16 



yet, but if the weather holds hot and wet they will probably rot. 

 Apples are half a crop and grapes have rotted badly. Pasturage 

 was never in better condition. Oats and barley are about the usual 

 crops, though the straw rusted on some pieces. At present prices 

 I should say poultry paid better than dairying. 



Plainfield (S. W. Clark). — Indian corn is a good growth, but 

 is late. The prospect for rowen is very good. Potatoes promise 

 fairly well ; have seen no rot. There will be a small or medium 

 crop of fruits. Pasturage is in very good condition. Oats and 

 barley are average crops. Most farmers keep a few hens, but the 

 income derived from poultry is very small compared to that from 

 dairy products. Springs and streams are full for August. 



HAMPDEN COUNTY. 



Blandford (E. W. Boise). — Corn stover shows a rank growth, 

 but sunshine and warmth are needed to mature the crop. Rowen 

 is much above an average crop. Potatoes are a light yield, with 

 considerable complaint of blight. Apples promise a fair yield, 

 pears light, peaches small and few. There is rank feed in the 

 pastures, but it lacks flavor and dairy stock is shrinking badly. 

 Oats and barley are below average crops and many fields are rust- 

 ing badly. Very little is done with poultry. 



Russell (E. D. Parks). — Corn is looking nicely, has grown 

 fast and seems to be earing well. Rowen is up to an average crop 

 or better. Potatoes are not yielding well ; some blight, but no 

 rot as yet. Apples are a light crop, but other fruits promise fairly 

 well. Pasturage is in very good condition for the time of year. 

 Much attention is paid to poultry, and poultry products are from 

 15 to 25 per cent in value of those from the dairy. 



Westfield (C. F. Fowler). — Indian corn is below an average 

 crop, the ears not being well filled out. Rowen is not as heavy as 

 last year, but is a fair average upon early cut land. Potatoes 

 blighted badly and are now rotting somewhat. The acreage of 

 tobacco is a little less than usual, with the condition 10 per cent 

 at least above the average. Apples and pears poor crops, no 

 peaches, grapes fair. There is plenty of feed in the pastures, but 

 it has no substance, owing to wet weather. More attention is paid 

 to poultry than formerly, as many are beginning to make a business 

 of it. 



West Springfield (J. N. Bagg). — Indian corn promises well. 

 There is an unprecedented crop of rowen. Potatoes are small and 

 are rotting a little. Tobacco is in first-class condition, with about 

 an arerage acreage. Apples and grapes are light crops, pears 



