The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1900-04-10
CROP REPORT
FOR APRIL.
Condition Of Wheat is Worse
Than Was Estimated.
ONLY ABOUT HALF A CROP.
That Is the Indication as Sent to the Agri-
cultural Departments by Various
Correspondents in the
State.
Special to News-pemocrat.


Columbus, April THE state cror
report issued by the state board of agrl-
cultural, Friday and showing the con-
dition of the wheat crop in this state
on the first of the month, shows that the
condition of this important crop is
worse than estimated in the earlier bull
letins of the board, and indicates now
less than half a crop on the average
in the whole state. The general average
Is 46 per cent of a full average crop.
The report says
The extent of damage to the wheat
crop has become more apparent since
the opening OF spring. IT is now quite
evident that in previous reports cor
respondents were conservative in their
estimates and at no time was there an
underestimate of wheat conditions.
Correspondents were inclined to be-
lieve or hope that much of the crop
that appeared dead or greatly damaged.
late in the fall and during winter, had
sufficient root growth and vitality to
take new start in the spring and thus
overcome much Of the apparent damage.
Due weight was given these considera-
tions in all the returns heretofore made
to the department. The hopes of cores
pondents in respect to renewed growth
do not promise to be realized, and the
extent of damage by Hessian fly and
winter freezing Of the tender and weak
wheat plant is now very evident. Since
the March 1st report there is further
fall of 10 per cent in the estimated con-
dition, the present prospect standing at
only 46 per cent of fair average crop.
Four counties report % per cent and be-
low; "a counties between % and so per
cent; II counties between so and 60 per
cent; and 1S counties between 60 and 70
per cent; which latter mark is the
highest in the state.
This generally low prospect is atti-
buted almost entirely to the ravages of
the Hessian fly, Never, perhaps, has
the destruction from this pest been so
severe and widespread. Hundreds of
acres will be plowed for spring crops.
With respect to other crops and con-
dltions named in the report, there Is
nothing unusual to mention, except
perhaps with respect to fruit buds win
ter killed. The percentage given applies
almost wholly to peaches, and should
not be taken as covering all fruit.
Wages of farm hands show a slight
Increase as compared with April of last
year. Experienced help not abundant.
The following percentage estimates
are based on the returns received from
the township crop correspondents, ave-
ragged for each county and finally for
the state. The returns We're very COM
plete, nearly every township in the
state being represented:
Wheat-Conditions compared with an
average, 46 per cent; crop of 1899 still in
producers hands, 2S per cent
Winter Barley--Condition compared
With an average, 81 per cent.
Winter Rye-Condition compared
With an average, Sc per cent.
Corn-Condition in crib compared
With an average, "a per cent; remained
inhusked during winter, per cent;
lamage to unhusked during winter, 8
Ier cent; damage to fodder during win
er. II per cent.
Snow protection to wheat 2 weeks.
Fruit-Buds winter killed II per
ent; prospect compared with an ave-
age, "A per cent.
Wages of farm hands-Per month !
With board, $15.5O; per month without |
'oard, $22; per day with board, So cents;
'er day without board, $1.10