11 



Several correspondents state that more rve will be sown 

 later. Wheat is reported from Berkshire by one cor- 

 respondent. 



Alfalfa.'* 

 To the question as to whether farmers are showing more 

 interest in alfalfa growing, 40 correspondents answered in 

 the affirmative, and 65 in the negative. The greatest compar- 

 ative increase in interest appears to have been taken by the 

 farmers of Hampden, Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk and Plym- 

 onth.^ An estimated acreage of 71.3 has been sown to alfalfa 

 this year in the 98 towns heard from, and there is a total 

 of 194.8 acres in this crop. As there are 354 towns and 

 cities in the State it may be assumed that there are not far 

 from 300 acres of alfalfa growing on Massachusetts soil. 



Onions. 

 The onion crop is far below that of last year, which was 

 normal, or slightly above. Thrips have greatly injured the 

 crop and drought has reduced the size of the onions. Frost 

 damage is reported from Middlesex. The quality is such as 

 to insure a well-cured product. Prices are normal or better. 

 A report from the center of the onion belt (Franklin and 

 Hampshire counties) places the production per acre at 300 

 to 400 bushels. The yield estimates are: Bristol, 88.3; 

 Berkshire, 76.3; Hampden, 74; Norfolk, 71.3; Hampshire, 

 70.8; Middlesex, 69; Plymouth, 66.7; Franklin, 65 ; ^ 

 Essex, 61.3 ; Barnstable, 60 ; Worcester, 50 ; ^ Dukes and 

 Nantucket, no report; the State, 72.4. 



1 One report. 



* Two reports. 



' Bulletin No. 3, on "Grasses and Forage Crops," containing an article on "Alfalfa as a 

 Crop in Massachusetts," is in press. When issued, copies wiU be sent to all applicants. 



* One hundred and fifty persons, representing a wide range of interest, organized at Medfield 

 on July 3, 1913, a New England Alfalfa Growers' Association. This association will hold its 

 next meeting at Springfield on Dec. 4, 1913, when under the auspices of this Board, Mr. Joseph 

 Wing, editor of the "Breeders' Gazette," will speak on alfalfa growing. 



A Worcester County Alfalfa Club has been organized, and the formation of others is con- 

 templated. 



