16 



NOTES OF CORRESPONDENTS. 



(Returned to us October 26.) 



BERKSHIRE COUNTY. 



New Marlborough (E. W. Rhoades). — The drought and frost cut 

 the corn crop to one-half of a normal crop. Root crops have done well, 

 especially ruta bagas. Farm stock looks well. The moist, cool weather 

 has been good for fall seeding. Prices on crops are not as good as in 

 former years. Hay has been our most profitable crop and apples our 

 least profitable one. Considered as a whole, the year was not a profit- 

 able one for our farmers. Streams, springs and wells have recovered 

 from the effects of drought. 



Alford (Lester T. Osborne). — The corn crop was about normal, 

 but the stover was badly damaged by rain and wet v/eather and some 

 corn is moulding. Potatoes are about two-thirds of an average crop. 

 Farm stock is quite up to the average in condition. Fall seeding is 

 looking finely. Prices for farm crops have been fully equal to former 

 years. Hay has been our most profitable crop and potatoes our least 

 profitable one. As a whole the season has been above the average for 

 profit. Springs, streams and wells are full for the first time in nearly 

 four years. 



Becket (Wm. H. Snow). — The corn crop is two-thirds of the normal 

 in value. Root crops are average crops. Farm stock is in very fair 

 condition. The later rains have improved fall seeding and it looks well 

 now. Fully average prices have been received for farm crops. Oats 

 and millet have been our most profitable crops and corn our least prof- 

 itable one. The season is about an average one for profit. Streams, 

 springs and wells have recovered from the drought. 



West Stockbridge (J. S. Moore). — The corn crop is about as last 

 year in yield, and of good quaUty. Root crops are about average. 

 Farm stock is in better condition than usual. Fall seeding is in very 

 good condition. Prices for crops raised for market are about as usual, 

 with potatoes commanding a better price than last year. Potatoes and 

 hay have been our most profitable crops. Considered as a whole, the 

 season has been a profitable one. Streams, springs and wells have fully 

 recovered from drought and the ground has not been as full of water 

 for the past three years as at present. Since our farmers organized a 

 grange more interest has been taken in farm work, which shows very 

 conspicuously in the better condition of their farms and a corresponding 

 increase in value. 



