The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1902-06-20
A DIsCoURAG1NG OUTLOOK.
NE Crowley Signal Saws:

The rice planters of the Louisiana an
Texas rice belt are at the present tin
CONFRONTED with an outlook for the con
ing season which is in degree discou,
aging. 1t will be remembered that a
the beginning of the season all indics
sions pointed to a bumper" crop
crop yield that would almost double tina
OF any previous season in the histor
OF the cultivation of the cereal in thi
country. A great increase in acreage wa
assured on every hand. Especially WA
this so in the State of Texas. But as tn,
season progresses a new light is cas-
upon the scene which divulges tn. far,
that the increase this year has not in
actual figures been over one third OF
what was reported, and in many sections
fully anticipated. The worse state OF
affairs, however, is not the deficiency in
acreage, but is problem now confront
ing the planters as to the best course
TO pursue in saving what has actually
been planted. Reports now coming in
from the entire State of Texas, together
with similar reports from many Sec
lions of the Louisiana belt, are to the
effect that the great drought now pre-
valent in the Southwest has been of
such duration as to seriously threaten
the entire crop in both states, and unless
the rainfall during the next thirty days
Is exceedingly heavy, the entire output of
the rice belt this year will not even
surpass that of last season, which q
careful estimate has placed at 3,5OOO 900
bags.
One of the best informed and observing
rice men in Southwest Louisiana has
Just completed tour over the two
states, and while his reports are not di-
rectly discouraging, those connected with
the industry are rather inclined to take
Pessimistic view of conditions. It IN
stated that the reported 100000 acres
IN Texas can safely by divided by two to
get the correct figure of the acreage real
~ planted. Many canal companies and
rice raising corporations were chartered |
IN Texas this season, but it is not |
exaggeration to say that less tn IN one
half OF them began active operations this
season. In other words, what they in
tended to do and what they have done
are two different things entirely. Many
sections in Texas are confronted with
an absolute failure, while the Louisiana
belt hnds itself in similar predicament.
number of the large irrigation canals
N close proximity to Crowley have been
compelled to cease pumping because Of
the scarcity of water in the rivers and
oayous, and unless the rainfall relieves
THIS situation in very short while,
many others will be compelled to do like
wise.
The mill men of the two states who
we're quite anxious over the amount Of
ice they were carrying over, have had
heir minds relieved and no longer fear
nut what it can be disposed of at good,
not advanced, prices.
Reports which have reached this Of
Ice from the parishes adjoining the coast
re very discouraging, owing to the fact
hat the bayous and rivers are low and
ave become impregnated with salt wa
er from the gulf, and to turn it in on the
ice in a brackish state means da,truc. I
ion to the young rice.
One of the largest planters in the two
tates gives his opinion that the yield
his season will not exceed $500, 900 bags. s
However, should heavy showers set in
uring the next three weeks, the danger v
nth which the planters are now con- '
ronted by the drought may be greatly ;
ssened, but past experience has taught
ne older ones in the business to pre- A
are for the worst when the rice needs L
alter and cannot obtain it. :,