8 



Crops of the Yeak. 



The weather of May was cold but pleasant, with frosts 

 on the mornings of the 20th and 21st, which did considerable 

 damage to early vegetables. Pastures and mowings wintered 

 very well, but owing to cold weather grass started slowly, 

 and later its growth was checked by drought. There was a 

 good bloom of apples, but pears, plums, cherries and peaclies 

 showed a rather light bloom. Small fruits and berries gen- 

 erally bloomed full. Little damage from frost was reported. 

 Few insects appeared and did little damage. Planting was 

 somewhat backward, due largely to the late opening of the 

 season and cold weather. Farm help was unusually scarce ; 

 average wages, $20 per month with board, and $1.50 per 

 day without board. There was a slight increase in the 

 acreage of corn, potatoes, tobacco and onions, and a new 

 cranberry bog was reported as being made. 



Insects were unusually prevalent in June, but not doing 

 excessive damage. Indian corn was late, but of good stand 

 and color. Haying had hardly begun at the close of the 

 month, and a good crop was generally expected. The acreage 

 of forage crops showed no special increase. Early potatoes 

 were somewhat later than usual, but looking well. Early 

 market-garden crops were later than usual, with prices higher 

 than for some years. The flow of milk was well maintained, 

 but prices for butter and butter fat were lower than the year 

 previous. Dairy cows were in fairly good supply, with 

 easier prices. Pastures were in first-class condition. Straw- 

 berries were a good crop; cherries light; plums and pears 

 promised to be light ; peaches fairly good ; apples promised 

 well. 



Potato bugs were reported as more numerous than usual 

 in Tuly and harder to keep in subjection. Indian com was 

 a little backward, but making luxuriant growth. Haying 

 was not completed, but the crop was considerably above the 

 average. The acreage of forage crops was not increased, 

 and all were in excellent condition. Market-garden crops 

 were yielding well, with prices a little above normal. Pota- 

 toes promised well, though few had been dug. Apples prom- 



