14 



the usual crop of apples. On account of dry weather early pota- 

 toes and corn on high hiud suffered severely, but late potatoes on 

 low land may be better if suflicient rain is had later on. Have 

 observed no rot or scab. Small fruits have been satisfactory in 

 yield and price. All cultivated crops have suffered from the 

 drought. Farmers in this vicinity are troubled by boys from tea 

 to seventeeu years of age who steal mostly apples. 



J. C. TnoKPE. 



West Springfield. — We have never secured a heavier crop of 

 hay or in better condition. Api)les few in quantity and poor in 

 quality. Some pieces of [jotatoes on dry land will not be more 

 than half a crop on account of drought. Scab has appeared to 

 some extent, but no rot yet. Yield of small fruits very light, 

 excepting strawberries, and prices good. Farmers not seriously 

 troubled by trespassers, but an occasional depredation is com- 

 mitted. The worst trouble is from hunters and fishermen. 



T. A. Rogers. 



Monson. — Hay crop very good and weather very fine. Very 



few ai)i)les. Have not observed scab or rot in potatoes yet. 



Plums are scarce. Corn has rolled some on account (jf the 



drought, and potato vines have turned yellow. Berry pickers are 



plenty. 



A. H. White. 



Wilbraham. — Quantity and quality of hay satisfactory and the 

 weather for securing it could not have been better. Very short 

 crop of ai)i)les. Potato scab is just appearing. Late potatoes 

 have suffered severely from drought. Early varieties will yield a 

 fair crop. City and village gamins seem to think that farmers' 

 fruits and nuts are common property. Some seem possessed to 

 encroach upon our fields and break down our fences, etc., in pur- 

 suit of fish and game. 



F. E. Clauk. 



IIAMrSIIIRE COUNTY. 



Chesterfield. — Our season on and among the hills is at least ten 

 days later than the valley and sea-shore towns. The wet and 

 warm weather the first of the month added very materially to the 

 hay crop which was good and was secured mainly in the two good 

 weeks following. The prospect for ai)ples is poor about here. 

 Have not observed rot or scab in potatoes yet. Farmers are 



