16 POEEIGN CROPS^ MAY-JUNE, 1912. 



garia. The autumn-sown crops in general looked well and the prom- 

 ise was. if favorable weather prevailed up to harvest, for yields as 

 abundant as those of 1912. 



RUSSIA. 



According to a recent report of the Central Statistical Cojnmittee, 

 the areas sown to cereals for the 1911 harvest in 89 provinces and ter- 

 ritories of the Russian Empire were as follows: Spring wheat 60,- 

 353.000 and winter Avheat 19,733,000 acres; spring rye 1,95'2,000, and 

 winter rye 72,046,000 acres; barley, 30.915,000 acres; oats. 46,183,000 

 acres; and corn. 4.90S.000 acres. The areas sown for the 1912 har- 

 vest have not yet been officially estimated; but the indications are that 

 the progressive movement of the last few years in the sowing of 

 spring wheat, barley, and oats has continued to some exteni. in the 

 present season. Last autumn the seeding of winter rye and wheat 

 was effected under good conditions, and, as crop reports in the spring 

 Avere singularly free from references to winter-kill, the assumptioi; 

 seems warranted that no more than the usual losses have resulted 

 from this cause. The sowings of spring wheat and rye. on tb.H oth(;r 

 hand, though delayed over wide areas by adverse weather, are be- 

 lieved not to have been diminished, excepting, perhaps, in the spring- 

 wheat provinces of southeastern Russia, where difficulty was experi- 

 enced in obtaining seed because of the crop failure last year. 



According to a semiofficial authority the appearance of the crops 

 in early June Avas encouraging. The condition of winter wheat avd 

 the spring-sown crops Avas in general above average and that of win- 

 ter rye good. The only adverse reports Avere from Northern Poland, 

 Avhere all crops Avere rated as unsatisfactory. Meteorological condi- 

 tions since the date of the report have been generally faA'orable; pres- 

 ent appearances give rise to hope of abundant harvests. 



EGYPT. 



Agriculture, occupied for the greater ]3art in raising corn, cotton, 

 and Avheat, has in late years made noteworthy progress, principally 

 along the lines of cotton production. Almost a half million acres 

 haA^e been added to the cultivation of this crop Avithin the past dec- 

 ade. The area under corn, the principal crop, has not increased in 

 like proportion, nor has Avheat, Avliile the surface devoted to beans 

 and barley has declined. BeloAV is a statement of the acreage under 

 different crops for the last five years for Avhich official estimates are 

 available. 



