11 



that while it is making good growth it lacks sweetness and 

 proper feeding quality, but these are not numerous. One 

 hundred and fifteen correspondents report it to be in good 

 or excellent condition and 26 poor or below average. 



Fkuits and Berries. 

 The strawberry crop was rather later than usual and at 

 time of making returns was just coming on in most sections. 

 An abundant crop was expected, and so far as reported good 

 prices were being received. Blackberries, raspberries, cur- 

 rants and gooseberries bloomed full and promise excellent 

 crops at this time. Wild berries generally bloomed full. 

 Apples set well in some sections, but for the State as a whole 

 promise rather less than an average crop, especially for 

 winter varieties. Pears also appear to be light, and plums 

 are not more than average. Cherries were generally a good 

 crop, though little grown except for home use. There were 

 very few reports on peaches and no estimate can be formed 

 at this time. The " drop " on apples does not appear to have 

 yet assumed serious proportions. Cranberries were rather 

 backward and not in bloom in general at time of making 

 returns, but so far as could be judged promised well, the 

 vines being generally in good condition. 



