The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-07-06
WEATHER is IDEAL
FOR GENERAL CROP
THROUGHOUT WEST
small Grains, Especially in the
Winter Wheat District, Show
Favorable Growth = Spring
Wheat Shows Decline.
Special to The Globe.

Special to The Globe.
CHICAGO, July 5.-Expert B. w
Snow. in an article on crop conditioi s.
says: 1.-The week brought weather
conditions highly favorable foS plant
growth and for current farming oper-
ations. 1t was the first period of con-
tinued high temperatures experienced
this season, and with the moisture sup
ply generally satisfactory the progress
of vegetation was rapid. For corn
especially, conditions were almost ideal,
the heat stimulating growth, and the
absence of rain furnishing the much
needed opportunity for cultivation. For
small grains the conditions were equal
" good. brilliant sunshine ripening the
crop and giving a dry harvest season
in those districts where the reaper is
at work. The doubtful feature of the
week is the amount and distribution
of rainfall in the spring wheat terri
tory of the Northwest. Day by day
reports were received of the breaking
of the drought in the Red River valley
but the official records of the weather
bureau for the week do not fully bear
out the claims. These data show that
The rainfall of the week in this district
came in the shape of local showers in
stead of general rains, and while some
points secured moisture enough, others
received but little, leaving the exact
general situation uncertain.
Winter wheat harvest is in full swing
in the Southwest under highly favor
able weather conditions, and reports
from Oklahoma and Kansas lndlcate
that farmers are increasing their estl-
mates as they come into personal con-
tact with the grain fields. West of the
Missouri river more than normal rate
of yield is now assured, as matter OF
fact the high promise of the early sea-
son is tractically realized.
In other districts of heavy produc-
ton, however, the situation is different.
Every week since April l has shown
loss of prospect and now that harvest
has begun it is apparent that there
has been further lowering of promise
during June. InlS Is especially Il NC III
the Ohio valley, where rust and a
general lack of plant vigor are being
reflected in decidedly disappointing
harvest returns. Local returns from
a large proportion of the winter wheat
area to make them safely representa-
tive show a decline in wheat condition
since June 1 in nearly every state east
of the Missouri river
Weather conditions of the month
were not particularly unfavorable and
the further loss of prospect can only
be attributed to the deficient root
growth and consequent inherent lack
of plant vigor, which was pointed out
at the beginning of the season, when,
by popular opinion perfect promise
obtained. 1t is probable that in spite
of the present brilliant trans Missouri
promise the general average of condi-
tions is now below so, or three points
or more lower than a month since.
Upon this basis threshing should show
q winter wheat crop with minimum
possibility of not less than 440,000,000
bushels. This estimate would COM
pare with an official estimate last year
of 412,000,000, but with an actual pro-
duction as shown by the records Of
distribution of probably 430,000,000
bushels. The minimum promise at
this time. therefore, is a crop slightly
larger than the actual result of last
year.
There has been a sharp decline in
spring wheat promise during the last
month on June 1, the condition of the
crop was little short of perfect, but
the weather conditions prevailing since
orable in the districts of heaviest pro-