11 



Crops of the Year. 



The season opened from one to two weeks earlier than 

 usual, but the cold, wet weather of May reduced the progress 

 of the season materially. Grass in pastures and mowings 

 made a good start and was everywhere thick and strong. 

 Fall seeding generally wintered well and the spring rains 

 gave it a good start. Apples made a remarkably full bloom 

 for an off year. Less damage than usual was reported from 

 insects. A new imported insect, the brown-tail moth {Eu- 

 proctis chrysorrhma) , had apj)eared in Cambridge and Somer- 

 ville, and was causing much damage. Though the benefit of 

 spraying against insects is generally recognized, it is resorted 

 to only occasionally. Farm help was plenty in most locali- 

 ties, though good help was, as usual, difficult to secure. 

 Wages averaged about $18 per month with board and $1.50 

 per day without board. No marked changes were reported 

 in the acreage of farm crops. 



In June no serious damage from insects was reported, 

 they probably being held in check by the cold and wet weather 

 of the month. About the usual acreage of Indian corn was 

 planted, but much of it failed to germinate, because of cold, 

 wet weather. These causes also gave a poor stand, slow 

 growth and uneven crop of poor color. Haying had hardly 

 commenced. Conditions were very favorable to grass, and 

 a good crop of hay was promised. The acreage of early 

 potatoes was about as in previous years, and the crop gen- 

 erally promised well, though somewhat backward. Early 

 market-garden crops were late and growing slowly, but were 

 generally satisfactory in yield and price. A slight increase 

 in the sum total of dairy products was shown, accompanied 

 by a slight increase in prices. The price of dairy cows still 

 continued ffood. Pastures were never better at the time of 

 year. Strawberries were a good crop. Other berries 

 promised well. Small fruits also promised good crops. 



During July insects were fairly plentiful, but not as in- 

 jurious as commonly. Corn suffered much from excessive 

 rains, and was still late. The outcome of this crop appeared 

 to be altogether dependent upon the weather of August. 

 Hay was a large yield, originally of a good quality, but 



