The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1909-09-10
SHfpDlN6 OF
COTTON SEVERE,


TsCAss8 COttO0 disappearing Except
- Georgia.
b cotton plant throughout the
South is rapidly approaching q state of
maturity. Picking will be general ev-
erywhere by Sept. Is, Notwithstanding
the fact that the plant was two or three
weeks late through the growing season.
Incident upon the hurried maturity
caused by the extreme heat and drouth
Of August, shedding has been unusually
severe and hence reports of deteriora-
tion are universal.
Except in Southern Georgia, where
the yield is good, the outturn of early
pickings has been disappointing. In
Texas and Oklahoma it is variously es-
timated that four to ten acres will be
required to produce a bale of cotton of
500 pounds weight.
The general disposition of the farm
r is to sell at prevailing prices.
In many sections Of Texas, where
rains fell two weeks ago and where
have continued since, the cot
ton plant has been stimulated to re-
newed growth and is setting forms.
With a late frost some of this late crop
will mature, as weevils are not num-
erous.
In the Mississippi Valley states,
where 40 rain Of consequence has fallen
In several weeks, moisture now would
afford but partial relief, as new plant
growth would not mature fruit.
Outside of sections in Georgia and
the { arolinas, where the crop is prom
Using, the best estimates for a yield are
o IS per cent. of a full crop, and
some are as low as % per cent.
TENNESSEE.
The cotton in this state has shed yerv
severely and hollis have been forced to
maturity by the hot, dry weather.. New
bales are being received about one
week earlier than last year, whereas,
until three weeks ago, the crop was be-
hind last year in advancement. The
yield is estimated at SO to rs per cent.
Of last years.
MISSISSIPPI.
Except on the moist lowlands the cot
ton has about reached maturity and
promises little more growth or fruitage.
There are sections. where no rain has
fallen in v to eight weeks. Upland
cotton everywhere has shed very bad
~. The yield will be short of earlier
anticipations. Cotton is beginning to
open rapidly. There is some DISPOSE
ton among farmers to hold for higher
prices.
TEXAS.
The outturn from the early picking is
light, being 10 to 200 pounds to
the acre., and in most sections it is es-
timated that 4 to 7 acres will be re-
quired to make a bale. Bolls are small
the lint of poor quality. Showers
during the week appear to have been
beneficial in sections and the plant has
begun to set new fruit. A late frost
will probably allow it to mature. The
hot weather seems to have efectually
killed off the boil weevil, as complaints
are few. Cotton is being marketed as
it is gathered.
ARKANSAS.
The yield Of cotton in Arkansas will
be very small. Except in
a few favored sections all growth has
ceased and the hollis are opening rap
idly, the plant having shed off all the
young fruit. The hot weather has pre-
vented general picking. With a dry
autumn the crop will be harvested ear
ly.
ALABAMA.
In many places the plant has shed
of it's leaves as we'll as a
and small hollis. Cotton is spening rap
idly. Rains would now be of small ben
eft. A great deal of cotton was sold
on contract for 10aa to II cents, and this
is being brought to market. Few cor
estimate the crop to ex-
coed 60 per cent. of normal.
LOUISIANA.
Weather was favorable during the
week and the cotton plant is in good
condition, and in sections where there
are no weevil promises q fair yield.
Weevils are still very active and have
destroyed so to 80 per cent. of the crop,
nothing but the old hollis being left to
the stalk.
OKLAF OMA.
Picking has just begun. The hollis
which have opened are small and poor
" developed. In the best sections it is
that four to FIVE acres will
produce q bale. Some rains fell during
week, and if frost is late the yield
will be increased.
GEORGIA.
The cotton plant continued during
;he week to shed throughout the state.
northern Georgia. where the nlant