Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1922-05-27
31.472 600 10s 81. OO3 900 65.

During the four weeks since our April re-
port, continuous and heavy to excessive
rains, prolonged cloudiness, light frosts,
hail and unseasonably cool weather checked
termination and the growth of cotton, and
has seriously interfered with planting and
cultivation. Farming operations generally
are from two to three weeks late. Much
cultivation, planting and replanting remains
to be done.
Considerable areas under water in Ar
kansas, Louisiana and Mississippi from
back water and breaks in the levees. More
than 1000 square miles of land are inun-
dated along the Mississippi river. Disastrous
floods have occurred in Texas, mainly those
sections through which the Brazos and Trim
ity rivers flow.
Never in the history of this bureau has
there been such universal boil weevil com
plants. Numerous correspondents say the
weevil at this early date destroying
the young plant and some farmers, particu-
larly in Georgia, are blowing up their fields,
planting corn, peas, etc.
The United States farm service bureau is
sponsor for the statement that "weevil do
no damage until squares are formed and
eggs deposited in the squares" We tele-
graphed to Mr.. w. D. Hunter, the govern
ment entomologist, for his opinion and quote
his reply:
ENTIRELY possible that few boil weevil
are feeding on cotton leaves at this time. !"
There is no doubt whatever that the
southern farmer continues to give earnest
thought to the cotton situation and that
the economic urge to plant is very great
He will undoubtedly plant cotton to every
acre of land he with Justification posi-
bly, can.
The situation has changed radically since
our April report. While labor is abundant
and cheap, and farm animals are plentl-
full, the season is now late, fields are gras-
sy, weevils are numerous, and much work
remains to be done.
The indications now are that there will
be an increased area planted to cotton of
per cent over that picked last year.
Weather conditions during the next few
weeks will decide.
The United States department of agricul-
ture has this year increased the May par
yield per acre some IA lbs, viz: to 1911,
and on this basis the indicated yield for
this season as shown in this report is 49,
100000 bales (linters excluded. This in
Dictated yield is, of course, predicated upon
normal weather henceforth and the planting
of the estimated 8 per cent increased area.
1t is interesting to note that if the ba-
sis had been 237.7 pounds last May 1921)
the then indicated yield would have been
100000 900 bales whereas, the final outturn
was 1852, 600 bales. difference of p
34S,00 bales Theoretically this loss of p
34S 900 bales occasiOned by subsequent
more unfavorable weather and greater Wee
vii damage than allowed for.
We call especial attention to the govern
ment change in the par yield per acre ba-
| sis, because it will affect the indicated
| yield and the comparisons throughout the
| year.
AS an example. Expressed in the terms
| of last years basis, the indicated yield
for this report would be 10,350,0O0 bales
| instead of the 10,9990,000 bales calculated
| on the 237.7 basis.
| In view of this change we are obliged tc
reduce our estimate of the indicated croT
based on a condition of IS, and contem
plated increase in acreage of per cent
| from 0,990,0 900, to 10,243, 900 bales.
The present cotton year has now progress
| ed to point where it can be stated with
| reasonable degree of certainty that the
| carryover of American cotton, July 81, 1922
| Tall kinds, all sOurces) will be around s.,
| 900 bales. OF this quantity, mill stocks
| and en- route to mills requires 1900 0OC
| bales, leaving $4,000 bales to supply tho
| mills of the world using American cottor
! during the coming August and September
| prior to a free movement of the new crop
This situation, we think, justifies ou
calling attention to the fact that this .,
| $4,000 bales Includes. The farm reserves
linters, etc. In fact, every bale of Ameri
can cotton of every kind, everywhere, eX
cepting only that actually in, and en- route
to the mills.
The reserves of raw cotton have gradually
been reduced until the supply is on thu
| verge of exhaustion.
The only prospect for relief lies in per
| feet growing weather throughout the com
ing season and minimum of insect dam