11 



command a higher level of prices than for some time, due 

 undoubtedly to the scarcity of butter in the general market. 

 Dairy cows are not as hard to obtain as formerly, according 

 to the reports, and prices are a little easier, though good 

 cows continue to command high prices and find a ready 

 sale. 



Pastukage. 

 Pastures were short and dry before the rains of the second 

 decade of the month, but the heav}'' rainfall at that time and 

 the frequent showers since then have improved them to a 

 marked degree.. At time of going to press, pasturage Mas 

 generally in remarkably good condition for midsummer. 



Fruits and Berries. 

 Strawberries promised a good crop, but the frequent rains 

 caused much decay, and it is doubtful if anything like an 

 average crop was marketed for the State as a whole. The 

 quality of the fruit, aside from softening from rain, was 

 generally excellent, and prices have ruled strong. Rasp- 

 berries and blackberries promise good yields, except in 

 those sections where the vines winter-killed. Currants 

 generally promise well. Cherries suflered somewhat from 

 the wet weather, but have otherwise been an excellent crop. 

 Plums and pears promise to give only light 3'ields as a whole. 

 Peaches set very well, and where the trees have come through 

 the winters of 1902-03 and 1903-04 with sufficient vitality 

 to mature a crop, there should be an unusually heavy yield 

 for this section. Apples promise well for a non-bearing 

 year, as it is in most sections, though at the time of making 

 returns the " June drop " was not entirely completed. Wild 

 berries promise well where reported on. A few scattered 

 reports on cranberries show them to be blooming well. The 

 recent rains have been remarkably beneficial to all fruits and 

 berries, with the exception of strawberries. 



