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value. I think the farmers would be very much benefited could 

 they receive tlie weather forecasts and frost warnings from twelve 

 to twenty-four hours in advance. Snow fell May 20, and heavy 

 rains for three days after. The wet weather still continues, delay- 

 ing farm operations, especially on wet land. 



HAMPSHIRE COUNTY. 



Belchertoion (H. C. Wkst). — The currant worm and tent cater- 

 pillar are doing the most harm of any insects. The former is 

 being treated with an application of hellebore and ashes, the latter 

 by burning, rubbing, etc. The farmers in this vicinity would 

 doubtless be benefited to some extent if they could receive the 

 weather forecasts and frost warnings from twelve to twenty-four 

 hours in advance, but not so much as if we raised garden truck. 

 Mowings and pastures, and also rye and oats, are looking finely. 

 It is a little wet and cold for planting. 



Amherst (H. A. Parsons). — The tent caterpillar is doing the 

 most damage of any insect, but it is slight as yet. Some burn 

 them with a torch, but the best way is to take them in the early 

 morning when they are all in the nest and crush them. We have 

 had an abundance of rain and cool weather for the past two weeks. 

 Grass and grains are looking finely. Potatoes came up slowly. 

 Corn is mostly planted and some pieces are up. Onions came 

 unevenly ; some pieces are well stocked, while othei'S are a partial 

 failure, probably owing to poor seed. 



Hadley (H. C. Russell). — The season is very backward, on 

 account of cold weather. April was very dry. There was more 

 rain the last part of May, but it was too cold to push vegetable 

 growth. The tent caterpillar bids fair to trouble us more than 

 last year; nothing is done to destroy them. We have to depend 

 upon foreign help more and more each year, native-born laborers 

 engaging in other pursuits more to their liking. Our objection to 

 the weather forecasts is that in districts remote from the large 

 towns the news is not likely to be received soon enough to be of 

 much value. 



Chesterfield (Horatio Bisber). — The season is backward, and 

 planting not done yet. Grass has wintered well, although it has not 

 made much growth in the pastures. Cows have needed their daily 

 rations of hay up to the present time. Help is scarce and high. 



Southampton (C. B. Lyman). — The present season is not quite 

 so early as last year, but things are coming forward finely now. 

 Not many insects have been observed yet. First-class help is 

 scarce at $1.50 per day without board, and $20 to $25 per month 

 with. 



