The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-03
CONDITION OF
VIRGINIA CROPS
Bulletins Issued by the Weather
Bureau.
THE DROUGHT IN IRE VALLEY
Want of Rain Accentuates the Condi-
lions Which Have Been Prevailing
for Some Time-The Crops in
Heavy Land Doing Well.

The climate and crop bulletin issued by
the local department of the United States
,roathcr Bureau for the week ending yes
ferday is as follows:
GENERAL SITUATION.
The rainfall of the week vas somewhat
deficient In all portions OF the State. but
few showers occurring, and those being
light and local in character The result
of this has been TO stil: further accentu-
ate the droughty conditions prevailing
in portions of the Valley division and pro-
dnce partially droughty conditions in
other parts of the State where the lands
are light and porous. and the moisture
heretofore received has been absorbed
and epaporated.
Crops in heavy lands. however, are do
ing well, and not apparently suffering for
water yet. The temperatures for the week
have been quite favorable for growth and
maturity of crops: on the whole, the sea-
son is approaching a conclusion with ali
outstanding crops in fairly good condi-
ton. Minor crops. such peanuts. tur-,
1ips and COW peas, are doing very well.
Pastures alec are in fine condition for the
SEASON, except in the droughty districts.
where they are burning, and afford but
Hcant grazing for stock. In Pulaski coun-
u. particularly. where the dry weather
has been prolonged. pasturaGe has prac-
tically failed. and correspondents report
that corn is being cut and fed to stock.
On the other hand. in portions of the
Underwater and Middle counties. the
growth of grass on pastures and moving
meadow lands has been very good and
the prospects for Il fall crop of hay are
reported quite promising. Gardens are
holding on very well Fall blowing has
been vigorously prosecuted. except where
the soil is too dry and hard.
Corn 10 maturing IA mildly and
Of the crop in the early planted fields Is
under way. The late planted crop is do
ing very we'll. except in those districts
previously droughty. where ii is suffering
severely. On Inc whole. the outlook for
This crop is encouraging. and most cor
respondents are OF the opinion that the
yield will be better than average. Fodder
pulling has continued throughout the
week. and the bulk of this work in some
sections has been finished.
Tobacco is reported as improving by
Eearlv all correspondents The late fields
are growing rapidly and the plants are
vigorous and OF good color. Cutting of the
early crop is proceeding. and generally
the yield and quality are very good.
though there are some fields reported as
being not up to the average in either re-
Spect. Locally the dry weather is caus-
Ing firing. and late fields would be ben
Gifted by rain
Potatoes OIish.-T'he second crop con.
tlnues To do well. In those counties where
this crcp is largely planted local rains
have fallen, the ground is in good order
and the prospects satisfactory Sweet 20
tatoes are reported in Very good condi-
ton.
Fruit prospects continue very poor so
lar as apples and peaches are concerned,
tut an abundant crop of both grapes and
pears OF fine flavor VIII be secured