13 



NOTES OF CORRESPONDENTS. 



(Returned to us May 29.) 



BERKSHIRE COUNTY. 



Sheffield (Dwight Andrews) . — Season very late, but promis- 

 ing. Live stock wintered well. Grass roots of pastures and 

 mowings in very good condition, and fall seeded grain has win- 

 tered well. Fruit blossoms about three-fourths the bloom of 

 former years. Tent caterpillars have begun to appear, and are 

 being checked somewhat by hand-picking. Farm help receives 

 from $18 to $22 per month with board, and from $26 to $28 with- 

 out board. 



Monterey (Wat. S. Bidwell). — Season later than last year, and 

 planting not all done yet. Live stock wintered fairly well. Grain 

 looks well, except on very wet land. Very few fruit trees are in 

 full bloom, but the indications point to an average bloom. Farm 

 help is paid from $16 to $20 per month with board ; about $8 per 

 month is allowed for board. 



Becket (War. H. Snow). — The present season compares very 

 favorably with last season, but is fully as late. Stock has win- 

 tered well, considering the length and severity of the winter. 

 Grass is looking finely. Fruit trees are not yet in bloom, but 

 promise to blossom as fully as usual. The potato beetle, tent 

 caterpillar and currant worm are the only insects, and there is no 

 concerted effort toward extermination. Good farm help com- 

 mands $20 per month with board, and $32 without board. 



Richmond (0. F. Smith). — The season is two weeks late. 

 Live stock wintered well, and is looking nicely. Grass is in 

 good condition, and fall seeded grain wintered well. The fruit 

 bloom is about seventy- five per cent of an average. The tent 

 caterpillar is our most injurious insect, and nothing is being done 

 to check it. Planting is nearly completed, with the exception of 

 corn planting. Farm help is paid $20 per month with board, and 

 $32 without board. 



Cheshire (L. J. Northup). — Everything except grass is two 

 weeks later than usual. Live stock has wintered as well as usual, 

 though hay is now nearly gone. Grass winter-killed somewhat 



