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age as yet. Spraying is looked upon favorably, but has been little 

 practised. Farm help is very scarce, — three good, two indiffer- 

 ent, one bad, with proportions variable. Wages are about $20 

 per month with board and from $1.25 to $1.50 per day without 

 board. There is nothing marked in the way of new enterprises, 

 except that two or three are starting in seed bean culture. 



Ptainfield (S. W. Clark). — The ground is cold and wet, and 

 but little plowing has been done, but we are still hopeful of a good 

 season. Pastures and mowings look very well, and fall seeding 

 wintered well. Apple trees are just beginning to bloom, normal 

 or better ; full bloom for small fruits. No insects have appeared 

 as yet. Only a few practise spraying, and I notice no increase. 

 Help is in fair supply, mostly Poles, who make good help after a 

 few months. Green Poles receive $10 per month with board, ex- 

 perienced help from $18 to $22 per mouth with board, and day 

 help $1 per day without board. There are no marked changes in 

 the acreage of farm crops, and no new enterprises in agriculture. 



Chesterfield ( Horatio Bisbee) . — The season compares well with 

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

 seeding wintered well. Fruit trees are not yet in full bloom. No 

 insects have appeared as yet No spraying is done in this locality. 

 Help is scarce this year, more so than commonly. Wages are from 

 $15 to $20 per month with board and from $1.25 to $1.50 per day 

 without board. No great change in the acreage of farm crops, — 

 more corn, if anything. 



Huntington (H. W. Stickney). — The land is very wet, and 

 but little plowing has been done. Pastures and mowings are un- 

 usually promising, and there is a fine prospect for a hay crop. 

 The fruit bloom was not as full as usual. No damage from insects 

 as yet. Spraying has not been practised in this town. Farm help 

 is plenty, and good help get good wages. Wages range from $16 

 to $18 per month with board. There will be more oats and barley 

 sown for forage than usual. 



HAMPDEN COUNTY. 



Blandford (E. W. Boise). — Grass is fully ten days in advance 

 of the normal, all other crops from a week to two weeks late. 

 Pastures and mowings and fall seeding are all in extra good con- 

 dition. The fruit bloom is a full average for an off year. No in- 

 sects of any amount have done damage to date. Very little 

 spraying is done in this locality. Farm help is very scarce, and 

 not over 5 per cent of it is good help. Wages are from $20 to $25 

 per month and from $1 to $1.25 per day with board, and from 



