No. 4.] MASSACHUSETTS CROPS. xxxiii 



Summary of Crop Conditions, 1908. 



May closed fully up to the average, both as to work and 

 vegetation. Feed in pastures was slow in starting. Grass 

 in mowings was generally in excellent condition, though 

 there was a good deal of winter-killing, particularly of fall 

 seeding. The fruit bloom was reported as extremely heavy 

 for all fruits except peaches, with no frosts doing damage. 

 Very little damage was reported from insects. Planting 

 progressed slowly, but was at its height at time of making 

 returns. Farm help was considerably easier to secure than 

 for several years past, with wages not quite as high as for- 

 merly. The acreage of cultivated crops, particularly corn 

 and potatoes, was considerably increased. The acreage of 

 tobacco suffered a slight decrease, but that of onions was 

 slightly increased. 



Insects were rather less injurious than usual in June. 

 The acreage of Indian corn was considerably increased, and 

 the crop, though planted late, germinated well, and was of 

 good stand and color. Grass got a good start in May, but 

 suffered during June from drought. Early potatoes were in 

 excellent condition, apparently, but in need of rain. Early 

 market-garden crops generally gave good yields, but prices 

 were very low. The flow of milk was well maintained, and 

 prices of dairy products were higher than usual. Feed was 

 shortened by the dry weather, but was revived by showers in 

 the closing days. An average crop of strawberries was 

 secured, and other berries promised well. Peaches and plums 

 did not set well, luit there was a good set of apples for a non- 

 bearing year. 



Insects were again less numerous and destructive than 

 usual in July. Indian corn was in excellent condition, not 

 suffering to any extent from drought. The hay crop was 



