25 



Agawam (J, G. Burt), — The present season is about the same 

 as the last two or three years. The promise for pastures and mow- 

 ings is good, but fall seeding winterkilled badly. The bloom of trees 

 is light. We have had no frost. There has been but little insect 

 damage thus far to my knowledge. Owing to the wet and cold, 

 planting is progressing slowly. Good help is scarce; there is plenty 

 of cheap help. Wages run from $28 to $30 per month with board, 

 and about $1.75 per day without board. There will be somewhat 

 more corn than usual this year. Pheasants are doing no damage. 

 We wish there were more. 



Hampden (John" N. Isham). — The present season compares well 

 with a good average. Pastures and mowings are in excellent con- 

 dition. Most fall seeding is doing well. Peaches are mostly winter- 

 killed; other fruit trees blossomed full. There has been no frost. 

 Planting has been delayed by frequent rains. Some potatoes are 

 in the ground, but no corn is planted as yet. Farm help is scarce, 

 and about one-half of it can be called good. The wages paid are 

 about $1.50 per day of nine hours with board, and without board 

 $35 per month, with a garden. There is not much change in the 

 general farm crops as compared with other years. 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 



Royalston (C. A. Stimson-). — The weather this spring has been 

 cold, wet and backward. The promise for jaastures and mowings 

 is exceptionally good. Fall seeding was somewhat winterkilled. 

 There was a full bloom of all fruit except peaches, of which there 

 are not many grown here. Tent catei^pillars are doing more dam- 

 age than any other insect. There has not been very much done in 

 the planting line. Farm help is scarce, about one-quarter of it being 

 good help. With board, wages are about $25 per month, or $40 

 without board. There will be no marked change in the acreage of 

 the general farm crops. Pheasants are doing no noticeable damage. 



Ashhurnham (E. D. Gibson). — The season is backward and the 

 ground has been very cold and wet. Pastures and mowings are in 

 fine condition, and fall seeding is in good shape. All fruits are 

 blossoming well, even peaches. No insect damage except some tent 

 caterpillars and brown-tail moths. Planting is way behind. Good 

 help is very scarce, and any kind of help is none too plenty. Wages 

 are from $25 to $30 per month with board, or $1.75 per day with- 

 out board. There will be no great change in the acreage of the 

 main farm crops this season. Pheasants are doing no noticeable 

 damage. 



Templeton (Lucien Gove). — Although this season is better than 

 the last two years, it is rather wet and cool. Pastures and fields 



