The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-03-07

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 on April r and IS necessltated some re- planting. Conditions were generally fla vorable for germlnatlon and growth, wet weather during May retarded cultiva- tion and fields were generally grassy hy tho close of that month, when much of the crop had been chopped out and squares were beginning to form Owing to the scarcity of labor. some fields were abandoned. June was favorable for cut tivation, and by the close ef that month fields were generally clean, with plants rather small but healthy. Blooms appear ed by June and were becoming general by June 20, when chopping had been practically completed. Growth and fruit- age were fairly good during the greater part of July, except in some districts where the rainfall was insufficient. How ever. rust and shedding began during the last decade of July and spread so rar- idly that by the close of that month the crop was deteriorating oyer fully one half of the state. Owing 10 wet weather this deterioration continued during Au- gust, but ceased towards the close of that month.
 Cotton picking began about August l. but was not general until the 24th, after which date bolls opened rapidly. During 1 September the condition of cotton coll tinued generally unsatisfactory; fruitase practically ceased by the 10th, and very little top crop formed. By the close of that month nearly all of the crop was open and more than half had been gath cred, though some was damaged and picking retarded by rains in the midGe Q and southwestern counties during the last decade. The first half of October was wet and unfavorablc for picking, though the last half was favorable for this work and by the close of that month most of the staple had been secured the quality | being below that of 1901. The crop was too far advanced to be materially affected Dy frosts which occurred over the north ern and some middle counties during the first half of October though the develop ment of late bolls was checked by the cold Owing to the scarcity of labor, picking progressed slowly during No- vember and was not completed until about December To.
 Corn.
 Planting of upland corn began during the early part or March and was Gom- pIeted by the end of April, when much had received first blowing. Most of the crop was laid by in good condition during the latter part of May and the first half of June. Tasseliing began about May 15, when garden corn was caring well. The crop advanced fairly well dur ing June and July, though lack of mois- ture caused deterioration in some dis tricts. Excessive rains during August caused some upland corn to rot and sprout in the ear. Gathering of the crop began during the first decade of August, the greater portion being housed during Sep tember, with a fairly good yield, though poor in some fields.
 Lowland corn planting began during the latter part of April. This work was re- tarded by wet weather in May, when some of the early platted was drowned by overflow in northein counties, and worms were so damaging as to necessitate re- planting of some fields in other portions of the state. Most of the crop was up , by June b, and laying by was completed during the first half of July. Ears form ed well and the yield was fairly good, though wet weather during the gathering season caused considerable rot.
 Fodder pulling began during the middle of July and was completed during Sep tember, The yield was generally satis- factory though much of this forage was ruined by the excessive rains of August
 Small Grain
 Oats sown in the fall and early winter oi l5uf were lnOSllS klileu by lne severe cold of the middle of February, which also seriously damaged wheat. However, a large acreage was sown to spring oats. This late sowing germinated well and made good growth. Wheat also revived and made good progress during the early spring months. Harvesting of these grains began during the latter part of May and was completed during June. oats making satisfactory yield. Wheat was damaged
 l, l,xFa 5a ,taI only. Owing to unfavorable weather, lit lie oats and wheat were sown during October, November and December, though the early sown germinated well and both were making good growth at the close of the year.
 Fruit and Minor Crops.
 The severe cold wave of the middle of February killed nearly all fruit buds oyer the northern half of the state Peaches pears and plums were in full bloom over the southern half of the state by March 9, when strawberries were in blossom Strawberries made a good yield, being nearly all gathered during "A pril and the early part of May. Half of an average crop of peaches pears and plums were marketed about the usual time.
 Planting of gardens began during the latter part of February, and all early vegetables made good progress during March. Much replanting was caused by frosts during the middle of April. but all trucking crops made good yields ex- cept melons and cantaloupes which were fair only. Cane, sweet potatoes and oth- er minor field crops were planted about the usual time and did well. Excellent hay crops were saved in all parts of the state, though much of this forage was damaged by wet weather during August.