramento Valley have caused
some uneasiness among citrus fruit
growers, but thus far no damage has
been reported.
Conditions have been generally favor
able for fruit drying, which is nearing
completion, and for the maturing of
wine and raisin grapes Rlaisin pick
ing continues, with yield of superior
quality, but light in most sections.
There is large crop of olives. Citrus
fruits and walnuts have been greatly
benefited by the warm, dry weather.
Oranges will be better in quality than
the last seasons crop, but the yield
will probably be below average.
Hop picking continues; there is a
heavy crop, of good quality. Sugar
beets are nearly all gathered.
In some sections there is a consider
able quantity of hay still in stack, ow-
ing to scarcity of presses and labor
ers. Flowing has commenced in some
localities.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY.
Fruit-The temperature has been con-
siderably above the normal, and great
| ly benefited Tokay grapes, increasing
the percentage of sugar. The yield is
far above average, in quantity and
quality. There is also a large crop of
wine grapes. Oranges and olives prom
ise a good crop.
Heavy north winds and forest fires in
the mountain districts are causing some
uneasiness to citrus fruit growers.
Hay baling continues.
COAST AND BAY SECTIONS.
Fruit-Unusually warm weather has
ripened grapes rapidly; the yield will
be about average, and quality good.
Orchardists are still gathering and
drying prunes, which are of fair size
and good quality. Olives look well,
and there are indications of a large
crop. Winemaking has commenced in
the Sonoma Valley.
Minor Crops-Sugar beets are being
gathered. Hops are above the aver
age. Alfalfa is doing very we'll. There
/ A. q NOAloAoCA dD1G Qudd1llby "a Aie1J Al
stack, and baling is progressing slowly,
owing to scarcity of presses and help
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY.
| F'ruit-The crops are being rapidly
disposed Of A large crop of figs is
being dried. Warmer weather has
been favorable for drying, which is
nearly completed, and also beneficial to
grapes. Raisin picking and drying are
progressing. Oranges will be of bet
ter quality than last season, but the
yield will probably be lighter.
Minor CropS-Corn is looking well. A
good crop Of sweet potatoes is being
marketed.
Hay and wheat shipments are pro-
crossing in some sections. Ground is
being prepared for grain sowing.
Pasturage is very short in some local.
| tiles.
| SOUTHERN COUNTIES.
| Fruit-Dry, warm weather has been
greatly beneficial to citrus fruits. Fruit
drying continues; prunes and peaches
are of good quality and quite plentiful
| Minor Crops+The yield of walnuts
will not be up TO the average, but the
quality is superior to that of last sea-
son. Sugar beets are nearly all gath
cred.
Eureka Summary-Morningf fogs have
benefited corn, beets, potatoes and pas
| turage. Barley threshing continues
prune drying active and corn and po-
tatoes being marketed for local con-
sumption.
Los Angeles Summary-The week
ended warm and dry; good for fruit
drying and maturing citrus fruits.
Raisin making and grape shipping in
operation; crops fair Walnut harvest