19 



Agmvam (J. G. Burt). — The season is about au avei'age one 

 agriculturally speakiog. Pastnres and mowings look well but 

 need rain ; fall seeding wintered well. The fruit bloom was about 

 average, but has probably suffered from frosts. Tent caterpillars 

 are doing some damage. Planting is progressing fairly well. 

 Farm help is scarce, and not more than half of it good help. 

 Wages average from S20 to S22 per month with board, and $35 

 per month without board. The acreage of farm crops will be about 

 the same as usual. 



West Springfield (T. A. Rogers). — The season has been cold 

 and dry. Pastures short, mowings late ; fall seeding wintered 

 well. Apples did not make a full bloom; pears, peaches and 

 plums full ; small fruits hardly out yet. No insects have appeared 

 as yet. Planting is progressing well, as we can work all the time, 

 the weather being pleasant though dry. Farm help is scarce, but 

 what help we have around here is very good. Wages range from 

 S25 to $30 per month with board, and from $1.50 to $1.75 without 

 board. There is a full acreage of corn and potatoes. 



East Longmendow (John L. Davis). — The season is cold and 

 backward. Old pastures look dry ; fall seeding winter-killed in 

 low places. There was a good fruit bloom, but frost must have 

 done some damage. Planting is progressing fairly well. Help is 

 scarce, and farmers cannot afford t6 pay the price of good help. 

 Wages average $25 per month with board, and $1.75 per day 

 without board. More ensilage corn will be grown than in the past. 



Hampden (John N. Isham). — The season is a little late, and 

 rain is needed. Pastures and mowings are starting slowly, and 

 fall seeding wintered unusually well. Apples, pears and small 

 fruits blossomed full ; plums light ; no injury from frosts. No 

 insects to speak of as yet. Potatoes are mostly planted and 

 farmers are busy preparing for corn planting. Farm help is 

 scarce, but it is mostly good help. Wages average $20 per month 

 with board, and from $30 to $35 per month without board ; help 

 by the day $1.50. There is a full acreage of farm crops, and 

 more peach trees than usual are being set out. 

 ' Monson (F. D. Rogers). — The present season is an average 

 one to date. Pastures are ini[n*oving and mowings are in excellent 

 condition ; fall seeding wintered well. There was a heavy bloom 

 on apples and pears ; plums and peaches fair. No insects are 

 doing any great .amount of damage ; some currant worms and cut 

 worms. Planting is well along. Farm help is very scarce, and 

 most of it is good help. Wages average $20 per month with 

 board, and $1.50 per day or $30 per month without board. More 

 corn will be planted than usual. 



