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Haying has begun, and the crop is not over 50 per cent of an 

 average. The acreage of early potatoes is about the same as in 

 previous years ; those earliest planted are all right, but the later 

 ones did not come up well. Prices are better for most market- 

 garden crops than for several years. The price of milk is the 

 same as for years, and that of cows is about the same. Pastur- 

 age is in very poor condition, there being no feed at all in most 

 pastures. Strawberries are nearly gone ; currants will be small, 

 and ripen early. Unless heavy rains come soon, most crops will 

 be very much below the average. 



Stoneham (J. E. Wiley). — The brown-tail moth is doing some 

 damage. Corn is not doing well, and the acreage is less than 

 usual. Haying has begun, with the prospect for the crop poor. 

 The acreage of early potatoes is about the same as usual, with the 

 promise for the crop fair. Yield of early market-garden crops 

 poor, prices high ; prospect for later ones poor, if we do not have 

 rain soon. The quantity and price of dairy products are both less 

 than usual. Pasturage is in poor condition. Strawberries are the 

 principal berry crop, and if they are not watered they are drying up. 



ESSEX COUNTY. 



West Newbury (J. C. Takletox). — Canker worms and potato 

 bugs are doing some damage. Indian corn is not very promising. 

 Haying has begun, as hay ripened before it was half grown. The 

 acreage of early potatoes is about the same as last year, but they 

 do not promise over half a crop. Early market-garden crops are 

 not quite up to last year, but the prospect for later ones is fair. 

 Dairy products and prices for the same are about as last year ; 

 dairy cows are plenty. Pastures are very dry, and there is a 

 stoppage in growth. Strawberries made no crop whatever, and 

 there are few currants. 



Groveland (Abel Stickney). — Potato bugs and canker worms 

 are doing some damage. Corn is looking fairly well, with an 

 increased acreage. Very little haying has been done, and the 

 prospect for the crop is better than before the rains. The acreage 

 of early potatoes is about as usual, and the crop is looking finely. 

 Earlv market-garden crops have suffered on account of drought, 

 but the prospect is good for crops now growing. Cows have been 

 in good demand, but the quantity and price of dairy products is 

 not improved. Pasturage is short on account of dry weather. 

 Apples are a small crop ; pears fair ; plums fair ; peaches few ; 

 currants good ; cherries fair and strawberries good. 



Hamilton (Alvix Smith) . — Potato bugs are doing some damage. 



