15 



from ten days to two weeks late. Fall seeding wintered well, and 

 pastures and mowings are in good condition. The fruit bloom is not 

 fully out at this time; apples light; pears and plums full; peaches 

 very few; strawberries and peaches suffered from frost. No insects 

 have appeared except the tent caterpillar. Scarcely any planting has 

 been done as yet, except gardens and a few potatoes. There is the 

 usual supply of farm help, and it is all fairly good. Wages range from 

 $20 to $25 per month with board and average $1.50 per day without 

 board. There will probably be a slight increase in the acreage of 

 forage crops. The quantity of milk going to the Springfield market 

 will be somewhat increased over last year. 



Pelham (J. L. Brewer). — The season is an average one, except for 

 a slight excess of moisture. Pastures and mowings are looking finely, 

 and fall seeding wintered well. The fruit bloom is abundant, and 

 there is no damage as yet by frost. Cut worms and grubs are doing 

 some damage. Planting is delayed by rain. Corn will be planted 

 quite generally in increased areas. 



South Hadley (W. F. Persons). — The season is late. Pastures and 

 mowings are doing well, and fall seeding is in good condition. The 

 apple bloom is not up to the average, and there is no damage from 

 frost. There are no insects doing damage as yet. There is plenty of 

 poor help, and one-half the whole supply is good help. Wages average 

 $20 per month with board and $1.50 per day without board. There 

 will be about the usual acreage of corn and potatoes. 



Easthampton (Wm. C. Clapp). — The season is backward, with very 

 few warm days to date. The prospect is good for the hay crop, and 

 most fall seeding is looking well. There is a good bloom on apples; 

 not many pears, peaches or plums grown; no damage from frost. 

 Currant worms, cut worms, tent caterpillars and potato bugs have all 

 put in an appearance. Potatoes are mostly planted, and early garden 

 truck mestly up; corn planting delayed by cold, wet weather. The 

 supply of farm help seems to be equal to the demand. Wages range 

 from $18 to $25 per month with board and average $1.50 per day 

 without board. There will be more than the usual acreage of corn and 

 potatoes. 



Southampton (C. B. Lyman). — The season is about normal for 

 grass; other crops late. Pastures and mowings are in very good 

 condition, and fall seeding wintered very well. There is quite a full 

 fruit bloom, and no damage from frost. Planting is progressing slowly, 

 on account of the wet weather. Farm help is not very plenty 

 nor remarkably good. Wages average $18 or $20 per month with 

 board and $1.50 per day without board. There will be an increased 

 acreage of corn and potatoes. 



Goshen (Alvan Barrus). — The season is probably two weeks later 

 than usual. The promise for pastures and new seeding is good. Pears, 

 peaches and plums have bloomed well; apples and many small fruits 



