17 



NOTES OF CORRESPONDENTS. 



[Returned to us May 24.] 



BERKSHIRE COUNTY. 



New Marlborough (E. W. Rhoades). — The season was wet and 

 cold up to about the 22d. Meadows and pastures seem to be in 

 fine condition, and fall seeding has wintered well and is also in 

 good condition. The cherries, apples and plums are blooming full. 

 Tent caterpillars are plentiful in some orchards. Planting hardly 

 commenced, as the gTound is still very wet and cold. Farm laborers 

 are none too plenty. Wages are about $25 per month with board, 

 or $1.50 per day without board. There will be no marked change 

 in the acreage of staple farm crops. There are no pheasants here. 



Stockhridge (F. A. Palmer). — The season so far has been cold, 

 wet and late. There is fine promise for pastures and mowing. 

 There has been a bloom of about 80 per cent of fruits and small 

 fruits; no frost. Planting is progressing very slowly, on account 

 of the cold wet weather. Farm help is scarce, and good help still 

 scarcer. Wages average about $32 per month with board, or about 

 $48 per month without board. Acreage of farm crops about as 

 usual. New apple orchards being established. Pheasants doing 

 no damage; glad to see them. The world was not all destined to be 

 a desert. Old apple orchards are being renovated and put into 

 condition. 



West Stockhridge (J. S. Moore). — The present season compares 

 unfavorably, being a very discouraging one so far, owing to the 

 cold and wet. Dairymen look with smiling faces upon the pastures 

 and mowing, which are much above the average. Fall seeding 

 wintered well. Apple, pear, plum and cherry trees now in full 

 bloom. No frost as yet to do injury. Very few insects so far, 

 owing to cold weather and undeveloped vegetation. Planting is 

 progi'essing fairly well for the season. Farm help is very scarce 

 and of poor quality; perhaps 15 or 20 per cent might be called 

 fair. Wages average from $20 to $25 per month with board, or 

 $1.50 to $1.75 per day without board. There will be more potatoes 

 and corn planted this year than for some time. A few farmers are 

 going into poultry raising more extensively. Pheasants are not 



