8 



degrees below the freezing point. Through the remaining 

 portion of the month the temperatures were generally normal 

 to somewhat above. 



During the first decade there was almost an entire absence 

 of precipitation. Showers were quite general on the 11th 

 and 12th, and again on the 15th, followed by several days of 

 fair weather. A period of unsettled weather obtained from 

 the 21st to the 24th, during which showers, with light to 

 moderate amounts of rainfall, occurred. The weather during 

 the rest of the month was generally fair and seasonable. The 

 precipitation of the month was materially below the monthly 

 average, the monthly amounts over the State ranging from 40 

 to 60 per cent below normal. 



The weather of the month was marked by an abundance of 

 sunshine, and the bright fall weather was very favorable to 

 meadows, pasturage and to all outdoor pursuits. 



Crops of the Year. 



Vegetation was fully up to the normal in May, but farm 

 work was from a week to ten days behind, owing to un- 

 pleasant weather. Grass started slowly, but was reported 

 thick at the bottom and promising well. Late seeding did not 

 winter well. The fruit bloom was heavy, except for winter 

 apples, and was not injured by frosts. Very little damage 

 from insects was reported. Planting began early and pro- 

 gressed slowly, owing to unpleasant weather. Farm help was 

 in fair supply, with wages about as in 1908, and relatively 

 lower than in preceding years. There was a marked increase 

 in the acreage of corn and a slight increase in that of pota- 

 toes. There was a slight decrease for tobacco and a slight 

 increase for onions. 



Insects were present in the usual numbers in June, with 

 plant lice more than usually prevalent. The acreage of In- 

 dian corn was considerably increased, 86 out of 119 corre- 

 spondents so reporting. The crop was planted late and was 

 backward. A normal crop of hay was promised, except on 

 old mowings, which had not recovered from the drought of 

 last year. Potatoes were generally backward, but germinated 

 and promised well ; few early potatoes grown. Early market 



