INTRODUCTORY. 9 



counties of Wasliington and Aroostook wore in a measure exempt 

 from its severity. 



The stand of orass was unusuallv good in earh- spring, and so 

 vi^oronslv and early did it start into growth that notwitlistandino; 

 the month of Jnne was dr^^, yet an abundant crop of hay was har- 

 vested — the onl}- exception being in Franklin count}', where an 

 unusually heav}' crop having been harvested the year before, it was 

 not above an average. Pasturage was sweet and abundant the earl}' 

 part of the season, but fell off seriouslj' the latter part, and stock 

 came earlj- to the barn, and in severe cases not in so good condition 

 as usual. 



Grain crops were light all over the State, and especially so in the 

 central, western and northern portions. Wheat, which has again 

 become an important crop among us, was so serioush' cut off as to 

 be denominated a failure, except in the eastern part of the State and 

 in Aroostook county, where it made three-fourths of a crop. In 

 Washington county, as well as in Aroostook, wheat growing has 

 recently been rapidly on the increase, and pi'omises to assume an 

 iiuportance which will soon give a surplus above their own needs. 

 In Washington count\', in 1879, the average was thirty bushels to 

 the acre, and the present year, notwithstanding the drought, was 

 above twenty. 



Potatoes are an important crop to the State. They were in 

 reduced yield in all parts, except in Aroostook county, where was 

 harvested the most bountiful crop ever realized in that section. 



The long, hot and dry season was favorable to the perfection of 

 the corn crop, save in exceptional cases, on extremely drj- soils, 

 where it failed from di'ouglit. This crop is largely on the increase, 

 and is being considered liy our progressive farmers all through the 

 State, from York to Piscataquis, as one of the surest and at the 

 same time, one of the most profitable crops produced. A better 

 knowledge of the needs of the crop, together with improved 

 methods and improved implements is revolutionizing corn growing 

 among us. 



The apple crop was a bountiful one. For three years in succes- 

 sion we have now been favored with an al>undant N'ield of this fruit. 

 So abundant also has been th? crop in adjoining States that prices 

 have ruled low, and in autumn fruits the markets have been so 

 crowded that paying prices were difficult to obtain. Late keeping 

 varieties are being held for improved prices later in the season. 



