57 



SUMMAEY OF MAMET-GAEDEN CEOP CONDITIONS. 



Wlieu considering the agricultural specialties peculiar to 

 Massachusetts one of those which ranks very high in im- 

 portance is the market-gardening of the State. Owing to its 

 comparatively diversified nature, however, it is more difficult 

 to secure full details upon this particular branch than upon 

 some of the others. A start has been made this month from 

 which we hope to develop a satisfactory system of reporting 

 from which comprehensive and valuable reports may be 

 evolved. IsTo attempt has yet been made to secure reports upon 

 the phase of market-gardening which consists of strictly 

 greenhouse work, that phase being a distinct business in 

 itself. 



Blanks were sent to 93 prospective correspondents. The 

 percentage of returns was not as large as it was hoped might 

 be secured. On this blank the following questions were 

 asked : — 



1. How did onions keep in storage? What per cent were 

 on hand May 1 ? 



2. How did celery keep in storage? Give date and price 

 received for last sale. 



3. How did carrots keep in storage ? What per cent were 

 on hand May 1 ? 



4. Did parsley live over in the open ? Was it protected by 

 covering ? Give per cent of stand. 



5. Did spinach live over in the open ? Was it protected by 

 covering? What was its condition May 1? (Give per cent, 

 100 representing average condition.) Give per cent on hand 

 May 20. 



6. How did. the amount of manure on hand April 1 com- 

 pare with normal (100 representing normal) ? 



7. Give per cent of average outside planting already done 

 on the following crops: asparagus, bean, beet, Brussels 



