The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-04-12
Spencer Trask & Co.
 BANKERS.
 lNvE9TMEMT CIRCULAR MAILED UPON REQUEST. Commission OrdsrD Rxecsfed Upon The New Kork Stock Exchagxs. William & Pine Sts., New York. Branch OHies. Aihaay, N. Y.
CROP PROGRESS.


 Climate and crop Bulletin of the Alabama
 Montgomery, Ala, Tuesday, April II. 1905. Weekly crop bulletin.
 General Review of the Season.
 December was comparatively mild and favorable for farm work. Temperatures averaged very nearly normal: there were several warm periods and almost summer like temperatures prevailed during the middle of the last decade; however there were several light freezes, and cold wave as low as 15 degrees in some northern counties. with freezing to the Gulf coast. The precipitation was almost normal; 1t was greatest in the northern counties, and was fairly well distributed through tho month; general rains from the 25th to 27th improved the soil. More oats were sown. making the acreage in this grain near the average; those sown during the latter part of November germinated we'll in some factory.
 The month of January. as whole. was cold. quite wet. and generally unfavorable for preparatory farm work of all kinds: also for winter seeding and germination and growth of previously sown wheat and oats. severe cold wave covered the tire State during the middle of the third decade, giving temperatures low as one degree above zero in northern counties cipitation was generally above normal. ex- eept somewhat below normal in some east ern counties; the rain periods were quite frequent, and the 11th and 18th heavy to excessive precipitation occurred through out the State. washing land badly in many localities and inundating considerable low land adjacent to the larger rivers. Wheat and oats were somewhat damaged by the severe cold of the third decade, the month closing with both these grains rather un- promising.
 February quite cold. wet and un- favorable for preparing ground sowing oats and for the germination and growth of two decades were marked by frequent ram periods. the rainfall being generally heavy northern counties; the rainfall was also heavy to slightly excessive from the 11th to 18th. the rain turning to snow and sleet. and followed by most severe cold wave on the 18th and 14th. giving temperatures ranging from to IS degrees below zero in northern counties. The sleet. which was quite heavy over northern, north-centraI and some western counties, continued un- melted for several days; in many orchards, fruit trees were badly broken. and in some localities large forest trees were pros trated by weight of the sleet The severe cold killed peach buds over about one-third of the State wheat was seriously damaged and fall oats mostly killed
 The month of March. a whole, was fa- vorable for farm work and crop growth. some middle and eastern counties during early part of the first decade doing prac- tically no damage. Somewhat more than the average warmth was received, and dur ing the last decade summer-like tempera- lures prevailed. The precipitation was most ly in light to moderate showers. interfering
 
 on the 9th, when moderately heavy rains occurred in some northern counties. and on 18th and goth. when the rainfall heavy in a few northern and middle counties and quite excessive in the southwestern portion of the State. Mobile reporting rainfall of g. .21 inches in 24 hours. Planting of upland corn began during the first decade with this work well advanced in southern c1un- ties at the close of the month. when sonIe was up to fairly good stands and planting was under way in the northern district. Considerable cotton land was prepared and a little cotton planted in middle and south- ern counties during the last decade. with indications that there would be a decrease in the acreage of cotton, and an increase in the acreage of corn. Wheat, though February, revived and made good progress. A large acreage of spring oats germinatea progressed rapidly. Peaches, plums and pears were in bloom in all districts by tho 25th. when strawberries were generally promising. with the plants in blossom in southern and middle counties The first ten days of April were Rener- ally favorable: some beneficial rains fell in northern and middle districts. though snow flurries occurred in a few northeastern counties on the 7th. with light freeze over frosts general over the remainder of the State; no serious damage done by the cold, though young corn strawberries' and tender vegetables were slightly injured in some localities. Planting of upland corn Is nearing completion. except in northern | where 1t is well under way: much
 
 with some receiving first blowing in south | ern counties. Cotton planting is being pushed in southern and middle counties l where little is up to fair stands though | practically none has been planted in the | northern district. The cotton acreage will l be reduced. but to what extent can not be | determined yet. Wheat and spring oats | continue generally promising. Gardening Is | well advanced, with Irish potatoes, beans l and English peas doing well; tomatoes | have been set out in southern and middle districts, and radishes, lettuce and onions | are being shipped from southern counties | Peaches shedding. and now promise | about one-half an average crop; plums pears and apples are well fruited and prom ising Strawberries well fruited, with some being shipped from Gulf counties.
 The above summary of farming operations and crop progress to date is given for the benefit of those sufficiently interested as to desire a complete history of the same Subsequent bulletins. to be published week ly during the crop season. will contian Quo- tatlons rom reports Of correspOnd,.nIs
 FRANK P. CHAFFEE,
 Section Director. Weather Burea1