8 



The last half of the month has been somewhat cooler and 

 dryer, with plenty of sunshine for curing grain and late hay 

 and for ripening crops. Except in Bristol County there has 

 been enough rain for surface needs till at- the very end of the 

 month, when it is getting quite dry. There has been a 

 marked absence of severe local storms and no continuous 

 rains, so that streams and wells are getting very low and the 

 subsoil is very dry. It is too dry to plough to best advantage, 

 and in many places fall seeding is being delayed. 



The cooler, dryer weather of the last of the month checked 

 the potato blight, and yet did not prevent corn from keeping 

 up its rapid growth. Tobacco has been mostly put in, and 

 is in splendid condition. It is singularly free from damage 

 by hail or by unfavorable weather. 



The conditions have been favorable for the growth of grass 

 after the first crop was cut, and fields are getting a good start 

 for next year's hay crop. Pastures have been very good, 

 but the feed is short in eastern counties at the end of the 

 month. 



The month has been warmer and drier than the normal. 



In the circular t» correspondents returnable August 25 the 

 following questions were asked : — 



1. What is the condition of Indian corn? 



2. What is the prospect for rowen as compared with 

 former years ? 



3. What is the prospect for late potatoes and have you 

 noticed blight or rot? 



4. What is the condition of tobacco and how does the 

 crop compare with a normal crop? 



5. What is the prospect for apples, pears, peaches, grapes 

 and cranberries ? 



6. What is the condition of pasturage in your vicinity? 



7. How have oats and barley compared with last year's 

 crops ? 



8. Do your farmers pay much attention to poultry and 

 what proportion does the income derived from poultry 

 products bear to that derived from the dairy ? 



