The ground has not been moistened by rain or snow since early last autumn. The wheat, however, all developed a fairly strong root because the rain was sufficient the time of wheat sowing. The ground is very dry now. Wherever the wheat land has been irrigated the wheat is now a healthy dark green colour and is beginning to cover the ground. On dry land the wheat can hardly be seen, almost killed off by the dry wind and dust storms. Rain now would save a good percentage. The price of flour and cereals has increased considerably since the Chinese New. Year.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.