19 



hereabouts. There has been no damage by pheasants to my knowl- 

 edge. 



Williamstown (S. A. HiCKOx). — The season is very wet, cold and 

 late. Grass, meadows and pastures are looking fine, and fall seed- 

 ing wintered well. Apples bloomed abundantly, and pears, peaches 

 and plums promise well. Tent caterpillars are doing some dam- 

 age. Planting is progTessing very slowly, on account of the exces- 

 sive rains. The outlook is that corn and oats cannot be planted 

 in season, as the water stands on the ground in many localities. 

 Farm help is scarce, and about one-third of this can be called good 

 help. The wages here average about $25 to $30 with board, and 

 $35 to $50 without board. There has been no damage in this sec- 

 tion by pheasants. 



FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



Colrain (W. H. Davenport). — The season is later than normal 

 but with good promise for fruits. Pastures and mowings are look- 

 ing well, and fall seeding came through the winter in good shape. 

 Fruit bloom was late but good, with no frost injury so far. Tent 

 caterpillars very plentiful. Planting is progressing very slowly, 

 there being too much rain for garden and field crops. Help is very 

 scarce, but of fair quality; very little permanent help; $1.75 to 

 $2 per day for transient help without board. The orchard area 

 shows an increase. Pheasants are doing no damage. Never before 

 saw help so scarce or wages so high. A big construction company 

 near here, paying $6 a day for man and team, is doubtless partially 

 responsible. 



Leyden (Frank R. Foster). — The season seems to be somewhat 

 later than usual. Pastures and mowings look fine. Fruit bloom 

 is normal, with no frost. Planting is progressing slowly on account 

 of wet weather. Good help is always scarce, averaging $25 to 

 $30 i^er month with board, and $1.75 per day without board. The 

 acreage of farm crops will be about as usual. Have seen no 

 pheasants here. 



Bernardston (R. H. Cushman). — The season is cold and late. 

 Pastures and mowing seldom in better condition than now, and very 

 little fall seeding winterkilled. A very full fruit bloom, with no 

 frost to date. Tent caterpillars doing the most damage. Less than 

 half of potato crop planted. Little or no corn in yet. Farm help 

 scarce ; a fair proportion of help can be called good. Wages average 

 $20 to $25 per month with board, and $1.25 to $1.75 per day without 

 board. Full acreage of potatoes will be planted. Have no pheasants 

 here so far as I know. 



Gill (Frank F. Stoughton). — The season is very late and wet 

 for planting. It has been an excellent one for grass and pastures. 



