Reports on Foreign Crops. 



25 



available. Winter-wheat is apparently very indifferent, and 

 some authorities think that it will not yield more than hali 

 an average crop. Spring wheat, on the other hand, which 

 constitutes over two-thirds of the wheat production of Russia, 

 promises to be nearly up to the average both in quantity 

 and quality. Oats also are expected to turn out a full 

 average crop. 



Generally speaking the harvest is estimated to be inferior 

 to that of 1896, and in many parts of the eastern provinces 

 the deficiency of the rye crop is causing some anxiety, lest 

 there should be a repetition of the difficulties which accom- 

 panied the season of 1891. 



In the North and South Caucasus the cereal harvest is 

 reported to be under the average. 



