REMARKS 



The weather for May deviated very little from normal except 

 in cloudiness and rainfall. The precipitation for the month at 5.83 

 inches exceeded the monthly mean by 2.2'3 inches bringing the 

 total precipitation for the calendar year to 16.70 inches, 1.05 inches 

 below normal. Even with the 12 months' precipitation since last 

 June 1 at only 37.23 inches, and this season's total below normal, 

 there are now no indications that water is in inadequate supply. 

 With some amount of precipitation on 18 days of the month the 

 extreme cloudiness held the total hours of sunshine to only a little 

 above half the normal for the month. 



Degree-days of heating load for the month totaled 256 bring- 

 ing the season's cumulative to 6920 degree-days. 



W. H. Thies, Extension Professor of Horticulture, contributes 

 the following report : "Weather conditions during May have ex- 

 erted a direct influence on fruit crops in several ways: (1) With 

 some rain on 18 of the 31 days and with long periods of wet foliage, 

 at least five apple scab infections have occurred where trees were 

 unprotected. Mcintosh growers have found it necessary to apply 

 frequent fungidical sprays or dusts to provide protection against 

 these primary infections. (2) Fruit bloom was delayed somewhat 

 by cold weather and during much of the blooming period bees 

 were relatively inactive. In spite of this interference with bee 

 activity, there appears to be a reasonably good set of fruit in many 

 orchards. The effect of nearby pollenizing varieties on the set of 

 Mcintosh is especially noticeable. Trees adjacent to a good pol- 

 lenizer have, in general, prospects for a good crop. 



"(3) Newly planted trees and small fruit plantings are off to 

 a good start since the roots have become well established before 

 hot, dry weather has occurred. This has been a distinct advantage 

 on lighter soils. (4) The cover crop in orchards has benefited in 

 the same way as pastures and hay fields. Where the soil was well 

 fertilized and adequately limed, more mulch material has grown 

 during the month of May than would have been the case with less 

 rainfall. On heavy and poorly drained soils, however, growers 

 have been at a disadvantage from the standpoint of getting mired 

 with the spraying equipment." 



