The Evening Bulletin

KENTUCKY CROPS.

Too Much Rain in Some Sections—Weekly Bulletin of the Weather Bureau on the Outlook.
[For Week Ending July 26.]

Too much rain is the cause for complaint among farmers in certain parts of the State, as the result of the general conditions of the past week. This complaint comes chiefly from correspondents in the Central and Eastern sections. The average amount of rainfall for the State for the week was 1.44 inches, which is largely in excess of the normal. At the following points the actual amount reported exceeded two inches: Bardstown, Bowling Green, Earlington, Eubanks, Maysville and Shelbyville. In certain localities excessive rains have interfered with farm work, delayed threshing and haying, and caused weed growth that is very embarrassing to the farmer. Showers occurred generally over the State on the 19th and 20th, and again on the 24th and 25th. During the intervening days warm, sunshiny weather prevailed. Friday was the only day with excessive heat, the temperature on the other days being practically equal to the normal. Sunshine is now needed in nearly all parts of the State, and warm weather would not be detrimental; but if a period of drouth should now set in it would seriously damage the corn and tobacco crops in many parts of the State.

In last week's bulletin it was stated that in the counties west of Crittenden and Trigg excessive moisture was the source of complaint, while drouth existed in the district bounded on the north by Meade, Breckinridge and Hancock counties and on the south by Franklin, Allen and Barren. In this latter section showers have occurred very generally, Hancock and adjoining counties being the only locality where drouth was not amply relieved. Rain has also fallen in those extreme northern counties that had been dry for nearly six weeks previous. Generally speaking, precipitation has been well distributed throughout the State in the past seven days.

Western Section.—All reports concerning the wheat crop are favorable both as to quality and yield. Except where too frequent rains have interfered wheat threshing is about completed. The threshing of oats is well under way. The straw is very short, but the head is well filled. Corn has revived wonderfully in the drouthy district since the recent rains. Generally speaking, however, the crop is uneven, and will not average more than three-fourths the usual yield. More rain is needed on the hill top. In certain low lands where rain has been heavy and the temperature seasonable, or warmer, both corn and tobacco have become foul, and a spell of dry weather would seriously damage them, says a correspondent in Marshall County. Out of about 150 reports it is an exceptional thing to find one that says "tobacco is good," or words of similar import. "Tobacco is no good" is a more frequent remark. In Hancock County "it is running to bloom and spreading, a condition from which it seldom recovers. Worms have become numerous, though owing to the plants being unusually small they are easily caught. The extent of damage by worms is not so great as that due to unusual climatic conditions. The general growth is irregular and indifferent. No topping has been done yet. Hay is nearly all cut. Pastures are splendid. Irish potatoes are very poor.

Central Section.—Rains have been heavy throughout this section generally. In certain counties serious damage is resulting from frequent and soaking rains. There are also localities in scattered parts where only showers have occurred for several weeks, and a soaking rain would improve crops generally. Where rain has been exceptionally heavy there is complaint of wheat sprouting in the shock. Threshing is progressing as rapidly as the weather will permit. Oats are being cut with generally satisfactory results. Corn is growing nicely and is an excellent crop, as a rule. It is somewhat uneven in growth. Though four weeks behind in planting, it is now near its seasonal stage in some districts. Plowing is about all done. The chinch bug is disappearing. From the southern counties come reports that tobacco is frenching, and worms are numerous and hard to combat. The general crop is uneven and poor. The plants are very small. There is a good crop of timothy hay, which is being harvested. The second crop of clover is excellent. Hemp is looking well. Sorghum is a small crop. Pastures are fine. Irish potatoes are a poor crop. Blackberries are more plentiful than for years past.

Eastern Section.—In this section also rainfall has been excessive generally. In northern counties crops have revived, and for the first time in a month or more the reports are encouraging in tone. In some counties where local rains have been exceptionally heavy corn looks well, but the weeds are thick and farmers are unable to control them. Reports concerning the corn crop are favorable as a rule. Tobacco is improved and is generally better in this than in the other sections, though still not up to the average crop. Wheat threshing is progressing rapidly as the weather permits. It is a good crop. The same may be said of oats, though the straw is short. Pastures are in fine condition. Berries are abundant. Gardens have been backward, and are now greatly improved. Irish potatoes are only fair. Cabbage worms are very destructive. There is a small supply of seasonable fruits.

G. J. O'Connor, Observer, Louisville.