Crop report for the month of July, 1892 [July 10, 1892]

CIRCULAR No. 3.

}

FouRTH SERIES.

CROP REPORT

FOR THE MONTH OF JULY, 1892.

RETURNED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE JULY 1,1892.
STATE OF GEORGIA, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,}
ATLANT-A, GA., JULY 10, 1892.

GENERAL REMARKS.
The weather for the growth of all crops has been propitious throughout nearly the entire State since the last crop report. At this time, however, cotton in many sections is in danger of being greatly injured by too much rain and by grass. Since the June rains crops have very much recuperated from the effect of the drouth, and cold, dry weather in the spring.
COT.TON.
The outlook for a large yield per acre of cotton is not satisfactory. In many sections good stands have not been secured and the crop is from ten to fifteen days late.
CORN.
The prospect for a good corn crop has materially increased since the last report. General rains throughout the State have greatly improved its condition. Many localities where the outlook has been blue now report that a fai_r crop will be made.
WHEAT .
The reports on the yield per acre of wheat are very gratifying. While a considerable portion of the crop remains unthreshed yet a sufficient quantity has already been threshed to form a fair estimate of the average yield. As shown by the tabulated statement
the yield averages nine bushels per acre. This is 3t bushels
more than the most recent ascurate statistics on this subject compiled by the United States government.
OATS.
In North Georgia the oat crop has been unusually good. In other sections of the State this crop suffered sev~rely from the drouth.
The following tabu-lated statement gives a comprehensive view of thecrop conditions and prospects in the State by sections.

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Consolidated Crop Report jo1 June-By Sectiuns.

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Yield Compared to!Arerage Yield per

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North Geo~gia... . .. .. . ........... ... 103 103~

9

I 17~ 87t 99t ,.... .. ... 95~ 95 95 ...... 85 75~ 96t

Mid'dle Georgia. ... .... ... ...... .. 96~

82X

9~

15~ 88 931 .... .. .. 99 90 93 86 100 60 95

1== ___: __ I Southwest Georgia.. .............. 98

68

East Georgia. ......... ......... ...... 9li

80

Southeast Georgia:.:.:..:.:.:.:.~~== _63

9

9~ 83 90 93

8

12 90 101 100

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76 91 92 75 80 78 94 96 94 96 82 99 87 98
100 ~ ~ ~ !!._ ~ ~

_ Average in State... ..... .. ...... 98~

80

9

13 86 96 95 94! 92t 94l 81 90 71 96

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a 0

~

JULY CROP REPORT-lS\!2.

3

NOTES FROM CORRESPONDENTS.

NORTH GEORGIA.
Banks.-The. late heavy rains have damaged crops twenty per cent., besides greatly injuring lowlands. Early peaches are rotting.
Bartow.-Plenty of rain recently. Crops growing rapidly and grass too. If rain continues great injury will result.
C:atoosa.-Too much rain in some sections of t his county. No plowing for two weeks. Clover and grasses good. Apples and grapes are rotting badly. Cotton is small and late. Wheat and oats fin e.
Chattooga. -The weather during June has been fav orabl e to all crops and they are looking well. Farmers are paying attention to clover and grasses. Wheat has been damaged in shock by continual wet weather. Cotton stand i mperfect. Upland corn looks well, but lowland corn drowned out.
Cherokee.-Crop cultivated well. Corn especially fine. Some section s sufferin~ from exces.;ive rains and high water.
Cobb.-The hail has injured cotton and corn in some sections of this county. .Are having too much rain.
Dade.-Prospects for good crops in this county fine. Wheat above an aver age but small acreage. Large acreage of oats and crop fin e.
Datcson.-Lowland cotton and corn are snff~ring fr-Gm too much rain. Should it continue much longer the result will be serious.
!floyd.-Cotton rather small but in good condition. Forsyth.- Excessive rains have damaged corn crops greatly in the creek and river bottoms, and land has been damaged by washing. Franktin.-Corn on bottoms damaged by freshet. ~~heat and oats better than usual. Upland corn fine. Too much rain for cotton . Gordon.-Corn and cotton in the grass on acaount of too much rain. Cotton acreage reduced fully twenty per cent. The best wheat and oat crop for years. Gtoinnett.- Upland corn fin e. Too much rain for bottom lands. Htlbersham.-All corn on bottolll6 bas been injured by the wet weather. Crop gene-rally looking well. Hall.-The prospects for a large corn crop were flattering, but on account of the overflowing of bottom lands a great deal of damage has been done. Haralson.-The recent h eavy rains have been very detrimental to crops, especially to cotton. Bart.- H eavy rainfall fo r the past fifteen days, almost every day. Lumpkin.-Wheat very irregular-some places good, others very poor. Oats good but acreage small. Very little cotton planted this year. Upland corn good. Mttrray.-Cotton small and in many instances no fertilizers having been used it will not do much. Paulding. - Prospect very good for corn crop. Also large acreage pla nted. l'icken.~.- Crops are generall y in good condition , with good stands, tho ugh
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4

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE-GEORGIA.

all erops are from ten to fifteen days late. Wheat and oats better than usual . A good crop of all kinds of fruit.
Rabun.-Farmers are getting badly in the grass on account of so much wet weather. Very little plowing done for ten days.
Union.- We have bad an unusual amount of rain this spri ng, and farmers are very much behind with their work on account of the wet weather.
Walker.-Cotton in very- poor condition. May was too cold ami dry to get a good stand.
White -Hea\'y rains have done great damage during the past week to crops along the creeks a-nd river. It has washed away considerable wheat and oat<o and done much damage to meadows. Upland crops looking well.
Whilfield.-Cotton late and poorly cultivated on account of too mnch rain in June. Corn, wheat and oats looking fine. Weeds and grass now very embarrassing.
MIDDLE GEORGIA.
Baldwin.-Corn small owing to so little rain in April and May, but has commenced to grow vigorously since the June rains. Crops clear as a general thing.
Bibb.-Have bad but one rain in three months until about the ~Oth, and since then have had plenty. Crops are impreving being clear, and nothing to prevent them growing. Heavy crops of peas and potatoes are being plantedmore peas than for years past, and they look well. If seasons remain good there will be an abundant supply of feed crops made.
Butts.-Until within th~ last few days crops have been retarded by dry weather. .Recent rains have been general over the county, and the condition is improving.
Campbell.-Crops generally in good condition; were well cultivated during the dry weather; since an abundance of rain are grow ing fin ely. The wheat has generally been threshed, the yield fine and quality excellent. Cotton prospect not so flattering; area at least twenty per ceut. off. Farm animalsare better cared for than for many years.
Ca1roll.-The general rains throughout the county have made the corn crop gain many points, but grass bas possession of much of the cotton and theplants are very. small but healthy. Have had several washing rains lately,. damaging corn and cotton.
Clarke.-Have bad copious showers since last report, which taken togeU1er with warm weather has caused crops to grow otf very rapidly. Spring oats are being harvested and will yield more than any of the tl.uee preceding years.
Olayton.-The recent rains have caused the ocops to improve rapidly. Com though small is doing very well, and the outlook is good. Although we have some grass, think it will be prevented from d0ing any material injury. Some sections, however, where the rain commenced early are .BOW badly in thegrass. .
Columbia.-Rain n early every day for two weeks. Corn fine. Cotton isgetting grasSf. Too much rain for cotton asd melons.
128

JULY CROP REPORT-1892.

5

Coweta. - We have been having copious showers for several weeks past and in some places washing rains. There are a good number of blooded colts in the county, of the trotting stock, as fine as Kentucky can poast of.
DeKalb.- Good season for corn; rather wet for cotton; ~rass growing fast. Douglas.-Since the last rains crops have greatly revived, and are looking fine where they have been properly cultivated. Elbert. - Corn prospect excellent. With plenty of rain tqrough July we will have an abundant supply for man and beast. A great deal of the oat land hus been planted in corn and peas and promises an abundant yield. The cotton crop may be reported as fairly good, some of it looking well, but a great many fields in the grass. Greene.- vVe have had excessive rains in our county for the past ten or twelve days, and very little work has been done in the crops since, in consequence of which they are getting grassy. There is a full pea crop planted, and the prospect is good. Cotton not fertilized is small, but is growing very fast and with late seasons will make a fair crop. Hancock.-Corn and cotton small but much improved by recent rains. The melon crop is poor, owing to the dry spring. HaT1'is.-The condition of crops has been very much improved by the reoont rains.. On account of the drouth in the spring cotton and corn both smallthe latter, however, promises well. Heard.-Owing to the long drouth in April and May cotton is small, but at this time is doing well. In the western part of the county crops are at least two weeks late. Henry. - Wheat nearly all threshed; crop good . Cotton growing finely, but in bad condition-excessive rains bring out the. grass rapidly. Corn doing
well. Jasper.-The ground at this report is wet deep. Corn suffered from cool
winds and dry weather, but has improved very much since we had rain. Jones .-Corn and cotton are smaller than an average, but are clean of grass,
and have a healthy appearance. We have n ow a good season and a considerable crop of late corn and peas has been planted. The farmers of Jones will harvest the largest corn crop since the war if the season continues favorable. Not much wheat or oats made in this county, and a very few melons and potatoes are raised for market.
Lincoln.-,Ve are having an abundance of rain. Land too wet to plow for days at a time, so that crops cannot be properly worked, which will cause the grass to get a start, and having it to work out in July, will cause material injury, especially to cotton. If the season continues through Jnly the corn crop will be very large. Many farmers are planting their stubble fields in peas, which promises to improve the land and to provide good food for hogs.
McDu,tJi.e.-Seasons through June very propitious for all crops. Yie1d of wheat anm oats better than anticipated. Cotton is somewhat late, but is look-
ing well. Monroe.- Crops irregular. Rains b een few and far between, and very par
'tial. This is the easiest crop cultivated in years. Corn has bad one or two extra workings and is being laid by, small but with good color and healthy
stalk. 129

6

DEP.ARTMENT OF .AGRICULTURE- GEORGIA.

Morgan.-During the past three weeks we have had abundant rains. The

last few days heavy washing rains, and in some parts of the county wind

blowing tbQ corn down badlo/. Should we have a good season from now to the

15th of July, this county will make more corn than it will use-a thing it

has not done since the war. Cotton is getting very grassy, and will be injured

some.

Ntwton.-On the 23d and 25th of June we bad very heavy washing rain,

also wind, damaging corn, cotton, fruit, etc.

Oconee.-Our corn and cotton are looking fine. Wheat the best in several

years. Fall oats good; spring oats not so good.

Oglethorpe.-Very little work bas been done on the farm since the 17th of

June. Owing to continued rain the crops are all very much in the grass. But

little damage done by wind and hail. Some grain damaged in the shock.

Farmers have economized, lived harder and bought less than for many years.

Pike.-Crops are a little late. Cool dry weather in May kept vegetation

back. Recent rains have caused it to take a new start. Some farmers are well

up with their work, while there is considerable grass in some sections, and a

heafy season of rain to contend with.

Rockda.le.-Corn is looking fine. Cotton is beginning to fruit very well, but

very small. In some localities crops have been damaged by excessive rains,

and grass is abundant.

Taliaferro. - For last few days have had fine rains. All crops looking well

since rain; small but will make fair crops if season continues.

Talbot.-Recent rains have greatly improved all crops, still the prospect is

below the average. Much of the cotton is too late to make a June crop. To-

bacco and potato plants were set out late, on account of dry weather. More

tobacco planted than for years.

Troup.-Corri and cotton have greatly improved since the last report, though

both are small, owing to the drouth in the spring. Oats seriously injured by

the spring drouth.



!:.pson.- Owing to dry weather up to June 15th corn is much smaller than

usual at this date, but where properly cultivated has good color, and with good

season will do well.

Walton. - The heavy rains for the last ten or twelve days have greatly inter-

fered with farm work, and in some localities heavy winds and some rain may

possibly reduce the average. Grass is also getting a strong hold and will injure

the crops before they can be cleaned out.

Wanen. - Crops have been cultivated with less labor up to date than for

years past. Owing to dry May grass seed did not come up. A part of the

county dry; a larger portion rain plentiful, in some lot:alities excessive. As a

rule crops are in a fine condition.



Wilkes.-Have had good seasons for ten days. Grass beginning to be trouble-

some. Condition favorable to fast growth of crops.

130

J LY CROP REPORT-1 892.

7

SOUTHWEST GEORGIA.
Butler.-Less rain fell here from April 1st to .Tune 20th than any year since 1875, hence crops are very backward. Plenty of rain now and the crop prospect is improving.
Berrien.- Clover and grass are receiving attention in Berri en county , also tobacco. A large crop of peas bas been planted. Fall crops were injured by the drouth . Plenty of rain now.
B1ooks.-All crops vary throughout the county. In portion of the county rain was more frequent and crops are unusually good. For want of rain in some localities they are poor. Early planted corn is very poor, as it was seriously injured by the ~outh .
Calhoun.-Spring oats on poor land almost a failure. Fall oats better than au average. Two weeks ago our section was very dry, bnt since that time hav., bad heavy and cons.,tant rains. The corn crop bas been well worked and is promising. If th' heavy rains continue, cotton on sandy land will be injured . It is small, but the wtled is healthy.
Chattahooche.-The crops have improved very much in th e last ten days. We are having fine rains at this time. Corn and cotton very poor-on hard, stiff lands too late to make a crop without a very late suitable fall. Fruit in abundance. Farmers are very well up with their work; labor plentiful and works well .
Clay.-Condition of crops generally good. Cotton late and small, espeCially where no fertilizers are used. Corn small but looking well. Owing to too mu ch rain there is danger of cotton being injured by the grass.
Colquitt.-We have had fine rains recently which have greatly improved the crop prospect generally and especially the corn crop which was fast failing when the rains set in. This crop is now assured with one or two more good showers.
Crawford .-We have had fine seasons for several days all over the county except a small area. Raining too much now for cotton and it is feared that grass will inj"ure the crop. Corn has improved and the prospect is flattering. The acreage in cotton is cut down 15 per cent. Peas and groundpeas fine.
Decatur.-Good seasons at this time; no rain to do any good until last week, consequently all crops have suffered.
Dooly.-Very few acres of wheat sown; all harvested and threshed; very fine yield; will be more sown next season. Mr. A. J. F.enn harvested thirty-four bushels off of two acres. Mr. Jasper Lewis sixty-seven bushels off of three acres and a half. Cotton very late though healthy, good stand and in fair condition; at least twenty days late caused from drouth. Corn, fair stand but very uneven and impossible to make a full crop. Sweet potatoes rather backward as the season was too dry for transplanting. Su~ar cane very late but plenty of time to make a good crop. The stand is good. The melon crop though not so much planted is ripening earlier; not quite so large as usual but fine flavor. Peaches plenty and healthy but rather small. Late varieties may yet develop. Apples an off year, with many of the trees about half crop. Grapes while few are grown, are doing well and quite a number of vines are ueing set out.
131

8

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE-GEORGIA.

E arly ..-Corn bas improYed rapidly since the rain. Up to the 1st of June it looked as though impossible for it to make more than half crop, but if seasons hold out there will be no need to ship co rn to Early. Cotton late and imperfect stand. Cane stand good and in fine condition. A large acreage planted in potatoes.
Houston.-Tbe early drouth bas been broken and with favorable seasons from now on the co rn, though injured by the long drouth, will produce a large crop. Cotton will be late but is improving and tbou!J:h small is clean of grass. and weeds Experiments in tobacco where set out in time are looking well.
J..ee.-Cotton generally clean and looks healthy though later than last year. Some localities have suffered for rain but have recentl:f had rains. Corn is not so good as last year but larger acreage planted and the yield will be as great. More field peas planted than for a long time.
Macon.-Cotton generally damaged by lice, late planted by drouth. Corn also injured by drouth. Are having rain now but the 1!howers have been partial.
Marion.-Crops generally very backward caused by the drouth. The fine rains of the past ten days have had a fine effect and their condition is improving.
Miller.-HaYe been very dry until 11th instant, plenty of rain since then
and crops growing rapidly. Mitch~ll.-Rain general for past few days just in time to make fair corn crop.
Cotton s mall and later than usual. Quitman.-Corn has been greatly injured for the want of rain. Good rains
have fallen the past week improving the condition of all crops. Cotton is from fifteen to twenty days late. The peach crop is about 75 per cent. of a full crop. The fruit is exceedingly fine.
Randolph.-Suffered witb dry weather but are now having too much rain for cotton and crops getting very grassy. If rain continues two weeks cotton will be materially damaged. Rice when planted on bottom land does finely in our section and upland rice might also do well.
Stewart.-Crops have suffered for want of rain but condition very much improved by recent showers, and in some sections crops are looking well.
Sumter.-Fine season over entire county. Cotton growing rapidly. Melons, <>rdinary and cheap. All side crops such as peas, sugar cane, groundpeas, :aweet potatoes, are doing well.
Terrell. - Rains have been general throughout this section during the past -week, thereby increasing the prospects of all crops. Corn, peas, potatoes, and small grain have been planted in lieu of cotton in many places. In some localities the corn and cotton will not recover from the effect of the drouth.
Thoma3.-In this co unty rains have been partial, some sections having plenty and others comparatively none.
Webster. - Forty days drouth broken by general rain on the 25th of June .Forward corn injured, cotton poor stand, small and unpromising.
Worth -Plenty of rain at this time though the drouth up :o the 13th injured crops. Condition rapidly improving. Very little tobacco set out on account of drouth.
132

JULY CROP REPORT-1892.

9

EAST GEORGIA..
Bulloch.-Season for June good. Bu1ke.-If the wet weather continues many days longer the cotton crop will be greatly damaged. Dodge.-Crops in excellent condition generally and seMons good. Elmanuel.-Since the spring drouth the season has been propitious; in some lo:alities excessive rains. Taken altogether crops are in good condition and -doing well. J~ttrerson.-Crops of every kind have been greatly benefited by June rains. <Jotton in some localities is backward, though generally in good condition. All .crops, as a rule, are free of grass and well cultivated. Johnson.-Corn was never better. Crops generally clean. Sugar cane, short .crop, poor stand. L aurens.-Corn crop flattering. Cotton healthy and vigorous, suffering some from grass. All crops are looking well, and farmers are working harder than ever. Jfontgomery.-Corn, a large crop and very promising. More rleld peas being planted than for several years. The unusually small acreage in cotton is improving. Crops nf all kinds looking well. Pulaski.-Too much rain for cotton, and grass is growing rapidly, which will injure the crop unless we have sunshine soon. Considerable acreage planted in peas and groundpeas, and promise a large yield; upon these crops we rely for fattening pork. Richinond.-Cotton bas come out wonderfully in the last three weeks. So will corn, but corn will tassel very low. TatnaU.-Cotton is remarkably small for the season. It shows the effect of -cold, dry spring and light fertilizing. Teifaw.- Seasons rather wet ; rain every day for the past ten days; land too wet to work, and cotton in the grass. Corn is about laid by and is looking fine. Twiggs.-Abundant rains this month-now almost excessive. Washington.- Fine seasons. Rains general in the county. More field peas planted than usual. In some localities too much rain.
SOUTHEAST GEORGIA.
Bryan.-The prospect now is good. A heavy rainfall came just as corn was shooting, and the season continues propitious.
Camden.-The weather here has been exceedingly dry this summer and has injured the grape crop but has not affected corn, rice and sweet potatoes where properly cultivated. Recent rains seem to be general and outlook more favorable.
Charlton.-June rains caused a marked improvement in corn, and if seasons .continue favorable will be above an average. The drouth in April and May. .caused the cotton stand to be very poor, though the plants are looking well.
Chatham.-Trucking season has closed leaving truckers far from satisfied with general results. About one-half of the potatoe crop was disposed of at $1.25 to $2.75 per barrel in the Eastern market. After deducting freigh t
133

10

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE-GEORGIA.

wharfage charges and commission very little was left to pay for seed, rent,

fertilizer, cultivation, etc. Having heavy rains daily. Corn cr<tp very line.

Clinch. -The long drouth in this section was ended with good rains June 1st,

aud all crops are improving. Corn planted late will make an average crop.

Coffee.-Pienty of rain since June 20th. Crops are doing well. Corn has

been cut off some by drouth but will make an average crop.

ll!ffingham.-Early planted corn suffered mtich for want of rain, but the rain

came in time to prevent serious falling off in crop prospects. Sweet potatoes

promising, and a large acreage planted.

Glynn.-We are having plenty of rain and a good season for crops generally.

Liberty.-The recent rains came just in time to save crops of all kinds ex-

cept oats which were very much injured.



Mclntosh.-We a;:e having fine sho~ers now, and corn, cane and upland rice

are looking well.



Pierce.-Tbe recent rains have very much improved the condition of all

crops. Early corn is cut off some by the drouth but late corn is fine and there

will be a large yield. Potatoes and sugar cane were never better. Early mel-

ons cut off by the long drouth.

MONTHLY TALK WITH FARMERS.
Since the last report appeared the busy month of June has passed, and in most sections of the State seasonable rains have fallen at such convenient intervals that the cultivation of the crops has been carried on with great success, and as a rule they are in most satisfactory condition. Where the lands are naturally good, or havebeen made so by renovating crops and the application of suitablefertilizers, and where to this condition is added a deep and thorough preparation, and skillful and rapid cultivation, the promise of an abundant yield cheers the struggling toiler.
CORN AND SMALL GRAIN.
The price of cotton, as a rule so far below the cost of production. has hampered and deprE'ssed the agricultural interests to such a degree that, in many instances, a Herculean effort has been required in order to exercise the courage and energy so necer;sary to success. But, notwithstanding the discouragement!'! and disappointments which this depressed condition of the cotton market entails, the farmers have, in most sections, forged ahead, and to-day, except in portions of Southern and Eastern Georgia, they are rewarded by fair small grain crops and exceptionally promising corn crops. In
134

JULY CROP REPORT-1892.

11

these excepted sections the long drouth has materially reduced the yield, the rains coming too late to save these crops-; but in the greater portion of the State an abundant food supply is almost assured. And for this assurance we are indebted in a measure to the condition of the cotton market.

THE LOW PRICE OF COTTON
has undoubtedly caused some changes in our farm management, causing us to pay more attention to grain and forage crops. In the course of a few years, if we persevere in the line already inaugurated, instead of a few self-sustaining farms scattered here and there, we will see them in every neighborhood, and their influence will be felt over the whole State.
COTTON.
The plants are small for the season, the result, doubtless of a very dry and cold spring. Another cause of the backward condi~ tion of this crop was the fact that many croppers were unable to secure the fertilizers which they would otherwise have used. The e facts, coupled with the lessened acreage; will render it impossible for usto make the large crop of last year, and a sensible reduction of that crop may be expected in the fall. As a rule, however, the stalk of the cotton is at present good, and with favorable seasons during the maturing period, we may realize a fair yield for the amount planted.
IMPROVING THE FARMS.
In the largest portion of the State the crops are beyond the help of the plow and the hoe, and the work on this line whioeh has not been accomplished must be left undone. But we will now have a little leisure, in which to put our farms in order. Nothing speaks in louder tones of the thrift and prosperity of a cou.ntry than the neat and well kept farm. Unfortunately many of our farms have been sadly neglected since the war, often from inability to secure the labor uecessary to keep them up; or, iflabor was abundant, lack of funds so handicapped the farmer that he could not work to advantage. The result is that on many farms the buildings are falling into decay, and the fences-and division lines are overrun with briar:; and bushes, detracting much from otherwise attractive homes. If we expect to keep our children at home and away from the demoralizing and enervating influences of the city, we must determine to
135

12

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE-GEORGIA.

make some needed changes and improvements. A paling nailed on here and there, a coat of whitewash applied to out-buildings and fences, a few hours or perhaps days devoted to necessary repairs, do not cost much, and add one hundred per cent. to the value of each farm.
BUILD! ' G UP THE LANDS.
Another matter which should engage our serious attention is the building up and permanent improvement of our lands. Under the ruinous tenant system much land originally good bas become so depleted and exhausted of all vegetable matter as to render its cultivation exceedingly ha.zardous and unsatisfactory. Under this system the plan bas been to apply highly concentrated fertilizers in the drill, and of course the crop must be kept free of all vegetable growth. The same land bas been planted continuously in the same
crop, and is it any wonder that after a few years the soil is exhausted and peculiarly liable to suffer from drouth or any extremes in weather conditions. It has required perhaps seventy years to eliminate the food properties from our soil, but we have exhausted it, and while this is a most discouraging proposition, we must face it, and bring every means at our command to meet and overcome it. By perseverance and energy I believe this can be done, and we should do it ourselves, and not permit strangers to absorb the inheritance for which our energetic and fearless forefathers struggled. Our farm s are our banks, and we should manage our deposits in such a way as to meet some unexpected demands, for it is in farming, perhaps, more than any other.business, that the unexpected is always happening. Notice, for instance, that op the 3,346,320 acres planted in cotton in 18~1 , we raised the usual average of about a bale to three acres, but at what fearful loss;; to the producers. After a year's toil and a heavy outlay of money, the price lacked several thousand dollars of paying the expenses of the crop. And those who depended on this crop alone were in most cases left with only the bare fields to remind them of their fatal mistake.
Until we have a greater diversity and a rotation of crops, better preparation and more thorough cultivation there will be little improvement. Now that the crops are about " laid by" let me . urge upon you to begin, if only on a small scale, to supply the loss which has been going on for so many years. I understand the grave difficulties of the situation . I realize that in many cases it is with the utmost difficulty that the seed for renovating crops and
136



JULY CROP REPORT-1892.

13

the neeessary fertilizer can be secured. But if you can begin with only five acres, sP-t to work at once. Broadcast 100 to 150 pounds of acid phosphate to the acre, sow and turn under one bushel of peas. If you have an abundance of forage turn this en ti.re crop under in the fall. If, however, you are compelled to save for stock feed, cut it and then iurn under the stubble. Make another application of phosphate in September and then sow rye, one bushel to the acre. If the spring proves favorable you will get two cultings of forage for stock and mules. In May put this land in either corn or cotton and you will be surprised at the result of one season's efforts in restoring fertility to your exhausted soil. A few years devoted to work on this line will compensate you for what may now appear a very unnecessary waste of time, labor and money. The land will increase in value and you will be encouraged by vastly superior and remunerative crops. I trust you will eonsider these suggestions and act upon them. We have an incomparable climate and can raise within the borders of our own .State every thing necessary to support man and bea~t. Let us utilize these blessings and build up our homes and our country.
R. T. NESBITT, Commissioner of Agriculture.

In the June report I particularly called attention to the impor-

tance of sowing peas, but by a typographical oversight it was

omitted.

R . T. N.

137

H

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE- GEORGIA.

TOBACCO IN THE WIREGRASS SECTION.
On the 2d of July, through the courtesy of General Manager Lane, of the Georgia Southern and Florida Railroad, a large number of farmers from the counties of Bibb, Houston, Dooly and Irwin were given a pleasant trip and an interesting and advantageous object lesson in the cultivation of tobacco. The experiments in tobacco culture that are being made and conducted at Cycloneta by the Railroad Company and at Tifton by Colonel H . H . Tift are of so extensive a character that a thorough and efficient test . will be made as to the adaptability of soil to type. And by the enterprise of the company and of Colonel Ti.ft the question whether in the wiregrass section of Georgia tobacc~ can be profitably and successfully grown will be answered. That the soil is well adapted to tobacco is answered by a look at the vigorous growth and healthy appearance .of the plants that cover sixty-five acres. To this also is added the testimony of the experts who have charge. of the work Upon the quality of the tobacco largely depends the profit, and the conclusive answer as to what this will be can only be given after the crop has been cured. On this point, however, those familiar . with the plant agree that there is every evidence that it will equal the best types of Virginia and North Carolina.
AT CYCLONETA.
At Clycloneta nine acres have been planted embracing the following varieties: H~ster, Long Leaf Gouch and Havana. Natwithstanding the drouth in the spring, which retarded and rendered setting out the plants difficult the crop is all that could be asked from the tobacco lands of Virginia and North Carolina. Through the fields the visitors were accompanied by Ir. Fletcher Paschal, who has charge of the work. Mr. Paschal kindly answered all questions as to preparation of seed beds, transplanting, cultivation, topping, suckering, worming, etc., practically demonstrating how a greater part of this labor was performed, and the color, a pale gr.een, at which the leaves ll},ust be gathered was shown-as much of the tobacco was then ready for the harn. It is not, however, the pur pose in this report to go into details as to methods of cultivation and cure, as in the publications of the department we have on several occasi-ons called attention to this.
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JULY CROP REPORT-1892.

15

AT TU".rON.
Here more than .fifty acres have been planted, the same varieties being used as at Cycloneta. From ten acres of this, in the opinion of those in a position to know, 1,500 pounds per acre will be gathered. On this field 450 pounds per acre of standard fertilizer was used. From many of the plants.from twenty-five to thirty leaves will be cured, which is more than double an ordinary crop. On the entire acreage the crop is far above the average; indeed, this can be said of the Spanish variety, for this type of tobacco will make almost as fine a yield in proportion to the usual crop as the ten acres mentioned. Over the crop a continuous war has been waged again~t the horn and bud worms, as nothing was done early in the season by planting Jamestown (.Timpson) weed and using this to destroy the moths, and thus prevent the rapid increase of the worms. But few of the plants, however, have suffered any material i~ury. The experts employed by Colonel Tift to superintend the work here also answered all questions, and gave our farmers the benefit of their experience in the fields of the large tobacco growing States.
BARNS.
The tobacco grown at Cycloneta, and at Tifton, will be cured by the Snow process, a description of which was given in the October report of tlhe department. Five improved barns have been erected at Tifton and one at Cycloneta, as it requires a barn to about every ten acres.
OTHER CROPS.
A description of the growth and cultivation of other crops at Cydoneta, and of the farming operations of Mr. W. T. Tift at Tifton, would be profitable and not uninteresting, but is beyond the limits of this report. It is sufficient to say that the great capacity of the land of this section for fruits aBd aea'rly all the crops is abundantly shown, and for those interested in the development of agriculture in Georgia a da.y spent at Cycloneta and Tifton will be both pleasant and profitable.
After the tobacco has been gathered and cured, we will give the results of these extensive experiments with benefit, we trust, to those who will be aided by showing the capacity and adaptability of Georgia soil to the cultivation of this plant.
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