8 



caused dangerous gales along the coast, although there was 

 little damage to shipping. The rainfall during this storm 

 was quite general, but the amounts were not excessive. Light 

 rains fell on the 4th and on the 20th. There were no ex- 

 tremes of temperature, but the daily means were slightly 

 below the average for a good portion of the month, and the 

 average of the month was about 2° below the October nor- 

 mal. A well-defined cool wave prevailed on the 21st-22d, 

 during which killing frosts occurred in all except immediate 

 coast sections, with light to moderate freezes in interior 

 sections of the State. The weather of the month was ex- 

 ceptionally favorable to harvesting and housing of crops, to 

 fall pasturage and to all out-door pursuits. 



Ckops of the Year. 



May was cloudy and unpleasant, with several light to 

 severe frosts. Pastures and mowings wintered well, and 

 started slowly, owing to cold weather, but with the seasonal 

 rains promised well for the future. The apple bloom was 

 an average one for an off year, but pears and plums made 

 a light bloom, cherries a fair bloom and peaches a very 

 light one. Small fruits and berries bloomed well. Little 

 damage from frost was reported. Few insects appeared, and 

 little damage was reported. Planting progressed slowly, 

 owing to the late season and cold weather. Farm help was 

 unusually scarce ; average wages, $22 per month with board, 

 with $1.50 per day as the minimum without board. The 

 acreage of cultivated crops seemed certain to be somewhat 

 reduced, the reduction being most marked in corn and pota- 

 toes, owing to scarcity and high price of help. 



Insects were not plenty during June, and did little dam- 

 age. Indian corn was late, being late in planting, and very 

 backward and uneven, owing to failure to germinate in many 

 cases, but of good color. Haying had not commenced at 

 time of making returns, with a good crop expected excopc in 

 the hill towns, where it was said to be thin and light. There 

 was about the usual acreage of early potatoes, but they were 

 very backward and uneven. Early market-garden crops 

 were much later tlian usual, with very little coming into the 

 market in June. The flow of milk was well maintained. 



