The Topeka state journal., 1903-06-30

per cent of the potato land planted for
commercial purposes and, deducted
from the states total, will considera bly,
reduce the present actual acreage. Cen
eral average condition for the state on
the area now growing is IS per cent.
SORGHUMS.
interest in the various sOrghumS has
been unabated, as indicated by the re-
turns from all portions of the state. The
estimated area in kaffir corn is about
the same Owing to wet weather, ex-
tending late into the season, the area
that would otherwise possibly have been
devoted to this crop and Indian corn
probably VIII be sOWn to the sacchari1e
sorghums, as the estimated increase in
the latter makes a total of SO, 749 acres.
Ihe combined areas of sOrghumS for
forage and grain aggregate. 1881. .724
now growing is 81. Reports indicate
that considerable per cent of sweet
sorghums is yet to be sown.
ALFALFA
Continued interest in this wonderful
plant Is evidenced by the increased
acreage, an annual occurrence since its
Introduction. General average condition
80. although the progress in many fields
sown last fall was temporarily check
ed by the late spring freeze. The first
cutting in older fields yielded heavily,
but was delayed by wet weather. Coun-
ties having highest conditions are:
Mitchell, los; Rice. 105: Rush. 105,
Hodgeman, 102: Rocks, 101; Cloud, 103;
Barber. 100; Miami, 100; Osborne. 100;
Smith, 100; ranging down to 20 in Cher
okee.
PASTURES. GRASSES AND LIVE
STOCK
Probably never before throughout the
state have pastures and grasses sur
passed their present excellence, vigor-
ously responding to the favOring coll
ditions. affording abundant, luxuriant
grazing and assuring a bountiful yield
of hay of finest quality. All tame and
native grasses arc hourishing, and pas
lures in the grazing section are report
ed the best in years. NO disease among
live stock is reported prevalent, and all
seem to be in a healthy state. From
their enforced rest and sumptuous ra-
tions, work animals especially are in
unusually excellent condition
OTHER CROPS AND FRUIT.
Rye, condition, SO. broom corn, 80;
barley, 90; castor beans, 81; apples. 80;
peaches, 80; grapes A; cherries, 49,
While individuals whose lands are
adjacent to streams which recently
oVerfiowed their banks have suffered Sc
we're losses, it should be remembered
that the devastated area is but a small
proportion of the whole, comparatively
insignificant, and outside the bot
toms inundated the general agricul-
tural situation is promising, although
the season is extremely backward.
REPORT FROM WHEAT COUNTIES.
The outlook in the leading wheat
counties is summarized as follows:
Enthusiastically no wheat dam
aged, and it is now being cut. All crops
are excellent Wheat, oats. rye and al
falfa never in better condition, and corn
has a good color and is growing finely.
Soil in good condition for tillage. Pas
lures and forage crops never better
Oats increase probably 100 per cent.
Barton-Wheat on a large area prom
ises well, but much of that sown on
stubble ground will not be cut, probably
in ali about 3 per cent. Some damage
by Hessian fly. Corn area is the same,
and growth in the past ten days has
been favorable. First cutting of alfalfa
is all in stack in good condition No
diseases among live stock.
Cowley-Considera wheat damaged
by flood and fly. Soil in good condition
for tillage. Weather in the past two
weeks has been very favorable for corn,
the acreage of which is about the same;
10 per cent of the early corn was re-
planted Oats area is large and pros
pect excellent. Sorghum not all in yet
but the acreage Will be more Tame
grasses O. K
Dickinson-Pr Probably II per cent of
wheat will not be harvested, because of
damage from fly and flood; the re-
mainder is filling rapidly and promises
a heavy yield" Thirty per cent Of the
early corn was replanted; acreage
about the same as last year. Uneven
stand and size Soil not in the best
condition for cultivation. but the past
few days have been favorable for all
crops. oats area large; condition. 49,
Alfalfa and prairie grasses fine. Pota-
toes on the higher lands promise well.
Sorghum acreage will be increased.
Clay-A small part of the wheat area
will not be cut on account Of damage
by high water. Corn acreage prOba bly,
less than last year, because ground was
too wet; about 25 per cent of the early
was replanted. Oats and hay prOmis
ing. The area in sOrghums is likely in
creased. The past ten days have been
excellent for growing crops; peaches
and grapes injured by tie late freeze. :"
El1is-Large acreage OF wheat; that
on plowed ground easily 100 per cent;
where sowed on stubble it's not so
good. and some fields will not be cut.
Corn acreage about the same; soil in
excellent condition. and weather favor
able for the plants growth The area
to be devoted to sorghum will be some
what increased. Barley. average acre
age and fair condition.
EIlsworth-Wheat is filling well and
promises a good yield; some complaint
where sown on stubble: weather very
favorable. Thirty per cent of the corn
was replanted; total area is reported 20
per cent less. on account of wet wealth