23 



Southampton (C. B, Lyman). — The season is later than normal 

 and is cold and wet. Pastures and mowings promise well. Fall 

 seeding wintered in good shape. The bloom of frnit trees was about 

 as usual, with no frost. Have not seen any insects; they are waiting 

 for a warm day. Planting is progressing very slowly, many fields 

 being too wet to cultivate. All farm work is much later than the 

 average season. Farm help scarce and poor. Wages average $1S 

 to $22 per month with board, or $1.50 to $1.75 per day without 

 board. Acreage of farm crops will be about the same as usual. 

 There are no jDheasants here. Grain and feed are almost out of 

 reach, and Avith help scarce and poor, and wages high, we try not 

 to be blue, but hope for a better report next time. 



HAMPDEN COUNTY. 



Blandford (Enos W. Boise). — The season is backward, cold and 

 wet. Mowings and pastures are in fine condition, and fall seeding 

 as well. All fruit trees show a heavy bloom. No damage from frost. 

 Tent caterpillars very plenty and are being destroyed. Little plant- 

 ing done, as the soil is so wet and cold. Help is scarce, and not one- 

 quarter can be called good help. Wages average $30 per month with 

 board, or $2 per day without board. Farmers hope to put in the 

 usual acreage of crops, but the weather is discouraging. Pheasants 

 not doing any damage; we wish there were more here. Rabbits, 

 being protected, are becoming a pest; doing much damage to fruit 

 trees. 



B.ussell (E, D. Parks). — The present season compares favorably 

 with a normal season, except that it is somewhat backward. Pas- 

 tures and mowings are in excellent condition, grass being about the 

 only thing that is gi'owing at all. Fruit bloom about average. 

 There has been but little insect damage as yet. Farmers are just 

 beginning to plant. Help is scarce, and about one-half is good. 

 Wages are about $25 per month with board, and $1.75 to $2 per 

 day without board. The acreage of fai-m crops is about the same 

 as usual. No damage from pheasants recorded in this section. 



Chicopee (E. L. Shaw^). — The season is wet, cold and late for 

 all crops except grass and grain. Pastures and mowings are look- 

 ing fine, and fall seeding wintered well. Apple bloom nonnal; 

 pears and peaches few; plums full and berries full. No frost as 

 yet. Insects inactive so far. Planting is progressing very slowly 

 on account of rain and cold. Farm help is very scarce, and veiy 

 little can be called good. Wages with board run from $25 up ; 

 without board, $1.50 to $1.75 per day. The acreage of potatoes 

 and corn will be smaller this year than usual. Farms are being 



