The Marlboro democrat. [volume] (Bennettsville, S.C.) 1882-1908, 1904-05-20
WEATHER AND CROP REPORT
Favorable Conditions Follow Fair
Rains Throughout tic State.

Favorable Conditions Follow Fair
Rains Throughout tic State.
The week ending a. M, May 9th,
had mean temperature Of 80 degrees,
which is slightly less than one degree
below normal, due to cool weather dur
ing tho first and warm during the last
portion. There were no exceptionally
low mini,na, nor high maxima, the ex-
treme range having been between 80
and S4. The winds we're eaSterly dur
ing the opening days and shifted to
Southcrly during the last Of the week
There was more than the normal
amount OF cloudineSS, and the def
cheney in sunshine was harmful to rice
and cotton.
The rainfall was below normal and
ranged from mere trace to over an
inch and half. The western and the
second tier from the coast of eastern
counties had the largest amounts and
the north central ones the smallest.
The showers were local In character
and largely insufficient, but it is safe
to assume that in onc-third of the
State the drought has been relieved,
Or nearly so, although more rain would
prove beneficial in all sections. Hail
occurred at few placvs. doing no
| damage.
The week was favorable for the
rapid progress OF farmwork, and all
staple crc.-';. nave been planted with
the exception of bottom lands and late
rice. AS rule, cultivation has kept
pace with the growth OF crops, and
fields are free from grass and weeds
Cut worms, bud worms and birds con-
tinue to damage stands Of corn on bot
toms, and Colorado beetles have ap-
prared on white patatocs.
There is a general improvement
noted in corn, where showers occurred,
in stands, growth and color, but where
the rainfall was light, or where none
fell, it remains small and yellow. Most
OF 1t has received its first cultivation
and some its second. Considerable re-
planting is being done.
Cotton is coming up better, and
stands have improved materially dur
ing the last week, and generally, the
plants have healthier look, but on
red and clay lands termination and
growth continue slow and unSatiSfac.
tory. Early cotton is being replanted
in many sections, while later plant
tngs are coming up to good stands on
sandy lands. Some has received its
first cultivation and has been chopped
in the Southern counties. Sea a-islaud
cotton was greatly benefited by the
showers and humid, warm weather
Tobacco transplanting is finished,
but growth has been slow. The acre
age is only from one fifth to one. half
that Of last year.
Oats are poor, and are heading low
in all sections, except on moist bot
toms
Wheat is more promising, and al
though low is heading well and is in
bloom
White potatoes are poor in the coast
districts and promising in the interior.
Shipments have begun from the for
mer sections; also OF beans.
Truck is late except strawberries,
that are bearing exceptionally well.
Excessive dropping of peaches is
noted In all save the ridge" sections
where from three fourthS to full
crop is indicated.
Early peaches and plums are ripen-
ing along the coast.
Apples and cherries are promising
in the western counties.
Sweet potato sprouts are scarce.
Minor crops are in Il normal condi-
tion.