WHEAT CROPS.

New Zealand Mail, 27 August 1902, Page 53 (Supplement)

WHEAT CROPS.

TVith regard to the American wheat crop, the “Cincinnati Price Current” of July 3 stated that the week had been unfavourable, and there had been permanent damage to winter wheat. Maize prospects were moderately lowered, but were still up to the average. “The Times” report on the condition of British crops on July 1 showed that the average condition of wheat was 94. against 87.6 at a year previous; barley 93.4 against 77.3; oats, 93.5 against 7/.1; beans, 95.4 against 80; peas 03.9 against- 78.8: potatoes, 87.9 against 85.5; roots, 91.3 against 76; grass, 97.1 against 65; and hops, 69 against 87. These returns show that the condition of all crops, excepting hops, is much better than the condition of last year’s crops at tlie same tii '; while it is also better than tlie average for the past five years. Assuming that the completion of the harvest is in accordance with the prospect on July 1, tlie returns to British agriculture this season will be better than usual. The situation of the wheat crop in France, according to “Dornbusch” of July 4, had improved considerably since the middle of June, but- it was generally expected that tlie harvest would be later than usual. Estimates by different authorities varied from 39,297,000 quarters to 43,000,000 quarters, but another estimate of about 45,375,000 quarters has since been published by the Paris “Figaro.” Prospects in Germany were described as good. Reports from other Continental countries, including Russia, were generally favourable, but it was expected that the halves would be late. A material pointis Li at stocks in England, France, and G .rmany are lower than for several years past.