8. Will there be any marked change in the acreage of the 

 usual farm crops, and do you note any new enterprises in the 

 line of agriculture ? 



Returns have been received from 167 correspondents, and 

 from them the following summary has been made up : — 



The Season. 

 The season opened early, and at the beginning of the 

 month was considerably in advance of the normal. The 

 cold, dry weather during the first two decades of the month 

 operated to retard plant growth, and at the time of making 

 returns the season was probably about normal in most sec- 

 tions. Light frosts were frequent during the month, but no 

 great amount of damage resulted. Owing to the large i)ro- 

 portion of fair days, farm work is somewhat farther advanced 

 than usual. The fruit bloom appears to have been several 

 days in advance of the normal in all sections. 



Pastures and Mowings. 

 At the time of making returns, pastures and mowings 

 were suffering from the effects of a dry May, feed being re- 

 ported as already short in pastures in some instances, and 

 the prospect for a good hay crop not flattering. Since that 

 time abundant showers have fallen in most sections, afford- 

 ing at least temporary relief. With sufficient rainfall in the 

 future, pastures should do well, but it is doubtful whether 

 the hay crop entirely recovers from the check it has received. 

 More complaints were received than usual of fall seeding 

 being winter-killed, and, on the whole, it has not wintered 

 as well as usual, probably largely owing to the open winter. 



Fruit Bloom. 

 Seldom has a heavier general fruit bloom l)een reported 

 than this season's. The only exceptions to the rule appear 

 to be pears and Baldwin apples, some complaints of a light 

 bloom of these having been received. The frosts of the 

 mouth did but little damage to fruit, although there are 

 a few complaints of damage to the peach bloom, and the 

 earliest strawl)crry blossoms were nipped in many sections, 

 making it probable that the crop will be late. Berries of all 

 kinds bloomed well. 



