67 



Watee Supply. 

 From the returns received we conclude that the reserve 

 water supply this year was larger than usual, although some 

 few report a smaller amount. One correspondent reports that 

 the ground-water level is now twelve inches higher than at 

 this time in 1912. The majority of bogs which are located 

 in close proximity to ponds or other permanent water sup- 

 ply are equipped with pumping plants or engines, whereby, 

 at indication of frost or worm damage, the bogs can be im- 

 mediately covered with water until the danger is past. The 

 value of this method of crop insurance cannot be too highly 

 estimated, as has been demonstrated in actual practice in the 

 results attained where growers were provided with such 

 facilities. 



Feuit Bud. 

 In reply to the question as to whether or not the bogs were 

 well budded for a crop, the great majority reported an excel- 

 lent prospect. Only 2 correspondents gave a negative answer, 

 and several made such statements as, " finest bud in years," 

 and " as much as I ever saw." One or two reports called at- 

 tention to the fact that it was somewhat early to estimate 

 the bloom, but the preponderance of the evidence points to 

 the best crop for several years, barring serious loss from frost, 

 worms or fungous diseases. The season has but just begun, 

 however, and it is difficult to tell what is in store. 



!N'ew Geowth. 

 From the returns received it is difficult to draw a definite 

 conclusion as to the development in new growth of the vines 

 at the time of reporting. This phase is largely dependent 

 upon the time the flowage was drawn off, and the variation in 

 this date in different sections caused a corresponding varia- 

 tion in the replies received. Replies range from " fully nor- 

 mal " to " two weeks late," but the season as a whole seems 

 to have been fairly favorable for new growth up to the time 

 of reporting. 



