10 



as the grain was concerned, without mid-summer weather in 

 September. The rowen crop was unusually heavy on early 

 cut fields, but so many fields were cut very late that not 

 more than an average crop seemed likely. Potatoes were 

 somewhat backward, but a fair to good crop was promised, 

 although blight had generally appeared and there were some 

 reports of rot. The acreage of tobacco is about the same as 

 last year, but the prospect for the crop was very poor, taken 

 as a w^hole. Apples promised a good crop for an off year ; 

 pears a fair crop ; practically no peaches ; grapes fair ; and 

 cranberries light. Pastures were generally in first-class con- 

 dition. Oats gave a fair average crop, with barley doing 

 well for forage and little raised for grain. 



The warm weather of September brought Indian corn for- 

 ward rapidly, but it was nevertheless one of the poorest 

 crops ever secured, poorer even than that of 1902. About 

 an average crop of rowen was indicated, and the weather of 

 the month w^as very favorable for securing the crop. Fall 

 feed was in excellent condition. All farm work was delayed 

 by the lateness of haying, and less fall seeding than usual 

 was done during the month, but the work progressed well 

 and that sowed early made a good catch. Onions were a 

 very poor crop in most localities. Potatoes promised to be 

 an unusually good crop, but were shortened by rot, which 

 was general throughout the State, and not more than a three- 

 fourths crop was secured. Root crops generally promised 

 well, though somewhat late. Celery also promised well, as 

 did other late market-garden crops, but all needed further 

 warm weather. Apples were blown from the trees to a con- 

 siderable extent, but still give a better crop than usual in an 

 off year. Pears were a fair crop ; peaches very few ; grapes 

 nearly a failure ; and cranberries a light crop in the sections 

 of commercial production. 



In the circular to correspondents r(;turnable October 23 

 the following questions were asked : — 



1. AVhat is the value of the corn crop compared w^itli a 

 normal crop? 



2. Have root crops proved to be average croj)S? 



3. What is the condition of farm stock? 



4. What is the condition of fall seedino:? 



