16 



]N^OTEs OF correspo:n^de:^ts. 



(Returned to us May 31.) 



BERKSHIRE COUNTY. 



Sheffield (Dwigiit Andrews). — The present season is about 

 as last. Live stock is looking well. Pastures and mowings are 

 in good condition, and fall seeding wintered well. The fruit 

 bloom was a full average. Farm help is scarce, about one-fourth 

 being good help. Wages $18 to $20 per month with board. There 

 is an increase in the acreage of crops. 



StocJcbridge (F. A. Palmer) . — The present season is better 

 than last year, agriculturally speaking. All kinds of stock win- 

 tered well. Pastures and old meadows are looking well. Spring 

 seeding was nearly a failure but fall seeding is good. The fruit 

 bloom was heavier than usual. Very few insects have appeared ; 

 a little spraying has been done. Help is plenty, one-half being 

 good help. Wages are about $20 per month with board and about 

 $38 "without board. The acreage of crops is increased, especially 

 corn. 



Cheshire (L. J. Northup). — The season is two weeks earlier 

 than last year. Live stock is looking well. Pastures and mowings 

 are looking well. The fruit bloom was unusually full. Tent 

 caterpillars and potato bugs are quite numerous where they are 

 not looked after. Good farm help is scarce, not more than 25 per 

 cent being first class. Wages range from $15 to $25 per month 

 with board. 



Lee (A. Bradley). — The present season is a little in advance 

 of last year. Live stock is in good condition. Pastures and mow- 

 ings are looking well, and fall seeding wintered fairly well. The 

 fruit bloom is a full average. Farm help is very plenty, one- 

 fourth being good help. Poor help can be had for $10 per month 

 and board for seven months; good help is paid $1.50 per day 

 without board. The industrial depression has had little effect on 

 the acreage of crops. 



Becket (Wm. H. Snow). — The season is ten days earlier than 

 last year. Live stock is looking as well as usual. Pastures and 

 mowings are looking well, but fall seeding has suffered from 

 dry weather. Fruit bloom a full average. Farm help is not 



