xii BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan. 



In tln3 report was included an article upon "Agriculture in 

 Massachusetts," by H. G. Wadlin, chief of the Bureau of Statistics 

 of Labor. 



Synopsis of Bulletin No. 2. — Crojy Report for June. 



In the circular sent to our correspondents about the 20th of the 

 month, the following questions were asked : " 1. What insects are 

 doing the most damage in your vicinity? 2. What date did hay- 

 ing commence in your vicinity? 3. Is the hay crop up to last 

 year's crop in quantity and quality? 4. Is the outlook as favor- 

 able as it was June 1 ? 5. AVhat is the prospect for an apple 

 crop?" About ninety-five returns were received, indicating that 

 about the same insects as were reported last month were still at 

 work. To that list might also be added rose bugs and the " spittle 

 insects " on grass. Haying commenced, on an average, about 

 June 20 ; but, owing to unfavorable weather, the work of securing 

 it was not pushed as rapidly as the condition of the grass would 

 warrant. In some sections haying commenced as early as the first 

 week in June, while in others, especially on the western hills, it 

 did not commence much before July 1 . About one-fourth of the 

 crop had been secured by the close of the month, and it averaged 

 well with last year's crop. In quantity it was rather more, but in 

 quality rather below, owing to so much wet, cloudy weather. As 

 a whole, the outlook was as favorable as it was June 1. The 

 apple crop promised to be below an average. In some sections it 

 was the off year, and in such the crop would be very small. Many 

 trees set full, but the young apples dropped off badly. The straw- 

 berry crop was below an average, both in quantity and quality. 

 Corn, though backward on account of the wet weather, pushed 

 rapidly ahead during the last week. Potatoes promised well. 

 There was some complaint of blast on the vines ; but, on the whole, 

 a good crop might be expected. In general, all crops were grow- 

 ing finely, and promised good harvests. 



In this report was included a letter by John G. Whittier to the 

 Essex Agricultural Society. 



Synopsis of Bulletin No. 3. — Crop Report for July. 

 The month of July was marked by frequent rains and much 

 cloudy weather. A severe thunder storm, accompanied by hail, 

 passed over the eastern portion of the State on the afternoon of 

 the 17th, doing much damage to crops. On the 23d another heavy 

 thunder shower passed over Essex County, also doing much damage 

 to crops. In Boston, with two exceptions, it was the wettest July 

 for nineteen years, and, with three exceptions, the coolest July for 



