SUMMARY OF DATA FOR FOUR YEARS AT MAGNOLIA. 



BY G. L. SPENCER. 



The crop of 1887 was in many respects a remarkable one. In the 

 early spring the cane was considerably larger than in average seasons. 

 The stand was unusually good. Favorable rains and exceptionally 

 good weather permitted a very thorough cultivation. The rows were 

 well shaded before the 1st of July. All these favorable conditions 

 united to make this crop the best in the history of the plantation. Mag- 

 nolia seemed to be especially favored. When the fields above and on 

 the opposite side of the river were too wet for cultivation those of Mag- 

 nolia were in the best possible condition. 



The following is a brief re'sume' of the growing seasons of the four 

 years since the establishment of the Magnolia station : 



Season 0/1884. The spring weather was favorable and continued so 

 until the 1st of June, then followed a period of wet weather lasting 

 until August, which was a very dry month. September and October 

 were favorable to the ripening of the cane. During the rolling season 

 there were frequent and heavy rains. The tonnage was good, and the 

 quality of the cane excellent. 



Season of 1885. Exceptionally wet weather continued through the 

 early part of this season. The rainfall from April to July was limited 

 to two or three showers. There were frequent rains in August and 

 September. The rest of the season was exceptionally cool and dry. A 

 severe wind storm in September completely prostrated the cane. The 

 wet weather in September and the wind storm damaged the cane very 

 materially. The tonnage was large. 



Season 0/1886. In January a freeze of remarkable severity threatened 

 damage to the stubble. Small crops were predicted for the next season. 

 The crop was small, but the shortage was not attributable to the results 

 of the freeze. 



February, March, and April were cold and wet; consequently the 

 cane obtained a late start. May was dry and cool ; June and July were 

 too wet to permit of proper cultivation; August was dry and exceed- 

 ingly hot. These adverse conditions all tended to stunt the cane. Al- 

 though the start was good the tonnage was small. The juice was ex- 

 ceptionally rich and pure. 



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