No. 4.] MASSACHUSETTS CROPS. xix 



Summary of Crop Conditions. 1899. 



The spring of 1899 opened later than usual. Cold nights 

 and dry weather held vegetation in check and interfered 

 with the germination of seeds. Mowings suffered from lack 

 of rain, and feed in pastures was thin and backward. Fall 

 seeding was somewhat winter-killed. The fruit bloom was 

 much below the normal, and many peach trees were killed 

 by the severe winter. Very little damage from insects was 

 reported. Spraying was reported as increasing, but not 

 rapidly. A considerable portion of farm help was classed 

 as good. Wages averaged about $18 per month with board, 

 and about $1.25 per day without. No marked changes were 

 reported in the acreage of farm crops. 



In June there was little or no injury from insects. In- 

 dian corn generally grew very well considering the drought, 

 with acreage about as usual. Hayinsf was commencinof, 

 with a very light crop in all sections. Of early potatoes 

 there was an increased acreage, and a fair prospect for the 

 crop. Early market-garden crops were much shortened in 

 yield by drought, with generally increased prices. The 

 supply of dairy products ran about as usual, with prices the 

 same. Pastures had suffered severely from drought and 

 were in poor shape. Strawberries were not over half a 

 crop, with prices much better than last year. Apples did 

 not set well and were dropping badly. Cherries did well. 



July showed a minimum amount of damage from insects. 

 Indian corn made rapid growth and generally promised a 

 good crop. Silos continuing to gain in use. Haying w^as 

 practically completed, with from one-half to two-thirds of a 

 crop ; quality and condition generally first class. The short- 

 age of the hay crop induced a considerable increase in the 

 acreage devoted to forage crops, and they were generally in 

 good condition. Market-garden crops were nearly up to 

 the normal, with prices a little above recent years. Early 



