Crops of the Year. 



The wet weather of May delayed farm work and at the close 

 of the month it was somewhat in arrears. Pastures and mow- 

 ings wintered well, as a rule, secured a good start, and at the 

 close of the month the prospect for grass was never better. 

 Fall seeding generally wintered Avell and got a good start. 

 The apple bloom was unusually heavy. Peach trees were 

 badly winter-killed and bloomed only in a few localities ; 

 cherries and plums made a full bloom, but there were some 

 complaints of a light bloom on pears. Few insects appeared 

 and did but little damage. Spraying is generally practised 

 by fruit specialists and growing in favor Avith farmers. 

 Farm help was fairly plent}'^ ; average wages, |20 per month 

 with board, and $1.50 per day, or higher, without board. 

 There was a slight increase in the acreage of potatoes. 



Insects did less damage than usual in June. Indian corn 

 was reported as small and backward, but of good color and 

 otherwise thrifty. Haying was just beginning, at time of 

 making returns, with the crop not more than an average 

 one, the damage from winterkilling being more serious than 

 was expected. The acreage of early potatoes was consider- 

 ably increased, with crop somewhat backward, but generally 

 promising well. Early market-garden crops generally made 

 good yields and brought prices fully up to the average. 

 The flow of milk was well luaintained, with prices for dairy 

 products showing a tendency to seek a lower Isvel. Dairy 

 cows were somewhat more plentiful than usual, with prices 

 easier. Pastures were generally in good condition. Straw- 

 berries were a fair crop. Plums and cherries promised good 

 yields. Apples set well and promised well. 



In July insects did very little damage. Indian corn was 

 still backward, but coming forward rapidly and very promis- 

 ing. Much of the crop is used for ensilage. Haying was 

 practically completed, the crop exceeding expectation and 

 being above average in quantity, and of excellent quality. 

 The amount of forage crops planted was slightly less than 

 usual, but all promised well. Market-garden crops showed 

 unusually good yields, with prices lower than usual, but not 



