The Oskaloosa herald., 1901-08-01
TELL OF THE CROPS.
Condition Outlined by Government
and State Reports.

Washington, July 31.--The weather
bureaus weekly summary of crop
conditions is as follows:
Intense heat prevailed during the greater
part of the week throughout the central
valleys, but the temperatures during the
last three days were more moderate. Good
rains have fallen over a large part Of the
drought area in the Mississippi and upper
Missouri valleys, but drought conditions
have become more serious In the Ohio val
ley and Tennessee, where the week has
been rainless, except In a few localities.
In the Atlantic coast districts the weather
conditions have been generally favorable,
except over portions of the Carolinas and
Virginia, where rain is now needed. The
conditions were also favorable on the Pa
cific coast.
Recent rains have improved late corn in
portions of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma
and Missouri. but the early crop was prac-
tically ruined before the rains came. In
Iowa the crop has sustained less injury
than, in the aforementioned states, and
the rainfall has been copious and well dis
tributed. In the great corn states east Of
the Mississippi river, except over northern
Illinois, drought and excessive heat have
continued with disastrous effects upon
corn, which is now in critical condition.
In Michigan and generally throughout the
miUOl6 ALldUllC states anu NEW I-llS laAlSl
the corn crop is in fine condition.
Winter wheat harvest is general on the
North Pacific coast with good yields.
Harvesting of spring wheat is well adj
vanced over the southern portion of the
spring wheat region, and has begun in the
southern Red river valley. Premature rip
ening has reduced the yield and quality of
the crop over the southern portion of the
spring wheat region, although the thresh-
ing returns show better yields in Iowa
than were anticipated. In North Dakota
and northern Minnesota the crop has sus-
tanned but little injury from heat.
Dat harvest continues in the more north
erly sections, having been delayed by rains
in Michigan. Reports of premature ripen-
ing continue from the upper Missouri val
ley. A light crop is indicated in the middle
Atlantic states.
The condition of cotton over the greater
part of the cotton belt is improved, good
growth and clean fields being generally re-
ported. In Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee
and central Texas. however the crop con,
tinues to need rain, and shedding and
blooming at top in these states are ex-
tensively reported.
In the Ohio valley and Tennessee tobac-
co continues to suffer from drought, but in
Kentucky and Tennessee has withstoOd
the unfavorable conditions well. In New
England and the middle and South Allan
Cutting and curing continue in the Caro-
Iinas under favorable conditions.
The apple crop In the central valleys has
been further injured by drought and heat,
and a very light crop is indicated in the
middle Atlantic states and New England.
Part of Corn Crop in Kansas.
Topeka, Kan, July 31.--Crop re-
ports for Kansas, as compiled by the
United States department of agricul-
ture up to date, shows material inn
provement. With seasonable rains
many counties in the eastern division
will produce one-fourth to one-half
crop of corn. With late showers pas
lures have improved and farmers
have ceased feeding wheat. Apples
and peaches show improved condi-
ton. In the middle division, Butler
Harvey, Crowley and Reno report
corn gone. Other counties one-third
to half crop.
Western division is in the best
shape of all. Late corn promises par
tial crop. Grass has revived and the
third crop of alfalfa is being cut.
Rain Helps Corn in Iowa.
Des Moines! Ia, July 31.-The Iowa
section of the United States crop
service, stationed in this city, issued
it's official report on the condition of
the corn crop in the state of Iowa
Tuesday morning. 1t is made. up
from the reports of BOG correspond
ents. With reference to corn the re-
port states:
The extent of damage to the corn
crop cannot be determined until the
effects of moisture and moderate
temperature are made apparent. The
reports were generally mailed on the
27th, before the drought was broken
and the estimates as to the amount
of damage are exceedingly variable
as viewed from different standpoints
Generally it may be said the condi-
tons have been more favorable in the
northern than in the southern dis
tricts.
VIII Have Plenty of Feed.
Topeka, Kan, July 31.-MOrc rain
fell in this state Tuesday. The re-
cent rains have placed a new phase
on the live stock situation. A week
ago the farmers were almost panic
stricken and were Fastening to sell
their cattle and hogs at any sacrifice
to avoid the necessity of feeding
them through the coming season at
so great an expense. Their action
was caused by the fact that there was
scarcely any feed in the entire state,
Now immense quantities of turnips
sorghum and kaffir corn are being
planted, and as a result the farmers
will have a great abundance of for
age for the coming season. The herds
can now be fed without trouble and
a great calamity to Kansas has been
averted.