xii BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



larly the tent-caterpillar, did not appear to be as numerous 

 as usual. The average prices paid farm help appeared to be 

 $20 per month with board and $35 per month without board, 

 while for day help $1.50 per day seemed to be the ruling })rice. 



The first of July the acreage of Indian corn was reported 

 as practically the same as in former years, and though back- 

 ward it was of good color, and otherwise looking well. 

 Haying had just begun and the crop did not promise to be 

 more than an average, because of drought in the early 

 summer. Early potatoes had al)out the usual acreage and 

 were generally reported to be looking well, though somewhat 

 backward. Early-market garden crops made average yields 

 with good prices. Dairy products were about average in 

 quantity, with perhaps a slight change for the better in price. 

 Pastures were generally reported to be in good condition. 

 The jjeneral outlook for fruits and berries seemed to be o-ood, 

 though there was much complaint of apples not being up to 

 the average. No insects were reported as doing an unusual 

 amount of damage. 



Correspondents reported August 1 that there had been 

 little serious damage to crops from insects during the month. 

 Corn promised to be a good crop, for though late it was 

 growing fast. On the whole an average crop of hay was 

 reported as secured in excellent condition, the weather hav- 

 ing been favorable for harvesting and the quality first class. 

 Early potatoes were a light crop, with the ruling price $1 

 per bushel. Late potatoes promised well, but were badly in 

 need of rain. Market-garden crops were generally reported 

 to be about average in yield and price, though Arlington 

 reported small and inferior crops and low prices. Peaches 

 promised well, pears fair and apples poorly. Berries gen- 

 erally yielded well. The majority of returns stated that 

 pastures were suffering from drought, though the condition 

 varied greatly in different localities. Rye was rather better 

 than an average crop. 



September 1, the damage from insects during August 

 was reported to have been almost a minimum. Pasturage 

 was below average condition, especially in the western 

 portions of the State, owing to the long-continued drought. 



