The outlook for corn is less favorable than at the close of the previous week. In Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri early corn is practically ruined. With early and abundant rains in these states late corn would probably make half a crop or less. The condition of the crop in Iowa is more favorable than in the before-mentioned states, and copious rains with moderate temperatures within a week would greatly improve prospects for a large part of the crop. In Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, more particularly the western portions of the last-named states, corn is now seriously in need of rain. In Illinois the crop has not yet sustained great damage, but will be materially reduced unless the drought is relieved within a week. In the middle Atlantic states the conditions have been highly favorable for corn and its condition is further improved. Wheat and Oats. Moisture has done considerable injury to winter wheat in shock in the middle Atlantic states. Harvesting continues where unfinished, in the more northerly section east of the Rocky mountains, and is in general progress on the north Pacific coast. Spring wheat harvest has begun over the southern portion of the spring wheat region, where, as a result of premature ripening, the yield and quality is much impaired. Over the northern portion, where the crop is now ripening, its condition continues promising. Harvested oats have suffered some injury in shock from moisture in the middle Atlantic states, and the unharvested crop from premature ripening in the northwest, while rust has caused injury from the upper Ohio valley. Hay and Cotton. Haying is mostly finished and a fine crop was secured in North Dakota, Minnesota, the lake region, Ohio valley, portions of the middle Atlantic states and New England. In portions of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida the condition of cotton has improved, but in the two last-named states and in the Carolinas it has suffered from lack of cultivation. Rain is greatly needed in Tennessee and over the western portion of the cotton belt, where, however, the crop is generally withstanding the drought well. Tobacco and Fruit. In the Ohio valley, Tennessee and Wisconsin, tobacco is suffering much from drought, especially in western Kentucky, and has been injured by rains in Maryland; elsewhere the crop has made favorable progress. Throughout the central valleys the prospects for apples have been further reduced, and no improvement is reported from New England and the middle Atlantic states. On the whole, the fruit outlook is not encouraging. * * * * * Forest Fires in Montana. Helena, Mont., July 21.—Fierce forest fires are reported raging west of Missoula. The Northern Pacific and Anaconda companies have large forces of men at work endeavoring to prevent their spreading. There are several distinct fires, and the loss will probably be heavy. * * * * *