13 



ber of correspondents speak of the fruit bloom as beinoj 

 abundant. It is feared the frosts the middle of May will 

 materially shorten the fruit crop. 



Damage from Frost. 

 The frosts of May 14 and 17 were quite general, and con- 

 siderable damage was done, especially on low lands. Grapes 

 were greatly injured, and probably all fruit bloom was 

 affected unfavorably. Grass was injured in the western 

 counties. Gardens were injured, also corn, potatoes, 

 asparagus, strawberries, beans, tomatoes, forest trees, and 

 cranberries where not flowed. The correspondent in East 

 Templeton, Worcester County, speaks of "quite a snow- 

 storm the 15th (May)." 



Insects. 

 The cold weather has not been conducive to the develop- 

 ment of insect pests, and very little complaint of their 

 ravages is made. Tent caterpillars do not appear to be par- 

 ticularly plenty or troublesome. Canker worms are reported 

 as doing considerable damage in Middlesex and Essex coun- 

 ties. Other insects mentioned by correspondents are potato 

 beetles, currant worms, cut worms, green lice, elm-tree 

 borers, asparagus beetles, onion maggots, cabbage maggots 

 and cranberry fire worms. Cut worms appear to be quite 

 plenty. 



Farm Help and Wages. 

 Generally the supply of farm help is equal to the demand, 

 but, as in many years past, the proportion of really good 

 help is small. Some of the correspondents say that it is 

 almost impossible to secure first-class help. Good help in 

 the house is also very difficult to obtain. In Berkshire 

 County, the range in wages for farm help is $10 to $20 per 

 month and board ; by the day, help are paid $1.25 to $1.50, 

 according to quality. In Franklin County the range is $8 

 to $25 per month and board ; by the day, $1 to '$1.50. In 

 Hampshire County the range is $12 to $25 per month and 

 board; by the day, $1 to $1.50. In Hampden County the 

 range is $10 to $25 per month and board; by the day, $1 

 to $2. In Worcester County the range is $8 to $25 per month 



