The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-04-12

While December and January of the
past winter were somewhat warmer
than last year, February was such
severe month that the winter mean
was below all previous records since
1872. Some very low minimum tenn
peratures were recorded during the
present winter: below zero occurred
in both January and February at
many western stations, the absolute
minimum for both months being de-
grees below zero in the mountain dis
trict. The average rainfall was an
inch greater than the preceding win
ter, due to the excessive precipitation
for February. In general, crop con-
ditions were very similar. Dry wealth
er during fall greatly delayed seeding
of winter wheat and oats and the
early cold prevented rapid germina-
ton. Past experience, however, leads
to the conclusion that a dry fall is "a
vorably for winter cereals.
Drought prevailed during most Of
September and October 1904, which
caused considerable delay in the seed
ing of winter wheat and other grains,
but after the general rains of Novem-
Der Bird and 4th, the work proceeded
more rapidly. The weather during
November was excellent for farm
work, and the soil in good condition
for blowing. Preparations were made
for large crops of wheat, oats and
rye. Early seeded wheat came up
fairly we'll but as the bulk of the crop
was seeded very late it was feared
the plants would not secure suffi
cient start to winter well. Heavy 10
killing frosts occurred during Novcm-
Der without apparent injury to crops.
The weather during December was,
on the whole, not detrimental to crops,
owing largely to the favorable cover
ing of snow during the middle of lie
month. Very low temperatures, how
ever, especially from the 18th to 10Th.
checked all growth. Bv the end Of
December much late seeded wheat
was not vet up that which was up
showed above ground and during the
month. Fall oats and rye were nearly
all up and looked we'll
During January, 1905, conditions
were unfaVorable for the ~rowth of
crops on account of continuous cold
weather; farm work also practically
ceased. The severe freeze from the
oath to the 9th is thought to have
Killed much late seeded winter wheat
and oats that were just up. The pre-
cipitation while below the normal oe-
CURED in frequent periods which pre-
vented any effort at outdoor work. At
the close of January the condition of
the cereal crops was apparently poor,
with very little evidences of growth.
Early crimson clover maintained a
good stand; late sown was poor. No
damage to truck crops under glass re-
ported.
No Improvement in crop conditions
took place during February. On az
count of the continuous cold weather,
with heavy rains and sleet, practically
no farm work of any kind was accom-
plished during the month. No plow-
ing was done, and no planting even
OF truck crops Lettuce under glass
was protected and escaped injury
Wheat, oats and rye all remained
very backward in growth, hardly
showing above ground, but are
thought to have secured good root de-
velopment; fair stands are reported.
Glover was much damaged by the
cold. Fruit buds showed no signs of
swelling. Strawberries also were late.
In general at the close of February
farm work was backward, especially
the planting of truck crops in the
east, and the preparation of tobacco
beds, which had hardly been COM
menced.
In contrast 20 the preceding month,
March was highly favorable for agri-
cultural interests in every respect. The
first decade was moderately cold.
with temperature below freezing on
a few dates, but the remainder of the
month was quite warm, without frost.
and with very moderate amounts of
precipitation. The soil, though still
too wet in some places. dried out rap
idly and was in excellent condition for
blowing. Farm work, especially
blowing. was pushed with vigor. and
excellent progress was made. The
preparation of tobacco beds, planting
of truck crops and gardens, seeding
of spring oats, and the shipment of
lettuce grown under glass occupied
the attention of many. Wheat made
excellent growth and was strong and
healthy in appearance by the close of