The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1914-06-05
COTTON CONDITION
POOREST IN YEARS
Department of Agriculture Places Fig
ures May % at 74.S-BelOW That
Level i'm South Carolina.

Washington, June 1.-THE condi-
ton of the cotton crop of the coun-
try is the lowest since 1871 with ex-
ception cf 1903 and 1907, the depart
ment of agriculture announced today. |
1t issues statistics showing the condi-
rion on May % as 74.3 per cent. of a
normal, or Z per cent. below the ten
year average.
The low condition of the crop, is
was said, was due largely to excessive
rain and exceptionally cool nights
in central and northern Texas,
eastern and southern Oklahoma
and southwestern Arkansas, which
brought the condition percentage in
those States down to IS, SO and 73,
respectively. In Texas many farmers
were obliged to replant several times.
No estimate OF the acreage plant
ed to cotton will me made by the de-
partment until July l. Unofficial es-
Inmates of the acreage have placd it
from 3.5 per cent. decrease to l per
cent increase.
Review by States.
In de,ailed review Of the con-
ditions in the cotton States the de-
partment makes favorable report on
the progress of the crop in the heavy
producing sections of Mississippi and
par~s OF Louisiana, Oklahoma, Geor
gia, Arkansas and Alabama. In
Texas, says the statement, cotton is
making one OF the poorest starts wit
messed in many years.
The Mississippi crop is probably ten
or II days late and there is some
complaint of weevils, but taking the
Sta as a w13Ie," the department
says, conditions are excellent"
In parts Of Oklahoma, the depart
ment says, the crop will average IS
much as lhi ee weeks late, w.l.3 too
.n.lch rain in low",. sections Pas pre-
vented cultivation In semi-arid re-
gions, however, the crop is declared
10 be in excellent condition.
While the crop is declared to be ten
days to two weeks late in Alabama,
seneral conditions of cultivation are
regarded as eXcellent. Cool weather
has retarded growth somewhat and
weevils are resulting in c1e south
western portions Of the State.
Texas Not Very Good.
By far the most promising condi-
tions 10 be found in Texas are in the
northwest where rains have given
the bes.. asset of moisture in six or
eight years" In the greater part OF
the State, however, excessive rainfall
has retarded planting and cool wealth
er has caused poor termination.
Much replanting has been necessary.
Rains have ceased in the other parts
of the State and great activity is re-
ported. Sunshine for a week or ten
days the crops can be we'll cleaned"
The early planted cotton in Geor-
I gia, consisting of probably so per
cent. of the total acreage, is report
ed in good condition. "a small por-'
ton of the crop is not up and will not
come up until it rains" adds the re-
port. The Georgia crop is estimated
to be about week late.
In North Carolina the crop is about
two weeks late, due to dry, cool
weather. The early planted cotton,
however, is reported as in almost per-
feet condition"
Backward in This State.
Dry weather is held responsible for
the backwardness nf the crop in
South Carolina, where "probably 20
per cent" is reported as not up to
stand. Dry winds have necessitated
much replanting, and rain is needed
to germinate the late planted seed.
"The cotton standing is in almost
perfect condition" says he report.
Louisiana conditions are declared
to be "too wet or 100 dry, but gener-
ally the crop is satisfactory" Some
late planted seed is not up and the
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