XXX BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pi^ib. Doc. 



Summary of Crop Conditions, 1909. 



Vegetation was fully up to the normal in May, but farm 

 work was from a week to ten days behind, owing to unpleas- 

 ant weather. Grass started slowly, but was reported thick 

 at the bottom and promising well. Late seeding did not 

 winter well. The fruit bloom was heavy, except for winter 

 apples, and was not injured by frosts. Very little damage 

 from insects was rei)orted. Planting began early and pro- 

 gressed slowly, owing to unpleasant weather. Farm help 

 was in fair supply, with wages about as in 1908, and rela- 

 tively lower than in preceding years. There was a marked 

 increase in the acreage of corn and a slight increase in that 

 of potatoes. There was a slight decrease for tobacco and a 

 slight increase for onions. 



Insects were present in the usual numbers in June, with 

 plant lice more than usually prevalent. The acreage of 

 Indian corn was considerably increased, 86 out of 119 cor- 

 respondents so reporting. The crop was planted late and was 

 backward. A normal crop of hay was promised, except on old 

 mowings, which had not recovered from the drought of last 

 year. Potatoes were generally backward, but germinated and 

 promised well ; few early potatoes grown. Early market- 

 garden crops were held in check by cool weather ; asparagus 

 a short crop; later market-garden cro]is ]u-omised well. 

 Dairy products were in full supply, with prices the same, ex- 

 cept for butter, where they were slightly increased. Dairy 

 cows were short and bringing good prices. Feed in pastures 

 was late in starting, but recovered and Avas in av(>rage condi- 

 tion. The strawberry crop was late; the berries bloomed 

 full. Apples and ]iears bloomed light, and plums Avere not 

 more than average. Cherries generally good ; cranberries 

 backward and not in bloom. 



