The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-07-23
RAIN FACTOR IN
COTTON REPORTS
1t Has Been Excessive in Most
Cotton States
HOT SUNSHINE is NEEDED
North Alabama Bottom Lands Have
Suffered Especially From the
Heavy Rainfall of the Past
Week.
HOT SUNSHINE is NEEDED

Memphis. July 22.-The Commereial-Ap-
peals weekly summary of crop eondi-
tons covering the central states of the
cotton belt is as follows
By reason of the rains which have been
excessive and continuous throughout the
week, the reports are less uniform than
heretofore. In some sections considerable
damage has been done by the heavy pre-
ciptation. This is specially true of the
bottom lands Of north Alabama, and in
parts of Mississippi and Arkansas, where
some actual overflow took place. On other
bottom lands the lack of easy drainage
has brought on some signs of blight. Over
very large section of the four states
of Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and
Tennessee, however, the rainfall was of
the greatest benefit, even though contin-
ued longer than was necessary.
The plant through the area reported
upon has made a rapid growth, being
favored by the moist, hot weather, but
most correspondents note at the same
time that the plant Is fruiting well also,
and that it is most healthy in appear
ance. Some antieipatory fears have been
aroused by reason of the excess Of rain,
but the actual damage reported is small
In many sections cultivation has been
about completed though no great pro-
gress in this respect was made during the
week. In other sections the grass is be-
ginning to attract some notice 1t is gem
orally stated that a few bright, dry days
will allow the completion of cultivation,
but in some sections the size attained by
the plant and the prevalence of bolls has
rendered any further cultivation undesir-
to rust, blight or shedding is notable.
Excessive Rain In Mississippi Basin.
New Orleans, July 22.-Reports from
Picayune correspondence In Louisiana and
Mississippi on weather and crop condi-
lions in those states for the week ending
Saturday, July 21, indicate a phenomenal
RAINFALL entirely too much for the propa-
cation of the cotton plant. While a few
sections report damage from this source,
general indications are that IL August be
a dry month the crop will be well above
the average In spite of present conditions.
On the other hand should rains continue
to any great extent, the damage will
range from 10 to % per cent The crop is
safe as a general rule, although the deli
cate forms and blossoms cannot stand the
strain of daily downpours much longer.
The continued showers would make the
plant throw off considerable forms.
The week was generally unsatisfactory
in Louisiana. Cotton is rank with weeds
and grass, weather not permitting farm
ers to keep up with their field work
VIM parish reports some lice and rust,
with a damage of 10 per cent In the four
days. Morehouse parish records black
heart and shedding, with the presence of
boil worms.
In Lincoln parish rust and rotting has
done slight damage In some sections. with
the stalk growing out of all proportions to
the amount of fruit. ST. Landry parish
reports that four days of sunny weather
would restore the plant to its normal con-
dition. while the reverse would leave rs
per cent loss.
Mississippi Jared better during the week,
the rainfall in the greater portion being
In keeping with the needs of cotton. How
ever, in the lowlands shedding and dam
age by sharpshooters was noted. due to
the excessive moisture and humid atmos-
phere.