xxiv BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Summary of Crop Conditions, 1902. 



The season was considered in advance of the normal at 

 the beginning of the month of April, but by the close Avas 

 about normal in most sections. Pastures and mowino^s suf- 

 fered from drought, and it looked doubtful whether, even 

 with favorable weather, the hay crop could recover from the 

 check. Fall seeding did not winter as well as usual. The 

 fruit bloom was very heavy, and the frosts of the month did 

 little damage to fruit. Insects were doing but little damage. 

 Spraying appeared to be barely holding its own among 

 farmers. Wages averaged $20 per month with board and 

 $1.50 per day without board.. A considerable increase in 

 the acreage of corn was noted, and a slight one in that 

 of other grains and of potatoes. 



Insects did but little damage in June, the cold weather 

 perhaps operating to hold them in check. Indian corn was 

 very small and backward, with, however, little complaint as 

 to stand and color. Haying had hardly begun, and a short 

 crop was expected. The acreage of early potatoes showed 

 a slight increase, and the vines were looking extra well, 

 though perhaps a little backward. Early market-garden 

 crops had generally done well, with prices a little above the 

 average. Dairy products appeared to be normal as to quan- 

 tity, Avith a general increase in prices ; dairy cows in good 

 demand and at high prices. Pastures were generally looking 

 well, although feed was still short in some cases. Straw- 

 berry picking was well under Avay, with the prospect of only 

 a fair crop. Apples promised well, with Baldwins below 

 other varieties ; pears light ; peaches above average ; plums 

 promised a good crop. 



In July much less than the usual amount of damage from 

 insects was reported. Indian corn Avas fully two weeks 



