THE HARVEST OF 1914
This week, thanks to the kindness of our many correspondents, we publish our annual reports regarding the harvest prospects in the Four Shires district. We requested our contributors to give the percentage of the various crops, and are much obliged to them for the readiness with which they fell in with our suggestion. In estimating the condition of the crops, the number 100 is taken to represent perfect healthfulness and exemption from injury (due to insect or fungus pests, drought or wet, cold or frost), with average growth and development. A robust crop, unusually promising and free from any defects, is denoted by some number above 100, a poor crop being some number below 100.
Aldington - Wheat, a good average crop (much better than last year); down in places owing to heavy rain. Barley, none grown. Roots good. Hay, light crop. Fruit: Apples scarce; pears half crop; plums - Victorias nil, Pershores not a quarter crop, damascenes half crop. As Aldington is a market gardening and fruit growing district, the general results point to one of the worst seasons for many years; produce small, prices low and rates high. A H Butler.
Badsey - Wheat, barley, oars, beans and roots not grown. Hay: seeds not grown. Meadow, 50. Fruit: Small 50, apples 20, pears 60, plums 10. A thoroughly bad year for fruit, and the more disappointing because until the May frosts there was a general prospect of great abundance. Warm weather is now needed to mature later crops of vegetables, and especially tomatoes. At the best, growers will experience a lean season. J.S.
Wickhamford - no report.
Bretforton - Wheat 100; good headed, some places laid with heavy rains. Barley, very little grown. Oats: Winter 90, spring 80. Beans: Winter 90, spring 70-80. Roots: Mangels looking very promising; swedes good plant, but difficult to keep clean. Hay: Seeds 90, well harvested; meadow 80, mostly well got. Fruits: Plums none, apples none, pears very few. Hope to finish the hay in a few days; shall start corn harvest Monday next. J.T.J.