12 



:n^otes of cokrespondents. 



(Returned to us May 25.) 



BERKSHIRE COUNTY. 



Neio Marlborough (E. W. Rhoades). — The season seems to be 

 a little late, and rain is now needed. Pastures and mowings came 

 through the winter well and promise good crops. Pears bloomed 

 full ; apples fairly well ; peaches injured more or less by severe 

 weather in April ; no other damage by frosts. Currant worms 

 have commenced to do damage. Potatoes are planted, but corn 

 crop and gardens are late in being planted. Farm help is scarce. 

 Wages average 825 per month with board, and Si. 50 per day with- 

 out board. I think there will be about the usual acreage of farm 

 crops. 



Alford (Lester T. Osborne). — The season is the most favor- 

 able one we have had for a long time up to the present. Pastures 

 and mowings are in better than average condition, and fall seeding 

 wintered well. The fruit bloom is rather below normal. So far 

 no insects have appeared. Planting is nearlj' finished. Farm help 

 is very scarce, and good help that can use teams and machines is 

 hard to get. "Wages average from §22 to S24 per month with 

 board, and $35 per month without board. The acreage of farm 

 crops is about the same as usual. 



West Stockhridge (J. S. Moore).' — The season seems late at 

 present, but is probably about as usual. Pastures and mowings 

 are looking nicely, and there was no damage to fall seeding. 

 Fruit trees bloomed full, but frosts injured small fruits No 

 insects are doing damage as yet. Planting is progressing about 

 as usual, few gardens made yet. Farm help is very scarce, and 

 but little good help to be had at any price. Wages are from S20 

 to S25 per month with board, and average $35 per month without 

 board. There are no changes to speak of in the acreage of farm 

 crops. A milk station has been established in town, and much 

 attention is being given to dairy farming. 



Becket (Wm. H. Snow). — The season is about an average one 

 so far, with cool nights. Pastures and mowings are looking well, 

 and fall seeding wintered well. A full fruit bloom is expected, 



