I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  I  have  made  inquiries  regarding  the
conditions  and  yield  of  the  tobacco,  wine,  hay,  and  hop  cro|)8  of  ray  dis-
trict at  the  present  time.  The  harvest  having  ended,  parties  interested
in  these  products  will  undoubtedly  desire  some  information  concerning
them.
The  quantity  of  tobacco  planted  this  year  was  greater  than  that  of  last
year,  and,  until  August  1,  anticipations  of  a  large  crop  were  reasonably
indulged  in,  but,  at  the  beginning  of  the  month,  the  weather  changed,
and  for  several  weeks  little  or  no  rain  fell,  proving  disastrous  to  the
proper  growth  of  the  plants,  particularly  with  reference  to  that  portion
required  for  the  manufacture  of  cigars.  The  crop  is  much  more  suitable
for  the  manufacture  of  smoking  tobacco  and  snuff.
The  yearly  time  for  purchasing  tobacco  is  approaching,  and  buyers
anticipate  that,  with  the  newly-imposed  tax  to  be  collected  for  the  first
time,  10  marks  for  50  kilograms,  and  the  poor  quality  of  this  year's  crop,
high  prices  will  not  be  obtained  for  it.
The  crops  of  corn,  wheat,  barley,  and  oats  are  somewhat  better  than
last  year,  but  generally  small  and  unsatisfactory.
While  the  crop  of  hay  is  much  better  in  quality  than  last  year,  the
yield  is  smaller.
The  crop  of  hops  is  one-third  less  than  last  year,  but  the  quality  is
very  good.  The  present  prices  range  from  50  to  100  marks  for  50  kilo-
grams (100  pounds).
