49 



Drought, cutworms and maggots have reduced the condi- 

 tion of cauliflowers to 69.7 as compared with normal. This 

 crop needs abundant moisture. 



The acreage of late celery is 8G as compared with normal, 

 and 90.7, as compared with 1912. The condition of the crop 

 is 84.6. 



The continued dry weather is affecting sweet corn, accord- 

 ing to all but one report. Short stalks and small ears are the 

 ultimate results. The condition is 72.6. 



According to 11, or 61.1 per cent, of the reports, onions 

 have not made a normal growth. Reports of indication of 

 thrip are about evenly divided. Maggots have done consid- 

 erable damage, apparently, to this crop, the average percent- 

 age being 19 per cent, while heavy damage is reported in 4 

 cases. The condition is 76.8. 



The green-pea crop is 80.7 as compared with normal, but 

 prices have been better than in 1912. The present-year 

 prices per bushel have ranged from $1.40 to $3, with an 

 absolute average of $1.93%i. Peas in 1912 brought from 

 $1.20 to $2.50 per bushel, the absolute average being $1.65^i 

 The tomato crop prospect is 85.1. Of 24 correspondents 

 reporting, 14, or 58.3 per cent, state that the crop is fruiting 

 as well as usual. Very little fruit has been gathered from 

 outdoor plants. 



A little damage by hail is reported from Winchester and 

 Braintree. 



Irrigation of market-garden crops is confined principally 

 to the eastern section of the State. Celery is the crop most 

 irrigated, while other crops reported are : beets, cabbage, 

 onions, peas, carrots, leeks, cauliflower, lettuce, strawberries, 

 sweet corn, cucumbers, beans and tomatoes. One correspond- 

 ent waters his carnations in the field by the Skinner system. 



The application of water has paid well in every instance. 

 jSTo correspondent claims that any system is better than the 

 Skinner, although one commends irrigation by open ditches 

 as effecting a saving in piping ; one describes the " tin can " 

 method as being in vogue in melon patches in particular ; and 

 still another reports that on account of low pressure he is 

 obliged to irrigate celery bv turninii' a furrow awav from the 



