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one. Pastures and mowings promise well, but fall seeding did not 

 winter very well. The fruit bloom was good; no damage from frosts. 

 No insects have appeared as yet. Planting is nearly completed, 

 except for corn. Farm help is plenty, and one-third of it good help. 

 Wages range from S25 to S30 per month with board and average SI. 50 

 per day without board. There are no marked changes in the acreage 

 of the usual farm crops. 



Southborough (Edw. F. Collins). — The season is about normal 

 at present. Pastures and mowings are looking well, much better than 

 last year. About half the apple trees bloomed full; pears, peaches 

 and plums made a full bloom. Insects are not doing any damage 

 at present. The weather is favorable for planting, and the land in 

 good condition. Help is more plenty and more willing than usual. 

 Wages range from $22 to $28 per month with board. There will be 

 a larger acreage than usual in corn and potatoes, farmers being dis- 

 posed to do more than for the last two years. 



Leicester (H. H. Kingsbury). — The season is a little backward, 

 excepting the fruit bloom, which is earlier than usual and very abun- 

 dant. Pastures and mowings are in fine condition, and promise good 

 yields. There is no damage from insects, owing to cool, damp weather. 

 Planting is progressing slowly, being frequently interrupted by rain. 

 Farm help is more plenty than for some years past. The high price 

 of grain and the low price of milk are incentives to increase home 

 production of feed for dairy stock, and many farmers plan to raise 

 more oats and corn than usual. 



Auburn (Wm. Gilbert). — The season is a little late, but early 

 vegetables are doing well. Pastures and mowings promise a big hay 

 crop, and fall seeding wintered well. All fruit trees bloomed full, 

 and there has been no damage from frosts. . Insects are not doing 

 much damage. Potatoes are all planted, and about half the corn. 

 There is plenty of help this season, and about one-third of it good help. 

 Wages average $22 per month with board and $40 per month without 

 board. There will be a sHght increase in the corn acreage. The 

 number of milch cows is considerably decreased. 



Mendon (J. J. Nutter). — There is no particular difference in the 

 season from former years. Pastures are looking very well, but mow- 

 ings need rain; fall seeding wintered well. The fruit bloom is more 

 extensive than last year, with no damage from frost. There is no 

 particular damage from insects. Some farmers are nearly through 

 planting, while others are not. There is plenty of help to be had. 

 Wages range from $15 to $25 per month with board and average 

 $1.50 per day without board. There will be no marked change in 

 the acreage of farm crops. 



