13 



Cheshire (L. J. Northup). — Owing to the frequent rains, the 

 season compares favorably with a normal one. Pastures and 

 mowings are above the normal. The fruit bloom promises equally 

 well with former years. Tent caterpillars promise to be very 

 plenty. Spraying is not practised in this vicinity to any extent. 

 Farm help is very scarce ; probably a third of it may be good 

 help. Wages are $20 per month with board and about $30 without. 

 I do not see any marked change in the line of agriculture. 



Florida (E. D. Rice). — The season is about a normal one. 

 Pastures and mowings look well, owing to the wet April and May. 

 Cherries and pears made a full bloom ; not many plums ; apples 

 promise a good bloom. No insects have appeared as yet. Spray- 

 ing for fruit is not practised to speak of. There is enough cheap 

 help, but not more than 30 per cent of it is good. Wages are from 

 75 cents to $1 per day with board and from $1.25 to $1.50 without. 

 Our agriculture is about the same routine, with nothing new. 



FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



Charlemont (H. S. Giles). — The present season is in advance 

 of the normal. Pastures and mowings promise very well and fall 

 seeding wintered well. The fruit bloom was a good average. No 

 insects have appeared as yet. Spraying is not practised, to my 

 knowledge. Farm -help is not plenty, but foui'-fifths of that 

 available is good help. Wages are $15 to $20 per month with 

 board and $1.25 to $1.50 per day without board. Some of our 

 farmers are cultivating onions as a paying crop. 



Leyden (U. T. Darling). — The season compares favorably 

 with a normal one. Pastures and mowings are looking well and 

 fall seeding wintered well. Apples bloomed fuller than last year 

 and peaches made an average bloom. No insects have appeared 

 as yet. Spraying is but little practised, but more will be done in 

 the future. Farm help is sufficient for the demand and nin«- 

 tenths of it is good help. Wages are $15 to $20 per month with 

 board and $1.50 per day without board. The acreage of corn 

 planted will be increased ; other crops about as usual. 



Ashjield (Chas. Howes). — Grass is forward, but the wet 

 weather has kept ploughing and planting back. Pastures and 

 mowings are looking finely and fall seeding wintered extra well. 

 Fruit trees of all kinds are blooming very full. Very few insects 

 as yet. Farm help is quite plenty and generally very good. 

 Wages are $20 per month with board and $1.50 per day without 

 board. Grass and ensilage corn are our principal crops and 

 dairying our principal business. The sheep industry is rather on 

 the increase. 



