• IOWA WEATHER AND CROP REPORT 613 



Horses and men were able to perform a maximum of work under the 

 prevailing dry, cool conditions. At least half the preparation for corn 

 planting- has been done. Planting was begun on dry, rolling uplands in 

 many localities about the 28th and 29th, Pocahontas County being the most 

 northerly county reporting this. The soil is yet too cold to make general 

 planting advisable. 



Oats seeding is practically completed in all but the extreme northern 

 counties and some wet lowlands elsewhere. In the central and northern 

 districts about one-third of the seed lay ungerminated in the dry soil, but 

 in the localities covered by the showers of May 1-2, these oats will come 

 up quickly. Where the moisture is sufficient, the oats are up to a good 

 stand and look green and fine. In some localities in the southern counties 

 there is complaint of too much moisture on lowlands. 



Winter wheat, rye and grasses made slow growth. Hay, pastures and 

 spring wheat need more rain in the northern and central counties. 



Commercial onion and potato planting is about finished under favorable 

 weather and soil conditions. 



Frosts occurred on several mornings. On the 29th, temperatures slightly 

 below freezing occurred as far south as the south line of the State. 

 Strawberry blossoms were damaged considerably in the south, but were 

 not far enough advanced for damage elsewhere. Plums, peaches and 

 cherries were in full bloom this week in the central counties, but not yet 

 open in the north. Apples are about to open. The frosts and freezes 

 are not believed to have damaged tree fruits appreciably. Spraying has 

 been active. 



The recent dry weather has been more favorable for young pigs and 

 chickens. 



Roads were better than usual during the last week of April. 



Bulletin No. 5, May 9, 1922 — 



Warm, mostly dry and sunny weather was favorable for field work, 

 growth of small grains- and grasses and the development and fertilization 

 of fruit blossoms, except in the northwest district where the drouth was 

 unfavorable till relieved by the rain of Monday, 8th. 



Corn planting has begun in practically all sections and as usual is farther 

 advanced in the Raccoon and middle Des Moines valleys than elsewhere. 

 At least one-third of the planting is done in that portion of the State. The 

 seed bed is warm but rather cloddy. A good soaking rain would be bene- 

 ficial. 



Oats seeding was completed in the northern counties. Over much of the 

 State oats fields are green and beautiful. In the northwest counties con- 

 siderable seed lay ungerminated in the dry soil but the recent rain will 

 give this a start. 



Winter wheat and rye have made very good progress. Moisture has been 

 ample over the winter wheat districts of the State. Grasses, clovers, alfalfa 

 and pastures have made good growth, except in the northwest district 

 where it has been too dry. 



All fruit prospects are good. Damage by frosts and freezes of last week 

 were unimportant. Apples are in full bloom in the south and opening 

 rapidly in the central districts, with a better outlook than usual. Spray- 

 ing has been active. Hail damage was reported in a few localities on the 

 5th and 8th. 



Gardens and gardening made good progress, though more rain would 

 be beneficial in most localities. About one-third of the sugar beet area was 

 planted this week. 



Bulletin No. 6, May 16, 1922 — 



Abnormally warm weather at the beginning of the week followed by 

 cooler on the 13th with abundant sunshine over much of the State and 

 little rain except in a few southeast counties, favored rapid progress in 



