No. 4.] MASSACHUSETTS CROPS. xxxi 



Tlicro was less eoiuplaiiit of insects than nsual in -Inly. 

 The eoi-n crdp was backward, but growing fast and proinis- 

 in<2; well. The hay crop was uneven, probably three-fourths 

 of a normal crop for the State as a whole, but it was generally 

 secured in excellent condition. The usual acreage of forage 

 crops was put in, corn being the favorite. IMarket-garden 

 crops suffered somewhat from drought, but prices ruled 

 above the average. Practically no potatoes had been dug. 

 Apples promised a light crop ; pears and plums rather light ; 

 peaches light ; grapes generally very good ; cranberries set 

 well. Pasturage suffered severely from dry weather. Rye 

 w^as a good crop in most sections. Oats were short and 

 badly rusted. The interest in beekeeping seemed to be in- 

 creasing. 



In August corn promised an excellent yield if it should 

 mature, but was about two weeks behind the normal. There 

 was little rowen, except on fertile, new seeded fields. Very 

 few late potatoes had been dug, and a light crop was ex- 

 pected. There was no rot reported, but much blight. The 

 acreage of tobacco showed a slight but general decrease; re- 

 ports of conditions were almost all favorable, and cutting 

 had commenced. Pastures suffered severely from drought, 

 but were improved by the rains of the 16th and l7th. Apples 

 were even lighter than anticipated; pears better than ex- 

 pected ; peaches light ; quinces a fair crop ; grapes very good ; 

 cranberries small, but a good crop expected. Oats were 

 short, but heading fairly well; barley little raised except as 

 a late forage crop, and not in good condition. Late market- 

 garden crops were backward, and the acreage of celerj' seemed 

 likely to be decreased. 



Indian corn came forward slowly during Septeml)er, but 

 an average crop was promised, barring immediate and killing 

 frosts. There was very little rowen. The showers kept feed 

 in pastures green, but there was little growth. Very much 

 less than the usual amount of fall seeding was done, owing 

 to droughty conditions. That done in corn developed well, 

 but seeding germinated poorly and made slow progress. 

 Onions were generally an average crop in the Connecticut 

 valley, but late in maturing. The potato crop was consider- 



