20 



increase in the acreage of corn grown for grain, and some increase 

 in that of grain crops. 



Fitchburg (Jabez Fisher). — The fruit bloom is from six to 

 eight days earlier than the average for forty-six years. Pastures 

 and mowings promise very well if sufficient rain falls, which is 

 now lacking. The fruit bloom is quite variable, in some cases a 

 full bloom, in others quite small, especially Baldwin apples ; very 

 little damage from frosts. A few tent caterpillars are doing dam- 

 age. A few spray regularly and systematically, but it is mostly 

 neglected. Farm help is scarce, both good and poor. Wages aver- 

 age $1.50 per day without board. There are no changes of note 

 in the acreage of farm crops. 



Sterling (H. F. Sawyer). — Trees seem more forward than usual 

 at this time. Grass will be light if we do not have more rain soon ; 

 fall seeding was much injured ; very little feed in pastures. The 

 fruit bloom was up to the average except for Baldwin apples, 

 which made a light bloom ; no damage from frost except perhaps 

 on very low ground. Potato bugs are doing some damage. Spray- 

 ing is but little practised. Farm help is very scarce, and not more 

 than one-fourth of it is good help. Wages average $18 per month 

 with board. The acreage of corn and potatoes will be increased, 

 and cow peas and soy beans are being raised more extensively. 



Soutlihorongh (E. F. Collins). — Everything considered, the 

 season is about an average one. Pastures start slowly ; mowings 

 where fertilized look very nicely ; fall seeding wintered well. 

 Peaches bloomed very full, but apples only made about half an 

 average bloom. Tent caterpillars are quite numerous. There is 

 not as much spraying as formerly, for canker worms only. Help 

 is rather scarce, but fairly good where well paid. Wages range 

 from $20 to $30 per month with board. The acreage of farm crops 

 will be about the same as usual, with a little more corn grown. 



Oxford (D. M. Howe). — The season is an average one, agri- 

 culturally speaking. Pastures and mowings promise well, and fall 

 seeding wintered well. There was a full fruit bloom, and no par- 

 ticular damage from frost. 1 can learn of no spraying in pros- 

 pect. Farm help is scarce, and very little of it is good help. 

 Wages average from $18 to $20 per month with board, and from 

 $30 to $35 per month without board. There will be no marked 

 changes in the acreage of the usual farm crops. 



Mendon (J. J. Nutter). — The season is about a normal one. 

 Pastures and mowings are not as promising as last year. The 

 prospect for fruit is the same as two years ago, with no damage 

 from frost. Spraying is not practised to any extent. Tent cater- 



