11 



NOTES OF CORRESPONDENTS. 



(Returned to us May 24.) 



BERKSHIRE COUNTY. 



New Marlborough (E. W. Rhoades). — The season compares 

 favorably with the normal. Grass is looking well except where 

 winter-killed by ice. Fruit trees, with the exception of pears, are 

 blossoming full. Not much spraying is done in this locality. 

 There seems to be enough farm help, but three-fourths of it or 

 more is poor help. Wages average S25 per month with board, 

 and S25 to $30 per month without board. There will probably be 

 an increased acreage of potatoes, though many are compelled to 

 use poor seed. 



Alford (L. T. Osborne). — On the whole, the season is more 

 favorable than the average. Pastures and mowings were never 

 more promising, and fall seeding wintered well. Full bloom of 

 apples; peach trees nearly killed ; pears not looking well. Tent 

 caterpillars are the only insect as yet, and they^ are not as plentiful 

 as usual. Spraying is not largely practised, but is on the increase. 

 Farm help is very scarce, and there is but little good help to be 

 had. Wages average $20 per month with board, and from $25 to 

 $35 per month without board. Dairying is our main line, and 

 there are no changes in our usual system. 



Tyringham (E. H. Slater). — The present season compares 

 favorably with a normal season. Pastures and mowiugs are look- 

 ing well ; fall seeding badly winter-killed. The bloom of apples, 

 pears and jieaches compares favorably with former years, and has 

 not suffered from frosts. Insects are not doing much damage. 

 Farm help is scarce, about one-half of it being good help. Wages 

 average $20 per month with board and $1.50 per day without 

 board. The acreage of potatoes will be somewhat increased this 

 year. 



Washijigton (E. H. Fames). — The season is about the same as 

 in former years. Pastures and mowings promise well, and fall 

 seeding wintered well. The fruit bloom is full, and has not suf- 

 fered from frosts. No insects have appeared as yet. Spraying is 



