The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1919-09-20
Worms Causing Serious DAM
age, Especially in Texas
Oklahoma Holds Own
GENERAL AND SOMETIMES
SEVERE DETERIORATION
Weather Generally Favorable
Except in Louisiana and At
lantics-Poor Fruiting.


lanticS-Poor Fruiting.
Reports by correspondents Of The
Commercial Appeal indicate that the
cotton crop has deteriorated generally
and in some States rather severely.
The exception is Oklahoma, and, to
a modified degree, Tennessee.
Change in condition varied from
a deterioration of about S points in
Alabama to u gain of l or points
in Oklahoma. Deterioration gener-
ally was rather more pronounced in
the eastern and central belt than in
the west
Weather conditions on the whole
were more favorable :i1an other
wise, but depreciation was due to
such Independent causes as late
ness, worm and weevil damage, and
the insecure position Of the plant
brought about by early vicissitudes.
Some Of these causes were aggra-
waited by light to moderate rains
| which ordinarily would have been
beneficial, and were actually needed
for crops other than cotton.
This report covers the period
from August 20, on which date we
showed percentage condition OF
62.6, UP to and including Sept. 10.
1t is based on correspondence COW
ering in detail 732 counties en-
braced in the 10 principal cotton
producing States.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS aver
aged about seasonal normal. except
low in Texas. Arkansas and Oklaho-
ma, during the first week Of period;
night temperatures below seasonal
normal in Tennessee during second
week, and mostly about normal, eX-
|. cept for slight deficiency in Eastern
Texas, third week.
Ra:nfulI-Mostly scattered and
moderate to light Throughout; the Pc
Rod, but regarded as detrimental low
icr half Of Georgia, and westward
along the gulf coast, including Texas.
Atlantics needed rain, but local COM
plants too much moisture.
General Weather Condition-Unfa-
vorable in Atlantic states and Louis
lana, and generally favorable else
where, except localities
Appearance Of the cPlant-Gcncrally
healthy looking and frequently luxu-
riaat. Surprisingly few complaints
premature opening and top blooms
bat plant is exposed on account OF
lateness to,suden deterioration.
Eruitage-The following figures in
dicate the condition as to fruitagc by
county units: Bottom crop, good 257,
fair 241, poor 25e. Middle crop, good
1856, fair, 21S. poor $50. Top crop,
good 80, fair SIS, poor 361. chance for
top crop, but undeveloped 139. Good
bottom middle and top crops 4S. Fair
to good bottom. middle and top crops
|122. Fair middle and bottom crops
365. Fair crop on two or more parts
of the plant $40. Fair crop on only
one part OF the plant 222. Bottom
crop only ITO. Middle crop only 3S.
Top crop only Ia. No prospect bet
ter than poor on any portion of the
pant, 167 Well fruited 12S, fair
1919, DOOR, ATS.
Insects. Etc.-Roll weevil depreda-
tions were extended and did serious
damage in areas which before mad
been only slightly affected. Army
worm, leaf worm, or cotton caterpil-
lar, was widely prevalent, but most
serious damage questioned by those
who claim destruction Of foliage is
beneficial on account of latencss Of
the crop.
General Conmcnt-ASide from the
boil wcevil activity the date of kill
ing frost is the most important thing
in connection with the crop prospect.
At least so per cent of the crop now
seems to be reasonably safe, but the
remainder is handicapped by lateness.
A Light frost might be an advant
age.
The following QUESTIONABLE sent
out to correspondents elected the an
swers set opposite the inquiries:
Was the weather during the last
80 days generally favorable or unfa
vorable?
Favorable 474. unfavorable $50.
If boil weevil has appeared in your
county is damage little or great
Great 237, serious or considerable
67. little 14S.
Compared with last year. is the
prospect better. about the same or
poorer?
Better 1G7. about the same 12S.
and poorer 459.
Has picking become general in your
county?
Yes 276, no AS.
Chief complaints"
Rains 169. too cool 112. deficient
sunshine 55, too dry So. too hot. %,
weevil 256. worms 179. lateness 103
lack of cultivation 1873. grassy 81. rust
32. red spider IL boil rot 81, root rot
90, poor stands 81. rank growth AS.
plant too small ST.
Budapest. Sept 17.-T,:, Ruman-
ian army has begun to withdrew and
the retirement is expected to be COM