8 



Extreme drought prevailed during May, and checked the 

 growth of crops. Feed in pastures was shortened, and old 

 mowings showed very light. Fall seeding did not generally 

 winter well. Apples and small fruits blossomed full, but 

 other fruits were below the average. Insects, aside from 

 canker worms, were not more than usually destructive. 

 Spraying is practised only to a slight extent. Good help 

 w^as a little more plenty than in former years. Wages aver- 

 aged from $16 to $20 per month with board, and from $1.25 

 to $1.50 per day without board. 



In June cut worms were reported as unusually prevalent 

 and doing much damage, particularly on the tobacco fields 

 of the Connecticut valley. Corn was backward but other- 

 wise looking well, with about the usual acreage. There was 

 an increase in the acreao^e of both fodder corn and ensilage 

 corn. Haying had hardly begun, but the prospect was for a 

 light crop. Potatoes showed a decreased acreage, but gen- 

 erally looked well. Early market-garden crops were gen- 

 erally good, with prices not advanced. Late ones promised 

 well. Dair}'^ products were about average in quantity, with 

 a slight decrease in price. Pasturage was generally in good 

 condition. Berries promised well ; apples good ; pears, 

 plums and cherries light ; no peaches. 



A feature of the month of July was the appearance of the 

 army worm in destructive numbers generally throughout the 

 State. Indian corn was growing fast and an excellent crop 

 was promised ; more than usual used for ensilage. Haying 

 not quite completed, and the crop three-fourths of an aver- 

 age. Quality generally good, though much damaged by rain. 

 Forage crops all in excellent condition. Market-garden 

 crops were generally in good condition. Early potatoes did 

 not promise a full crop. Apples, grapes and cranberries 

 good; other fruit light. Pastures generally in good condi- 

 tion. Rye, oats and barley all good average crops. 



At the end of August Indian corn promised to be a very 

 large crop. Rowen promised better than for some years. 

 Late potatoes not average, owing to drought, blight and 

 grubs. Tobacco was generally reported as the best crop for 

 many years and secured in good condition. Apples and 

 grapes promised a full crop ; cranberries fallen off, but aver- 



