8 



tomperature conditions presented no unusual features, ex- 

 cept some noticeable extremes during the first week of the 

 month, durinc: which it ranged from summer heat to winter 

 cold. There was a general freeze on the morning of the 2d. 

 Dui'ing the third week of the month the temperature condi- 

 tions were characteristic of mid-summer weather, the mer- 

 cury ranging well into the <SO's. By the middle of the 

 month rain was much needed, the soil being too dry for the 

 germination of seeds, and on some high lands too dry for 

 proper cultivation. Toward the close, vegetation showed 

 the effect of the drought; streams, lakes and wells were 

 becoming low, and the dr}^ weather was being seriously felt 

 in connection with all farm operations. The rainfall was 

 from two to tlu'ee inches below the normal of the month. 

 The month closed ^vith the season near the normal. 



In the cu'cular to corrcs})ondents, returnable May 23, the 

 following (juestions were asked : — 



1. IIow does the present season compare, agriculturally 

 speaking, with a normal season ? 



2. What is the promise for pastures and mowings, and 

 did fall seeding winter well? 



3. How did the bloom of apples, pears, peaches, plums 

 and small fruits compare with the bloom of former 3'ears, 

 and has it suffered from frosts? 



4. What insects ap})ear to be doing the most damage in 

 3'onr locality? 



5. To what extent is spraying practised against insects 

 attacking fruit, and is it on the increase in your locality? 



(). Is farm helj) scarce, or plenty; and what proportion 

 can be called good help? 



7. What are the average wages paid farm help in your 

 vicinity, with board? Without board ? 



8. AVill there be any marked changes in the acreage of 

 the usual farm crops, and do you note any new enterprises 

 in the line of agriculture ? 



Returns have been received from 149 correspondents, and 

 from them the following sumniury has been compiled : — 



