17 



not yet begun, and the crop will probably be rather light. There 



is the usual acreage of early potatoes, and the crop looks well. 



March prices for butter were 4 cents per pound, and April prices 



2 cents per pound, higher than in 1899 ; dairy cows higher than 



last year. Pasturage is in better condition than at any time last 



year. We hope for a good apple crop; no berries grown fo r 



market. 



HAMPDEN COUNTY. 



Blandford (E. W. Boise). — Tent caterpillars and potato beetles 

 are doing some damage. Indian corn is small, with the acreage 

 increased 10 per cent. Haying has not yet begun, and the pros- 

 pect for the crop is poor. The acreage of early potatoes is about 

 the same as usual. Early market-garden crops are late, and the 

 prices are about average. Dairy 'products are fully up to the 

 average in quantity and price; dairy cows from 10 to 15 per cent 

 higher in price than formerly. Pasturage is short, and the prospect 

 is that all stock will be low in the fall. The outlook for fruits and 

 berries is good. Farm work is behind, on account of the scarcity 

 of farm help. All farm products are bringing good, fair prices. 



Russell (E. D. Parks). — Indian corn is looking fairly well, with 

 about the usual acreage. Haying has begun, and the prospect is 

 for a light crop. The acreage of early potatoes is about the same 

 as usual, and the crop is looking quite nicely. But little done here 

 in market-garden crops. Dairy products are up to the average in 

 quantity and price. Pastures need rain badly. Strawberries are 

 a rather small crop ; other fruits good. Rain is needed here to 

 help the growing crops and the grass in pastures. 



West Springfield (T. A. Rogers) . — Horn flies, squash bugs and 

 potato bugs are doing some damage. Indian corn is about ten 

 days late, with about the usual acreage. HayiDg is just beginning ; 

 some fields good, others half a crop. There is a full acreage of 

 early potatoes, and they are looking veiy well, though late. Early 

 market-garden crops made about an average yield ; prices about 

 average ; prospect good for later ones. Dairy products are a full 

 supply as to quantity, and prices are little changed ; dairy cows a 

 little higher in price. Pastures are rather short for June. Straw- 

 berries are doing fairly well ; blackberries and raspberries promise 

 well. 



Chicopee (R. W. Bemis). — No insects have done any damage to 

 speak of. Corn is looking fairly well where the ground was prop- 

 erly prepared and fertilized. Haying has not yet begun, the crop 

 not being quite as early as usual, and rather light. The acreage 

 of early potatoes is normal, and good crops are promised. Early 

 market-garden crops compare well with former years in yield and 



