From: Krasna, Bessarabia
11 May 1931

Dear Staats-Anzeiger!

First, winter did not want to cease; second, March and more so April with their irregularities made the fieldwork very difficult and drawn out. And lastly, today I can report that finally the last corn has been planted. Although we have winter moisture in abundance, the farmer yet again longs for a little rain. During the ensuing fieldwork and because of the enormous amount of moisture, a hard crust has formed in places, and resists even harrowing, thereby hindering the growing of seeds. Overall one would like to see the fields in a better condition than what they are now. As a result of the long lasting wet and cold weather the grain seeds made only a weak progress in April – especially winter wheat. Weeds apparently like such weather and already endanger the seeds in places. Even with better weather conditions now, you cannot plan on a full harvest. The cost for grain increased by 40% in comparison to February. Also the cost for corn got better, but it is still lacking behind barley by 5 Lei. Although these prices are a long way from being called good, they seem to become acceptable to us. The bad side of this is that the majority of farmers have no more grain for sale.

The health condition among the people is fairly good. With the exception of a few children, no one is on the sick list. Also, no one else has died since my last report. People do not have time now to get sick or to die.

I thank Anna Moldenhauer in Canada very much for the greeting she conveyed to me and which I kindly echo back to her. At the same time I am replying to her question that the widow Dorothea Moldenhauer did not receive her letter. The old woman right now is really impoverished. Besides being old and frail, she sprained her hand when she fell last winter, so that she can no longer work. Therefore she has to be supported by good people. Otherwise she is healthy and extends to everyone a kind hello.

Further, I sincerely return the greeting of my old comrade Michael Wagner and his wife Pilagia. I would be happy to hear from him more often in the Staats-Anzeiger. It is already 10:00PM and time to go to bed. Wife and kids are already sleeping. More news next time.

The wind is howling terribly, and therefore I will pull the blanket over my ears so I will not be disturbed. Good Night!

Isidor Leinz