13 



]^OTES OF CORRESPONDENTS. 



(Returned to us May 25.) 



BERKSHIRE COUNTY. 



New Marlborough (E. W. Rhoades). — The season is about a normal 

 one at this date. Meadows and pastures came through the winter 

 well, also fall seeding. Fruit trees blossomed well, with the exception 

 of Baldwin apples; strawberries promise a full crop. No damage 

 from insects as yet. There is a large acreage of potatoes already 

 planted, and corn and gardens are well under way. Farm help is 

 plenty, at old prices. Wages average from |20 to $30 per month 

 with board and $1.50 per day without board. I think that farmers 

 realize the necessity of raising more grain. 



Monterey (Wm. S. Bidwell). — The season promises well. Pas- 

 tures and mowings are in good condition, but fall seeding winter- 

 killed badly. There was a wonderful fruit bloom, and no damage 

 from frost. Tent caterpillars are doing some damage. Planting is 

 progressing finely. Farm help is scarce, and there is almost no good 

 help. Wages average $25 per month with board and $1.75 per day 

 without board. There are no marked changes in the acreage of farm 

 crops. 



Tyrmgham (Edward H. Slater). — The present season com- 

 pares favorably with a normal season. Pastures and mowings are 

 looking finely; very little fall seeding has been done in this locality. 

 Apple orchards are in full bloom, and have not suffered from frosts. 

 Planting is rather behind the usual development at this season. Farm 

 help is more plenty than usual, and about half of it can be called good 

 help. Wages average $20 per month with board and $1.50 per day 

 without board. 



West Stockbridge (J. S. ^Ioore). — The season is at least ten days 

 earlier than last year. Pastures and mowings are looking finely, 

 while fall seeding is fairly good. Fruit trees are now in full bloom, 

 and the bloom is well up to the average; no frost as yet. No insects 

 have appeared as yet. Planting is progressing well, but is somewhat 

 interrupted by frequent showers. There is but little or no good farm 

 help to be had. Wages range from $20 to $30 per month with board 

 and $1.25 to $1.50 per day without board. About the usual crops 

 are being put in. Our farmers are entering into the milk business 

 more than formerly, notwithstanding the exacting conditions of the 

 contractors. 



