No. 4.] MAS8AC11USKTT8 CROPS. xix 



Summary of Crop Conditions, 1903. 



The month of Ma}' was unusually dry, and the drought 

 chocked vegetation and prevented the germination of seeds. 

 Pastures and mowino's sutFered from droui>-ht, and at the 

 ck)se of the month the prospect was for but a scanty crop of 

 hay. Fall seeding wintered well, but also suffered from 

 drought. The apple bloom was a good one for a non-l^earing 

 year. Peaches bloomed only in a few localities, and the 

 bloom of pears, cherries and plums Avas severeh^ injnred l)}^ 

 frost. Insects did but little daniagc. Spraying little prac- 

 tised except by fruit specialists, lint slowly growing in favor. 

 Farm help rather more difficult to obtain than for several 

 years. Wages averaged |20 per month with board, and 

 $1.50 per day without board. 



Insects did little damage in June, the cold, wet weather 

 perhaps holding them in check. Indian corn was very small 

 and backward at the close of the month, and turning yellow- 

 in many instances. Haying had not begun, the raiiiv 

 weather preventing, but a great improvement in the crop 

 was indicated. The acreage of forage crops seemed likel}' 

 to be considerably increased. The acreage of early potatoes 

 was about normal. Early market-garden crops had generally 

 made poor yields, with increased prices. The flow of milk 

 was remarkably well maintained, with upward tendencies 

 in the price of dair}' products, particularly milk. Pastures 

 were nuich improved by the rains. The strawberry crop 

 was nearly a failure, from frost, drought and rain. Pears, 

 cherri(»s and plums promised light crops. Apples set well, 

 and promised a good yield for an off year. 



In July very litth; damage from insects wiis reported. 

 Indian corn improved somewhat during the monfli. The 

 frequent rains delayed haying, and at the close of tlu; month 



