15 



Hatfield. ■— Season two or three weeks later than last, and dry 

 and cold. The nights still continue to fall near frost, and when I 

 say that the outlook is favorable for the farmer it is because I 

 expect, in consequence, continued and perhaps excessive hot 

 weather sometime next month. At present no insects to trouble. 

 It is diflicult to get first-class help. Wages $20 per month and 

 board for eight months. Thaddeus Graves. 



NortJi Hadley. — The weather has been dry and cold all the 

 spring thus far, making the grass crop backward, and the prospect 

 for a full crop is very poor. Planting is late and corn not coming 

 well in many places. Onions and tobacco beds are not well 

 stocked. Strawberries and many early vegetables were seriously 

 damaged by frost. Tent caterpillars abound, and not much is 

 being done to destroy them. Wages are higher than last year, 

 and good help is not plenty. H. C. Russell. 



Southampton. — Never saw the outlook better than it was on 

 the 1st of May, but the absence of rain makes everything look 

 dubious. Pasture feed is getting short, and mowing lots are sta- 

 tionary or going backward. Cool nights and occasional frost 

 keep the farmer on the anxious seat most of the time. First- 

 class help very scarce. AVages $20 per month by the year. 



C. B. Lyjian. 



PelJiam. — This season earlier and rather more promising than 

 last, and now it promises to be a favorable one for the farmer. 

 The tent caterpillar is quite numerous and destructive, but nothing 

 is done to check its ravages. First-class help is scarce and com- 

 mands $20 per month. J. L. Bkewer. 



NANTUCKET COUNTY. 



Nantucket. — Season about the same as last, and think it now 

 promises to be a favorable one for the farmer. The only insect 

 making any show at present is the potato bug, and he is commenc- 

 ing his work. It is very difficult to get any decent help, and if 

 you get first-class help they want the farm and all you raise. 



C. W. Gaudnek. 



NORFOLK COUNTY. 

 Avon. — At present this season will compare favorably with 

 last, and indications now point to an excellent season for the 

 farmer. Most of the farmers of this section are engaged in pro- 

 ducing milk for market, and pay but little attention to market 

 gardening. Such help as is needed may be easily procured for 

 $20 to $30 per month and board. S. F. Oliver. 



