BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Dc 



Summary of Crop Conditions, 1907. 



May was cloudy and unpleasant, with several light to severe 

 frosts. Pastures and mowings wintered well, and started 

 slowly, owing to cold weather, but with the seasonal rains prom- 

 ised well for the future. The apple bloom was an average one 

 for an off year, but pears and plums made a light bloom, cherries 

 a fair bloom and peaches a very light one. Small fruits and 

 berries bloomed well. Little damage from frost was reported. 

 Few insects appeared. Planting progressed slowly, owing to 

 the late season and cold weather. Farm help was unusually 

 scarce; average wages, $22 per month with board, with SI. 50 

 per day as the minimum without board. The acreage of cul- 

 tivated crops seemed certain to be somewhat reduced, the re- 

 duction being most marked in corn and potatoes, owing to 

 scarcity and high price of help. 



Insects were not plenty during June, and did little damage. 

 Indian corn was late, being late in planting, and very backward 

 and uneven, owing to failure to germinate in many cases, but of 

 good color. Haying had not commenced at time of making 

 returns, with a good crop expected except in the hill towns, 

 where it was said to be thin and light. There was about the 

 usual acreage of early potatoes, but they were very backward 

 and uneven. Early market-garden crops were much later 

 than usual, with very little coming into the market in June. 

 The flow of milk was well maintained, with prices generally 

 better than in former years. Dairy cows were in fair supply, 

 with good ones bringing higher prices. Pastures were gener- 

 ally in good condition, but needing rain. Strawberries were 

 very late, but promised a fair crop; practically no peaches; 

 currants promised well; pears and plums light; apples sel 

 well, but late; cranberries late in blooming. 



Insects were less troublesome and numerous than usual in 



