1908.] September Report on Crop Prospects. 



529 



3*29 in. at Rothesay. During a violent thunderstorm at Canterbury on Friday 

 afternoon (the nth) the rainfall, accompanied by hail, was exceptionally heavy. 

 Bright sunshine exceeded the average over the greater part of England and in the 

 English Channel, but was deficient elsewhere. 



During the third week the weather was almost continuously unsettled, with much 

 cloud and frequent rain in the western and northern districts ; in the east and south 

 of England the conditions were much fairer. Temperature was above the average in 

 Scotland and the north-east and north-west of England, but below it in England S.E. 

 and the English Channel, while in the east, centre and south-west of England it 

 was almost identical with the normal. Rainfall exceeded the average, except in 

 England E., S.E. and S.W., and the English Channel ; in Scotland and also in 

 England N.W. the excess was again large. Bright sunshine was deficient over the 

 Kingdom generally, but was rather more than the_ average in Scotland N., England 

 S.E. and the English Channel. 



In the fourth week, ending on 26th September, the weather was generally cloudy 

 and showery, with a humid atmosphere, but the falls of rain were mostly slight or 

 moderate. Temperature exceeded the normal, and "very unusual" warmth was 

 recorded in Scotland N. and W. and in England N.E., and "unusual " warmth in 

 the remaining districts of England and Scotland. Rainfall varied a good deal in 

 different localities. In Scotland N. there was very little, but it was heavy, in 

 England N.E. and E., while elsewhere it was moderate. Bright sunshine was below 

 the average, and was generally returned as " scanty" or " very scanty." 



A correspondent in North Lancashire states that very little outdoor work has been 

 possible during the month, and most of the grain, which is yet in the fields, has 

 deteriorated considerably. Instances are known where the pigs have been turned 

 into the fields, the grain not being considered worth harvesting. Potatoes, which are 

 a very heavy crop, are seriously marked with disease. A correspondent in Berkshire 

 states that the harvest is practically finished, but the corn which was got in in 

 September was more or less damaged, especially barley, which is much discoloured, 

 and has sprouted in some instances. The rains and mild weather had a good effect 

 on the pastures and roots, which have much improved. The early potatoes are 

 growing out where not got up in time ; otherwise the crop is a good one, and free 

 from disease. Land is in good condition for wheat sowing. 



According to the reports received from the Crop Estimators of the Board on the 

 conditions and prospects of the principal crops on 1 5th September, the rain that set in. 



generally towards the end of August has been beneficial to- 



September Report on r ° ots and grass ' while , k has ' on the other hand ' been 



r r detrimental to the cereal crops. 



Crop Prospects. Wheat is still described as an average crop, and the 



yield, on the whole, has been but little affected by the 

 ungenial weather, although complaints are numerous as to delay in harvesting and 

 deterioration in quality. This applies also to barley and oats, which have, moreover,, 

 distinctly receded, both being classed below average, while oats are quite the worst 

 of the principal crops. Generally— although there are numerous exceptions— cereals 

 in Scotland have fared better than in England. 



The reports on potatoes are slightly more favourable than even in August ;. there 

 is unusually little disease, and the promise of a full crop is maintained. Both classes 

 of roots have benefited by the timely rains, which, indeed, relieved the anxiety that 

 was very generally felt in August. Mangolds would appear to be a good crop, but: 

 turnips and swedes are in many districts unsatisfactory. Roots generally seem best, 

 in Scotland, and worst in the west of England. 



Grass has also been much improved by the rains, while second cuts of hay have 

 been better than was anticipated a month ago. In various districts, however., 

 notably in the east of Scotland, pastures have remained very bare. 



(4233) 2 L 



