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or two, with frost, killed early potatoes, corn and nearly all vege- 

 tables ; and, on account of the cold weather since, much seed has 

 not germinated. Many orchards are very badly infested with 

 tent caterpillars, and very little pains are taken to destroy them. 

 First-class help hard to get. N. W. Shaw. 



Somerset. — April was much more favorable than last year, but 

 May not near as favorable. With the exception of the hay crop 

 the season now promises to be a favorable one for the farmer. 

 The severe frosts in May have given vegetation a set back, and 

 will make all early vegetables and fruits from one to two weeks 

 later than last season. Tent caterpillars and strawberry tleas are 

 the insects now doing the most damage. No system is adopted 

 for exterminating them. First-class help is scarce, and is getting 

 from $22 to $25 per month. Joseph Gibbs. 



Sivaiisea. — We need rain, without which grass will be light. 

 Do not think the outlook as good as it was at this time last year. 

 More corn than usual is planted. Many complain that their pota- 

 toes do not come up well. A frost the 23d did much damage to 

 the strawberry crop. Tent caterpillars are doing the most damage. 

 Some have destroyed them, but most people let them have their 

 own way. First-class help is not plenty ; such get from $20 to 

 $22 per month. F. G. Arnold. 



DUKES COUNTY. 



West Tishary. — We suffered from drought until May 20 when 

 considerable rain fell. Another heavy storm on the 2i)th helped 

 us still further, insuring nearly an average hay crop. Season not 

 up to the average. The potato bug is almost the only insect that 

 is at present injurious. Portuguese labor is quite abundant at 

 $10 to $20 per month and board. Wm. J. Kotch. 



ESSEX COUNTY. 



Dancers. — The present season compares unfavorably with the 

 same period last year. Tlie hay cro[) will be very light ; but, if 

 we have rain now, other crops may do well. Tent caterpillars 

 are doing the most damage ; some burn them, some brush them 

 down and others Paris green them. It is dillicult to get first-class 

 help ; $20 to $22 for ordinary help. C. H. Pkkston. 



Groveland. — Season opened some earlier than last, but has 

 been dry and cold. Pears, plums, peaches and currants are doing 



