8 



frosts, which, owing to the high winds, were not destructive, 

 except in some instances to garden truck. The precipita- 

 tion during this period was below the average, and in some 

 sections there was none at all. The weather conditions re- 

 mained rather abnormal throusrh the third week, the niahts 

 especially being notably cool, with light frosts in many 

 sections. There was, however, an abundance of sunshine 

 and a corresponding deficiency in the amount of rainfall. 

 The dry weather caused complaint in some sections, and 

 there was a need of rain for growing crops, for a suitable 

 cultivation of the soil and for planting seeds. The droughty 

 conditions were largely due to high and dry westerly winds 

 and the rapid evaporation caused by the same, rather than 

 to a long absence of rain. The season is still considered 

 several days in advance of the average. The weather during 

 the closing week of the month was without special or unusual 

 featnres. While there was still a deficiency in the rainfall, 

 there were local showers which were of much benefit, and 

 which broke the " dry spell " to a large extent. The nights 

 were cool for the first part of this period, but these were 

 followed by some warm days, the temperature on the 23d 

 rising to almost unparalleled figures for the season. Gen- 

 erally speaking, the weather was characteristic of the month. 



In the circular to correspondents, returnable May 23, the 

 following questions were asked : — 



1. How does the present season compare, agriculturally 

 speaking, with a normal season ? 



2. What is the promise for pastures and mowings, and 

 did fall seeding winter well ? 



3. How did the fruit bloom compare with the 1)loom of 

 former years, and has it suff'ered from late frosts? 



4. What insects appear to be doing the most damage in 

 your locality? 



5. To what extent is spraying practised against insects 

 attacking fruit, and is it on the increase in your locality? 



6. Is farm help scarce, or plenty; and what proportion 

 can be called good help ? 



7. What are the average Avages paid farm help in your 

 vicinity, with board? Without board? 



