19 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 



TT'^arren (William E. Patrick). — In many ways the season is 

 earlier than usual. Pastures are poor, but mowings are looking finely; 

 fall seeding is in good condition. There is a large bloom on apples, 

 pears, plums and small fruits. There is little damage from insects. 

 Planting will be late as the ground is cold and wet. All help is scarce 

 and there is no good help. Wages average $25 per month with board 

 and from 15 to 17^ cents per hour without board. There will be an 

 increased corn acreage. 



West Brook field (Myron A. Richardson). — The season is at least 

 two weeks ahead of the normal. Mowings are looking finely, pastures 

 are about normal; fall seeding up to the average. There is a full 

 bloom on apples, pears and plums, but light bloom on peaches; no 

 damage from frost. Currant worms and a few tent caterpillars have 

 appeared. Potatoes are nearly all planted, with an increased acreage, 

 and corn ground is all ready for planting. Farm help is about normal 

 in quantity and quality. Wages range from $25 to $30 per month 

 with board and from $40 to $50 per month without board. There 

 have been several acres of peach trees set out the past year and more 

 are to be set out. 



North Brookfield (John H. Lane) . — Foliage is two weeks ahead of 

 the normal, but it has been too cold for hoed crops. Pastures and 

 mowings are in poor condition. There was a heavy fruit bloom, with 

 no general injury from frost. No insects have appeared as yet. Plant- 

 ing is progressing as usual. Farm help is scarce and about 10 per cent 

 of it is good help. Wages average $25 per month with board and $2 

 23er day without board. There will be a 20 per cent increase in the 

 acreage of potatoes. 



Oakham (Jesse Allen) . — The season compares very favorably 

 with the normal. Pastures and mowings are looking well and fall 

 seeding wintered well. There was a very full bloom on apples and 

 pears and no damage from frost. Tent caterpillars have appeared, 

 but are not numerous. Farm help is plenty and fairly good. Wages 

 range from $20 to $25 per month with board and from $30 to $40 

 without board. More corn than usual will be planted. The dairy 

 business is very unsettled. 



Rutland (Warren I. Wales) . — The present season compares well 

 with the normal. Pastures and mowings are in good condition and 

 fall seeding came through the winter well. The fruit bloom was extra 

 good and has not suffered from frosts. Planting is progressing rather 

 slow'ly. Farm help is scarce and but a small proportion of it good. 

 Wages average $25 per month with board and $1.50 per day without 

 board. There are no marked changes in the acreage of farm crops. 



Petersham (B. W. Spooner). — The season will compare favorably 

 with other years. Pastures are up to the normal and all mowings look 



