Paragould soliphone., 1921-08-05
GREENE LEADS THE STATE IN
 CROP REPORT
United States Department of Agriculture Issues Favorable Report on Cot ton Condition.

The cOnQltIOn Ol lHe CottOii CioP in Arkansas on July 25 showed but little change from that of June 25. The condition of 76 is some two points, below the ten year average for this date, and forecasts a yield of 17S.6 pounds of lint per acre and total production of 7g5,5O0 bales. That is, the final outcome will be larger or smaller than this amount, according as conditions hereafter are better or worse than average conditions.
 Commenting on the crop, the Stat istician was impressed by the facts that in most localities North of the Arkansas river the sentiment pre- vailed that cotton had improved during the past month, but the figures submitted by correspondents were slightly lower, and from the Southern part of the state very much lower. It also is quite apparent that the reports are much influenced by the presence of boil weevil, and by the possibility of the harm that the insect might do This is the case in some of the newly infected counties. and where the infestation is not heavy. There are places in the Central and Southeast part of the state where it is reported that the boil weevil is getting the fruit just as fast as it appears.
 The most remarkable development and one that does not seem to have been given the attention that it warrants is the increased area of infestation. The weevils are present and working in both St. Francis and Cross counties, in Crittenden and Mississippi, also in Independence and Lawrence; and in the Western part of the state in Pope and Scott counties The damage done in these last named counties is thus far slight, but undoubtedly the pres ence of the weevil is threatening and may later result in considerable loss. Of the seventy counties in the state which grow cotton, fifty-five are now more or less affected by the presence of boil weevil. IG the sections of the state which have been under the boil weevil condi- tions for a number of years, there is hardly a report but what men tions the presence or the injury done by the insect.
 Outside of boil weevil injury, there is very little complaint Many reports from various sections of the in years. The reports from Desha and Chicot are better than for several years past. From the Ark ansas river valley west of Little Rock, reports are extremely favor able. though there are a few re- ports from Sebastian and Crawford counties of too much rain. There are similar complaints from Miller, Lafayette, and Hampstead counties in Southwest Arkansas, though the correspondents speak of the fine growth of the plant in these last named districts. Conditions are un- questionably much spotted, differ ent sections in the same counties being unusually fine or below aver age. There are isolated complaints of poor fruiting, but in the counties visited by the Statistician during the past month il was his Observa- tion that in general the plants were well fruited, with cOmpara- lively little shedding.
 The reports from Greene county are the most optimistic, with Clay, Poinsett and Cross closely following It will be noted that Greene county with a condition figure of 96 is leading this state. The lowest re- ports are from Saline and Ouachita counties.
 Percentage of the condition of cotton by counties in Northeast Ark ansas, June 25 and July 25:
 County Condition Condition