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LIBRARY

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL

COLLEGE

No.__a2(Q02____ DATE..5lrJ5loa._
SOURCE. S^c.lL|__.of... State.

Series of 1901. Bulletin No. 1,

MASSACHUSETTS

CROP EEPORT

Month of Mat, 1901.

ISSUED BY

J. W. STOCKWELL,

Secretary State Board of Agriculture.

BOSTON :

WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS,

18 Post Office Square.

1901.

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Crop Eeport for the Month of May, 1901.

Office State Board of Agriculture,
Boston, Mass., June 1, 1901.

Bulletin No. 1, Crop Report for the month of May, the
first of our current series of monthly crop bulletins, is here-
with presented. The general plan of issue of these bulletins
will not vary much from that of former years, and we shall,
as in the past, endeavor to place the bulletins in the hands
of our readers on as near the date of issue as possible. An
article by some scientist of reputation or some practical
agriculturist of wide experience will be included in each
issue. This bulletin contains an article on " Three common
orchard scales," by H. T. Fernald, Ph.D., professor of
entomology at the Massachusetts Agricultural College, which
we would commend to the attention of our readers.

„ Progress of the Season.

The May returns of the United States Department of
Agriculture (Crop Reporter for May, 1900) show the area
under winter wheat in cultivation on that date to have been
about 28,267,000 acres. This is 2,015,000 acres, or 6.7 per
cent, less than the area sown last fall, but 2,032,000 acres,
or 7.7 per cent, in excess of the acreage harvested last year.
For the area remaining under cultivation the average condi-
tion was 94.1, as compared with 88.9 on May 1 of last year,
76.2 in 1899, and 83.6, the mean of the averages of the last
ten years.

The average condition of winter rye on May 1 was 94.6,
as compared with 93.1 on April 1, 85.5 on May 1 of last
year, 85.2 in 1899, and 89.2, the mean of the May averages
of the last ten years. The present condition is the highest
since 1891.

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The average condition of meadow mowing lands was 92.8,
against 90.8 on May 1 of last year, 84.9 in 1899, and 91.1,
the mean of the May averages of the last ten years.

The average condition of spring pastures was 91.5, against
91.3 on May 1 of last year, 83.5 in 1899, and 90.8, the
mean of the May averages of the last ten years.

The proportion of spring plowing done by May 1 was 66.3
of the total contemplated, as compared with 68.4 last year,
57.2 in 1899, and 71.3, the mean of the May averages of
the last ten years. Only thrice in the last fifteen years has
the percentage done by May 1 been as low as it was this
year.

Weather Summary, Jan. 1 to May 1, 1901.

[Furnished by thb Weather Bureau, Boston.]

The weather of January was without special features, and
therefore generally characteristic of the month. There was
about the usual amount of cloudiness and sunshine, and the
number of stormy days was about the usual average. The
average precipitation for the entire State, 2.02 inches, was
about an inch below the average. It was well distributed
throughout the month and over the territory, and the defi-
ciency was for this reason unimportant. There were no
severe or destructive storms, the disturbances being of the
character of those usuall}' experienced in New England dur-
ing January. The monthly temperature was about the
normal for the season, and quite even throughout the month.
The snowfall was less than the average, but, on account of
the absence of the usual " thaw," the ground was generally
covered through the month.

February was exceptionally pleasant. During 15 days of
the month the skies were cloudless, and there was an aver-
age of but 6 cloudy days. The precipitation for the month
was remarkably light, the monthly average being but .8S
of an inch, and this fell chiefly during one storm, that of the
4th and 5th. The snowfall was light, averaging about 10
inches, but, owing to the prevailing low temperature, much
of it remained on the ground until the close of the month.
The temperature formed a conspicuous feature of the month,
it being uniformly low, with the monthly average about 3°
below the normal. Notwithstanding the low monthly mean,

there were no unusual ranges in the maxima and the minima
of the month. The weather of the month will seldom be
equalled in February.

March like the preceding month, was unusually pleasant,
as compared with the average month of this name in New
England. While the weather was marked by much cloudi-
ness, and the monthly precipitation was in excess of the
average, there were but 12 stormy days. The precipitation
was mostly in the form of rain, and was well distributed.
The large amount of water was needed, and was therefore
of much and general benefit to the manifold interests of the
State. The temperature was near the seasonal average, the*
slight departure being above the normal. There were no
severe or protracted storms.

April was cloudy, wet and cold. The skies were wholly
overcast on an average of 19 days and rain fell on 15 days.
The precipitation was excessive in all sections, and averaged
nearly double the normal amount. To add to the uncom-
fortable conditions of the weather was much fog in coast sec-
tions and almost continuously easterly winds throughout the
State. The mean temperature averaged about 1° below the
normal for the month.

Temperature and Rainfall for the Whole Country.

[From United States Climate and Crop Bulletins.]

Week ending May 6. — The week was decidedly warm
throughout the central valleys and Lake region, the interior
portions of the Atlantic coast and Gulf States, and over the
central and northern portions of the eastern Rocky Mountain
slope. Over the western portions of the Plateau region, in
the Pacific Coast States, southern Florida, on the North
Carolina coast and in New England the week averaged cooler
than usual. In the central Missouri valley and over com-
paratively limited areas in the upper Lake region, southern
New England, portions of southern New York and northern
Pennsylvania, in central Illinois, south-eastern Kansas and
north-eastern Texas there was more than the average weekly
rainfall. The week was, however, drier than usual over
much the greater part of the country, nearly the whole of

6

the Gulf and south Atlantic States receiving no measurable
amount.

Week ending May 13. — The week was cooler than usual
in the Missouri, upper Mississippi and lower Ohio valleys,
and over the western portions of the upper Lake region.
The week was also slightly cooler than usual on the middle
Pacific coast over the extreme southern portions of Texas
and Florida, and on the middle Atlantic coast. Over the
eastern portions of the Lake region, upper Ohio valley. New
England, generally throughout the south Atlantic and Gulf
States, the eastern Rocky Mountain slope, the Plateau dis-
tricts and the greater part of the Pacific coast, the week was
warmer than usual. The precipitation of the week was very
unevenly distributed, being in excess over limited areas in
the upper Mississippi and upper Ohio valleys, with a gen-
eral and decided excess over the greater part of New Eng-
land. Elsewhere throughout the country the rainfall was
generally deficient, and in many sections decidedly so.

Week ending May 20. — The week averaged slightly
cooler than usual in the lower Lake region, upper Ohio
valley, southern New England, middle Atlantic States, north-
western Texas and on the Pacific coast. Over the western
portions of the upper Lake region and from the upper Mis-
sissippi valley westward to Idaho and Utah the week was
decidedly warm, and generally throughout the southern
States the temperature of the week averaged above normal.
Very heavy rains fell over Oklahoma, Indian Territory,
northern Texas and portions of Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas
and Colorado, where the total fall for the week ranged from
1 to more than 3 inches. There were also very heavy rains
over the northern portions of the Gulf States, Tennessee,
the Carolinas, southern Georgia and over the greater part
of New England. There was less than the usual rainfall
throughout the central valleys and Lake region and in the
middle Atlantic States, a considerable portion of the upper
Missouri and Mississippi valleys receiving no measurable
amount.

Week ending May 27. — The week was decidedly cool
in the central valleys. Lake region, middle Atlantic and
southern States, and over the greater part of the Pacific

coast region. The week averaged slightly warmer than
usual on the south Atlantic coast, in extreme northern New
England, the upper Missouri valley, and over the central
and northern Plateau region and north Pacific coast. Very
heavy rains fell during the week in the central and upper
Ohio valley, middle and south Atlantic and east Gulf States,
and also over the greater part of the Lake region and in
portions of the central Gulf States and Texas. The pre-
cipitation was below the average for the week in the central
Mississippi valley, generally throughout the Missouri valley,
over portions of the central and west Gulf districts, limited
areas in the middle Atlantic States and Lake region, on the
north Pacific coast, in -the central Plateau region and over
a considerable portion of Oklahoma and western Arkansas.

Special Telegraphic Reports.

[Wbatheb Bureau, Boston.]

Week ending May 6. — New England. Boston : First
part of week warm and fair, last part cool, with frosts, and
unfavorable ; much plowing, but ground too wet and cold for
seeding and planting ; gardening well advanced ; fruits prom-
ising ; sunshine and warm weather needed ; season ten days
late.

Week ending May 13. — New England. Boston : Very
favorable for farm work, but low ground remains too wet ;
grass excellent; potato planting begun ; peaches, plums and
cherries in heavy bloom ; warm, drying weather needed.

Week ending May 20. — New England. Boston : Favor-
able weather caused rapid advancement of work, and crops
and grass in finest condition ; potatoes generally planted ;
much ground too cold and wet ; little corn planted ; small
fruits promise abundant crop ; winter apple blossom light ;
tobacco plants poor.

Weeh ending May 27. — New England. Boston : Cold,
wet weather delayed work and growth of crops ; grass
excellent, growing rapidly ; other crops making slow prog-
ress ; potato planting generally completed ; but little corn
planted, ground too cold and wet; small fruits promise
well.

8

The Weather of May, 1901.
The month opened with generally cloudy weather and
copious showers on the Ist and 2d, with temperature slightly
below the normal. Then followed nearly a week of clear
weather with seasonable temperature, ranging near normal,
and without marked extremes of high or low temperature.
Cloudy weather again developed on the 9th, and rainy
weather was nearly continuous from that date until the 14th.
Though the total rainfall for this period was copious, no
large amounts fell on any one date. The temperature con-
tinued moderate. Though frosts occurred in interior parts
of the State on several dates during the first two weeks of
the month, no damage was reported, owing to the somewhat
backward season. Following the 13th, clear and pleasant
weather with moderate and seasonable temperature prevailed
until the 18th. During the period of rainy weather which
began on th^ 18th and continued through the 20th, heavy
rains occurred in nearly all parts of the State. The tem-
perature during this time was generally moderate, and with-
out marked departure from normal except in coast sections,
where easterly winds caused it to continue cool for the
season. During the 21st, 22d and 23d, scattered showers
occurred, but of only light amounts, and there was consider-
able sunshine, with the highest temperatures yet experienced
the present season. Over nearly all parts of the State the
temperature rose to near or slightly above 80° on the 2 2d
and 23d, but the warm wave was broken on the morning
of the 24th, the temperature falling between 20° and 30°
during the remainder of the day and night. The fall in
temperature caused general showers, but which were light,
except in the north-eastern portion of the State. The con-
tinuance of cold north and east winds after the 25th caused
cloudy weather with low temperature to continue well into
the last week of the month. Though the temperature for
the month has not varied greatly from normal, it has been
without the warm days usually experienced in May, making
the growth of vegetation slow and backward. The rainfall
has been in excess of the normal, so much so that at the end
of the month low lands continued to be too wet to be worked,
the frequent rains also delaying work on higher ground.

9

In the circular to correspondents, returnable May 22, 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 bloom of
former years ?

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 wages paid farm help in your
vicinity, with board? Without board?

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 148 correspondents, and
from them the following summary has been made up : —

The Season.
Owing to the excessive rains and the prevalence of cool
east winds, the season is now much behind the normal, so
far as the progress of vegetation is concerned. From a week
to ten days late in western sections and from ten days to two
weeks in eastern would seem a fair statement. The excessive
moisture and consequent condition of the soil has made plow-
ing and planting most difficult, and farm work is even more
behind the seasonal normal than is vegetation. The fruit
bloom appears to have occurred at about the usual time in
western sections and a few days later in eastern.

Pastures and Mowings.
The excess of moisture has been just what was needed for
pastures and mowings, and has done much to repair the injury
wrought by last year's drought. Although some mowings
are still thin from that cause, they promise well in general,
and a good crop of hay seems probable with fairly favorable

10

conditions in the future. Tiiere are a few complaints of fall
seeding winter-killing, but in general it wintered well, and
is now in excellent condition.

Fruit Bloom.
The fruit bloom was excellent for all kinds of fruit except
apples. Winter apples made a light bloom and other apples
only a fair one in most sections, probably owing to the year
being generally an off year and the crop of last year having
been unusually heavy. Strawberries appear to be setting
well and other berries bloomed well. No damage from frost
was reported from any section.

Insects.
Insects are doing practically no damage as yet, many cor-
respondents reporting that none had appeared at the time of
making returns. The tent caterpillar is the one most gener-
ally reported, and they are not far enough advanced to do
any noticeable amount of damage. Other insects reported
as present are canker worms, cut worms, currant worms,
potato bugs, onion maggots, wire worms, elm beetles, aspara-
gus beetles, cattle flies and brown-tail moths.

Spraying.
The returns again indicate that, while spraying is practised
and is constantly increasing, the proportion done to that
which could be profitably done is not large, nor is the in-
crease as rapid as it should be. Some correspondents report
that little spraying will be done, owing to its being an off
year for apples. We can only repeat our former advice to
all farmers to spray, even where fruit is a very minor part
of their product, as no outlay they can make will be more
immediately profitable to them.

Farm Help and Wages.

There are more reports than usual of a scarcity of farm

help, pointing to a somewhat smaller supply than usual in

certain localities; but there is, generally speaking, a fair

supply of fairly good help. The supply of strictly first-class

11

help is of course not equal to the demand. Wages average
about $18 per month with board, and from $30 to $36 per
month without board. Wages for day work range from
$1.25 to $1.50 per day, in accordance with the locality and
season. There are some few reports of higher wages, but
not enough to affect the general average.

Acreage of Farm Crops.
There will be no marked changes in the acreage of farm
crops, although the acreage of corn and tobacco will be
slightly increased. A few reports indicate a decrease in the
acreage of potatoes, but not enough were received to base a
general statement on. The only strictly new enterprise
reported was the establishment of two hop farms on Martha's
Vineyard.

12

NOTES OF CORRESPONDENTS.

[Returned to us May 23.]

BERKSHIRE COUNTY.

Mount Washington (H. M, Weaver). — Although the season
has been very wet, the present outlook, agriculturally speaking, is
very favorable. Pastures and mowings promise well, and fall
seeding wintered well. There was a full average fruit bloom.
No insects are doing damage at present. Spraying is not practised
by our farmers. Farm help is plenty, and one-tenth of it is good
help. Wages average $20 per month with board and $30 per
month without board. I think the acreage of corn has been in-
creased a third ; ever5'thing else about as usual.

Otis (S. H. Norton). — The season is backward, owing to wet
weather. Pastures and mowings are looking very well. The fruit
bloom is about an average one. Tent caterpillars are quite numer-
ous. Spraying is not practised here. Farm help is very scarce.
Wages are from $18 to $20 per month with board and from $1.25
to $1.50 per day without board. There will be no change in the
acreage of farm crops.

Alford (L. T. Osborne). — On the whole, the season promises
rather better than the average. Temperature and moisture have
afforded perfect conditions for pastures and mowings, and they
are above the normal. The fruit bloom has been about 50 for
apples and 110 for pears and cherries. Tent caterpillars are doing
some damage at present. Spraying is far from universal, but is
on the increase. Farm help is very scarce, and there is but little
first-class help. The best help is engaged by wealthy people, at
prices much beyond the means of ordinary farmers. Wages, $30
per month with board for the best help and $15 per month and
board for boys from sixteen to eighteen years old. There is but
little change in the acreage of farm crops, milk being about the
only thing farmers can live by in this section.

Stockbridge (F. A. Palmer). — The present season compares
well with the average, agriculturally speaking. Pastures and mow-
ings are in fine condition, and fall seeding wintered well. Pears

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and peaches were above par as to bloom, and apples look well.
Spraying against insects is slightly on the increase, but is still
quite limited. Farm help is scarce, and one in five good help.
Wages average $20 per month with board and from $40 to $45 per
mouth without board. More corn is planted with us each year.

Washington (E. H. Eames). — The present season promises bet-
ter than for two years past. Pastures and mowings promise better
than for two years past. There is not much fruit bloom as yet.
No insects are doing damage at present. Spraying is not prac-
tised at all with us. Farm help is scarce, and very poor. "Wages
are from $15 to $20 per month with board and $1.50 per day with-
out board. There are no marked changes in the acreage of farm
crops, and no new enterprises in agriculture. Farmers are rather
backward in planting crops, owing to rainy weather.

Hancock (C. H. Wells). — The season is late, on account of
heavy rains. Pastures and mowings look finely. Fruit of all
kinds promises an abundant yield. No insects are doing damage
as yet. Very little spraying is done, and it is not on the increase.
Farm help is rather scarce, and half of it is good help. Wages
average $18 per month with board and $25 per month without
board. There are no marked changes in the acreage of farm crops,
and no new enterprises in agriculture.

Cheshire (L. J. Northrup). — The season is two weeks later
than for several years. The promise for pastures and mowings is
first class, and fall seeding looks well. Cherries and plums are
blooming well, apples not yet in bloom. Tent caterpillai's promise
to be as active as usual. Not much if any spraying is being done
in this locality. Farm help is about the same as in former years,
probably 25 per cent of it good help. Wages are from $15 to $20
per month with board and from $25 to $35 without board. No
changes in the acreage of farm crops.

Florida (E. D. Rice). — The season is about two weeks later
than usual. Grass is looking well, owing to the wet weather.
Fruit trees are in full bloom, and an average crop of apples is
promised. No insects have appeared yet. Spraying is not prac-
tised to any appreciable extent in this town. Farm help is in good
supply, and 80 per cent of it is good help. Wages are $1 per day
with board and from $1.25 to $1.50 per day without board. Our
farmers are probably raising more and more of the feed for their
stock every year.

Williamstotvn (S. S. Hickox). — The season is an average one,
agriculturally speaking. Pastures and mowings promise well, and
fall seeding wintered well. The fruit bloom compares well with
former years. Tent caterpillars are doing some damage. Spray-

14

ing is practised by a fourth of our farmers, and is on the increase.
Good farm help is scarce, but there is plenty of poor help. Wages
average $20 per month with board and $30 without board. There
are no changes in the acreage of farm crops.

FRANKLIN COUNTY.

Rowe (J. Frakk Brown). — The season is backward, because
of excessive rains, and planting is hardly begun. The promise
for pastures and mowings never was better, and fall seeding looks
well. It is too eai'ly for the fruit bloom in this locality. No
insects have appeared as yet. No spraying of any account is
done, and it is not increasing. Farm help is scarce, and about
half of it good help. Our farmers will carry on their farms on
about the old lines.

Leyden (U. T. Darling). — The season compares favorably
with the normal. Pastures are looking finely, mowings never
better at this season, and fall seeding wintered well. The fruit
bloom is not quite up to the average. No damage from insects as
yet. Little spraying is done, but it is on the increase. Wages
range from $1 to $1.25 per day with board and from $L50 to
$1.75 per day without board. The acreage of corn will be greater
than usual. Farm operations are about two weeks late, because
of rain.

Shelhurne (G. E. Taylor) . — The season promises to be an
average one. Pastures are good, and mowings promise well ; fall
seeding wintered well. Apple bloom less than the average ; cher-
ries, pears and plums full bloom. No insects have appeared as
yet. Not much is done in the line of spraying against insects.
Farm help is plenty, and the greater part of it good. Wages
range from $14 to $20 per month with board and are about $1.25
per day without board. There are no marked changes in the
acreage of farm crops.

Ashfield (CuAS. Howes). — The season is later than usual, and
very wet. Pastures and mowings are looking finely, and fall
seeding wintered well. Pears and small fruits are blossoming
full, apples sparingly. The cattle fly has made its appearance,
and is the greatest insect pest at present. Spraying is practised
to a limited extent. Farm help is scarce, but most of it is native
and very good. Wages are about $20 per month with board and
from $1.25 to $1.50 per day without board. Rather more corn
will be planted than usual ; acreage of other farm crops about as
usual.

]VJiately (Frank Dickinson) . — The season is a week later than
usual. Grass is a full crop, and fall seeding wintered well.

Apples made a light bloom, other fruits very full. Few insects
have appeared as yet. Spraying is not practised to any extent.
Farm help is plenty, but not more than one-fourth of it good.
Wages range from $15 to $20 per month with board. The acreage
of tobacco will be increased ; all other crops about the same as
usual.

Sunderland (J. M.J. Legate). — The season is a few days
later than usual, with more than the average amount of rain.
Pastures and mowings are looking unusually well. The fruit bloom
is fully up to the average. I hear of no damage from insects so
far. Very little spraying has been done, and it is not increasing.
Help is plenty, and three-fourths of it can be called good help.
Green help get from $12 to $18 per month with board, experienced
help from $18 to $22, and day help from $1.25 to $1.50 per day.
There is an increase in the acreage of both tobacco and onions.

Moyitague (C. S. Raymond). — The season compares very favor-
ably with former 3'ears. The promise for pastures and mowings
is uncommonly good, and fall seeding wintered well. The fruit
bloom is very promising. No insects are doing damage as yet.
Spraying is not practised in this section. Farm help is not very
plenty, and about one-fourth of it is good help. Wages are $20
per month with board and from $38 to $40 per month without
board. There is very little change in the acreage of farm crops,
and no new enterprises in agriculture.

New Salem (Daniel Ballard). — Cloudy, wet weather makes
the season backward. Pastures and mowings look very promising,
and fall seeding wintered well. Heavy bloom of pears and cherries,
apple bloom average. There is not much damage from insects as
yet. But very little spraying is done in this vicinity. Farm help
is scarce, especially good help, which is never over-plenty. Wages
are from $12 to $22 per month with board and from $1.25 to $1.50
per day without board. I notice no special changes in the usual
line of farming.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.

Pelham (J. L. Brewer). — The season is promising, though
late. Pastures and mowings look well, but fall seeding on moist
land winter-killed to some extent. The fruit bloom is quite fair,
except for peaches. No insects are doing damage at present.
Very little spraying is done, and it is not increasing. Farm help
is rather scarce, and half of it good help. Wages are 10 cents per
hour with board and 15 cents per hour without board. There are
no marked changes in the acreage of farm crops, and only occa-
sionally something new in agriculture.

16

Amherst (Wm. P. Brooks). — The season is nearly up to the
average as measured by the progress of vegetation, but work is
behind on wet land. Pastures and mowings promise well, and
fall seeding wintered well. Peaches, pears, cherries, plums, goose-
berries and currants bloomed full ; apples very uneven, few Bald-
wins, — Greenings and some other varieties, especially early ones,
abundant. No insects are unusually prominent. Spraying is fol-
lowed by all large producers, and is certainly increasing. Help is
about as usual as to supply and quality. First-class help get
from $20 to $25 per month with board, less valuable help from
$10 and board upwards. Tobacco will be more largely grown than
usual.

Hadley (L. W. West). — The season is a little late. Pastures
and mowings promise well, and fall seeding is about normal in con-
dition. Some sections show a full fruit bloom, except for apples,
which have an off year. Wire and cut worms are damaging early
cabbage. Spraying has not commenced, but the practice is on the
increase. There is very little farm help except Polish help, which
is generally good. Wages are from $15 to $20 per month with
board and from $1.25 to $1.50 per day without board. There are
no marked changes in the acreage of farm crops.

Granhy (Geo. A. Blish). — The season compares favorably
with the normal. Pastures and mowings are looking extra well,
and fall seeding wintered well except on some low lands, where it
winter-killed. The fruit bloom is quite a full one. Not very much
spraying has been done, but it is on the increase. Good help is
very scarce, but there is plenty of poor help. Wages average
about $20 per month with board. There is nothing new in agri-
culture, and no great changes in the acreage of farm crops.

Easthamptoii (Wm. C. Clapp). — The season promises well, the
abundant rains being what we need. Pastures and mowings are
looking well, and fall seeding wintered well. There is a full bloom
of nearly all kinds of fruit. Potato bugs and onion maggots are
doing some damage. Not much spraying is done, as our farmers
think they have not time for it. Good help is scarce, and
half the supply is good. Wages are from $16 to $23 per month
with board and from $30 to $35 per month without board. There
will be a large acreage of tobacco, and several farmers are not
planting as many potatoes as usual. One man in town is growing
frogs for city markets, but has not sold any as yet.

Goshen (Alvan Barrus). — Excessive rains have greatly de-
layed plowing and planting. Pastures, mowings and fall seeding
are all looking finely. The fruit bloom is not fully developed, but
a light apple bloom is probable. Insects are not doing much dam-

17

age as yet. Spraying is looked upon favorably, but has been little
practised. Farm help is very scarce, — three good, two indiffer-
ent, one bad, with proportions variable. Wages are about $20
per month with board and from $1.25 to $1.50 per day without
board. There is nothing marked in the way of new enterprises,
except that two or three are starting in seed bean culture.

Ptainfield (S. W. Clark). — The ground is cold and wet, and
but little plowing has been done, but we are still hopeful of a good
season. Pastures and mowings look very well, and fall seeding
wintered well. Apple trees are just beginning to bloom, normal
or better ; full bloom for small fruits. No insects have appeared
as yet. Only a few practise spraying, and I notice no increase.
Help is in fair supply, mostly Poles, who make good help after a
few months. Green Poles receive $10 per month with board, ex-
perienced help from $18 to $22 per mouth with board, and day
help $1 per day without board. There are no marked changes in
the acreage of farm crops, and no new enterprises in agriculture.

Chesterfield ( Horatio Bisbee) . — The season compares well with
the normal. Pastures and mowings are looking well, and fall
seeding wintered well. Fruit trees are not yet in full bloom. No
insects have appeared as yet No spraying is done in this locality.
Help is scarce this year, more so than commonly. Wages are from
$15 to $20 per month with board and from $1.25 to $1.50 per day
without board. No great change in the acreage of farm crops, —
more corn, if anything.

Huntington (H. W. Stickney). — The land is very wet, and
but little plowing has been done. Pastures and mowings are un-
usually promising, and there is a fine prospect for a hay crop.
The fruit bloom was not as full as usual. No damage from insects
as yet. Spraying has not been practised in this town. Farm help
is plenty, and good help get good wages. Wages range from $16
to $18 per month with board. There will be more oats and barley
sown for forage than usual.

HAMPDEN COUNTY.

Blandford (E. W. Boise). — Grass is fully ten days in advance
of the normal, all other crops from a week to two weeks late.
Pastures and mowings and fall seeding are all in extra good con-
dition. The fruit bloom is a full average for an off year. No in-
sects of any amount have done damage to date. Very little
spraying is done in this locality. Farm help is very scarce, and
not over 5 per cent of it is good help. Wages are from $20 to $25
per month and from $1 to $1.25 per day with board, and from

18

$1.50 to $1.75 per day without board. There is little change in
the acreage, except that more corn than usual will be planted.
All farm work is fully two weeks later than usual. Farm stock is
looking extra well and healthy, and dairy returns are quite satis-
factory in the main.

Russell (E. D. Parks). — The season is rather better than the
average at present. Pastures and mowings are very promising,
and fall seeding wintered quite well. The fruit bloom is about the
same as common. Tent caterpillars and currant worms are doing
some damage. Spraying is practised to some extent, and is on
the increase. Farm help is rather scarce, and one-half of it is
good help. Wages are from $18 to $20 per month with board and
$35 per month without board. There are no marked changes in
the acreage of farm crops, and no new enterprises in agriculture.
Rain has retarded plowing and planting.

West Springfield (T. A. Rogers). — April was wet and cold,
and all cultivated crops are late. Pastures and mowings look well,
considering the dry season last year, and fall seeding wintered
well. Pears, plums, cherries and peaches made a good bloom ;
apple bloom scattering. Tent caterpillars are quite thick. Spray-
ing has been practised but little, but is on the increase. There is
no trouble in getting farm help, but not much of it is extra good.
Wages average $20 per month with board and from $1.25 to $1.50
per day without board. There are few changes in the acreage of
farm crops and nothing new to speak of in agriculture.

Agaioam (R. DeWitt). — The season is a little late, but is fast
catching up. Mowings look fairly well, and early sown fall seed-
ing wintered well. The fruit bloom is a good average. Currant
worms and potato bugs are doing some damage. Spraying is
practised to a small extent, and is perhaps gaining a little. There
is enough help, such as it is. Wages are from $15 to $20 per
month with board. There will be a little increase in the acreage
of tobacco and potatoes, and perhaps a slight decrease in that of
corn .

Ludlow (C. B. Bennett). — The season is about one week late.
Pastures and mowings never looked better, and fall seeding looks
fairly well. No bloom on Baldwin apples, a full bloom
of other varieties; pears, plums, peaches and cherries very full.
Tent caterpillars are quite plenty. Spraying is little practised,
but is slightly on the increase. Farm help is very scarce, and
about one-fourth of it is good help. Wages average $20 per
month with board and from $30 to $35 without board. More
corn than usual is being planted, acreage of other crops about the
same as usual.

19

Wilbraham (F. E. Clark). — The season is fully two weeks
late, and has been cold and wet, but favorable for grass and winter
grains. Pastures and mowings are looking well. Apples made a
50 per cent bloom; pears, cherries, peaches and berries, 100 per
cent. As yet no insects have appeared to trouble us. Perhaps
half of our orchards are sprayed, and spraying is on the increase.
Farm help is scarce, especially good help, not more than one-
fourth of the supply being good help such as we had forty or fifty
years ago. Wages range from $15 to $25 per month with board
and from $25 to $40 per month without board. No marked change
in the acreage of farm crops, but several thousand peach trees
have been set this spring.

Monson (A. H. White). — The present season is rather late
and quite wet. Feed in pastures is starting well, and grass in
mowings is doing well. The fruit bloom is about normal. No
insects have appeared as yet. Not very much spraying is done
here. Farm help is plenty, and all of it is comparatively good.
Wages range fx'om $15 to $20 per month with board and from
$1.25 to $1.50 per day without board. There is no change in the
acreage of the usual farm crops.

Palmer (0. P. Allen). — The season is unusually cool and
late. Pastures and mowings promise well. Early fruit trees have
been very full in bloom, while apple trees have not yet blossomed
much. Insects have not been much in evidence as yet. Spraying
is practised in only a limited way in this vicinity. Farm help is
rather scarce, especially good help. Wages average about $18 per
month with board and $1.50 per day without board. There have
been no marked changes in the acreage of farm crops.

WORCESTER COUNTY.

Brookjield (F. E. Prouty). — The season is wet and somewhat
backward. The promise for pastures and mowings is good, and
fall seeding wintered quite well. The apple bloom was lighter
than last year, that of pears good. No insects doing damage as
yet. Spraying is practised to a small extent, but is on the in-
crease. Farm help is fairly plenty, and about one-fifth of it is
good help. Wages average about $20 per month with board and
about $1.50 per day without board. There are no marked changes
in the acreage of farm crops.

New Braintree (C. D. Sage). — The season is about as forward
as usual, and gives excellent promise. Pastures and mowings are
looking well, and fall seeding wintered fairly. Some orchards
show quite a full bloom, others a light one. Tent caterpillars are

20

doing some damage. Very little spraying is done. Farm help
was never more scarce, and good help is hard to find at any price.
Wages range from $15 to $25 per month with board and average
about 835 per month without board. More corn and fodder corn
have been planted than usual.

Huhhardston (C. C Colby). — The season is very backward,
and very little planting has been done. Grass is looking well,
with the promise of an extra crop. Fruit trees are now in full
bloom. Very little spraying has been done in former years, but
more will be done this season. Farm help is hard to get, especially
good help. Wages range from $15 to $26 per month with board
and from $1.25 to $1 50 per day without board. Several new silos
will be built, and a large acreage of corn planted.

Temphton (Lucien Gove). — The season opened some ten days
later than usual, but conditions are better than for two years.
Pastures and mowings are in good condition, and but very little
fall seeding winter-killed. Cherries, plums and pears made a full
bloom ; apple bloom light for Baldwins, other kinds a fair average.
Cut worms and asparagus beetles are doing some damage. A few
spray their fruit trees, but the increase, if any, is slight. Farm
help is scarce, and 25 per cent is all that can be called good.
Wages are from $15 to $25 per month with board and from $1.25
to $1.50 per day without board. There is a growing tendency
towards raising more forage crops, the hay crop being so uncertain.

Royalston (C. A. Stimson). — The season is cold, wet and back-
ward. The weather has been ideal for pastures and mowings, and
fall seeding wintered fairly well. Pears and cherries made a full
bloom, apples very light. No insects have appeared as yet. No
spraying to speak of is done, and the practice is not increasing.
Farm help is scarce, and one-fourth of it is good help. Wages
average $18 per month with board and $1 .50 per day without board.
There are no marked changes in the acreage of farm crops, and
no new enterprises in agriculture.

Fitchburg (Jabez Fisher). — The temperature has been about
normal for the season, and the rainfall much above. The promise
for pastures and mowings could not be better. The apple bloom
is moderate, no Baldwins on trees that bore last year ; pears the
finest in my recollection, other fruits full ; raspberries and black-
berries injured by the winter weather. Currant worms are doing
some damage, other insects not troublesome as yet. There is no
especial change as regards spraying ; last year's full crop and free-
dom from insects and fungi will have a tendency to decrease it.
The best quality of help is scarce, and that which is plenty is not
first class. Wages are from $15 to $25 per month with board

21

and from $1.25 to $1.50 per day of ten hours without board. The
apple bloom occurred one day later than the average of forty-five
years.

Bolton (H. F. Hatnes). — The season has been so wet that little
progress has been made with farm operations. Mowing and past-
ures never looked better, and fall seeding wintered well. The
fruit bloom was a good one for the off year. Tent caterpillars are
our most troublesome insect. Spraying is increasing, but only a
small part of the trees are sprayed as yet. There is no farm help
to be had ; I have never known it to be so scarce. Good help re-
ceive $20 per month with board and $1.50 per day without board.
There will not be nearly as great an acreage of farm crops as usual,
as the ground is still too wet to plant.

Harvard (J. S. Preston). — The season is very late, owing to
wet weather, and very little planting has been done as yet. Past-
ures and mowings are better than usual, and fall seeding wintered
well. The bloom is light for most fruit. Tent caterpillars are
very plenty and we have the elm beetle with us. Not very much
, spraying is done, but the practice is on the increase. Native help
is scarce, and about half the supply is very good. Wages are
about $20 per month with board and from $1.50 to $1.75 per day
without board. There is about the usual acreage of farm crops,
and no new enterprises in agriculture.

Nortliborough (J. K. Mills). — The season is the most back-
ward for some years. Pastures and mowings are looking extra
well. There is a full bloom on all small fruits ; apples half a full
bloom. No insects have appeared as yet. Nearly all our farmers
spray their fruit trees, and the practice is increasing. Farm help
is scarce, and it is almost impossible to get good help. Wages
are from $15 to $25 per month with board and from $1.25 to $1.75
per day without board. There will be an increased acreage of
corn, other crops about as usual.

Worcester (S. A. Burgess). — The season is a favorable one,
although excessive rains have caused delay in planting on low
lands. Pastures and mowings are in good condition, and fall seed-
ing wintered well. The fruit bloom was a full one, with excep-
tion of winter apples, which made a light bloom. Insects are not
doing much damage. Spraying is practised to a limited extent,
and is increasing. Farm help is scarce, and half of it good.
Wages are $25 per month with board and $1.50 per day without
board. Wealthy manufacturers are purchasing extensive tracts of
land for cultivation and improvement.

Spencer (H. H. Kingsbury). — The season is decidedly back-
ward at present. Cool weather, with an abundance of rain, has

22

been very favorable to grass. The apple bloom is about half the
normal ; other kinds of fruit gave a full bloom. The tent cater-
pillar is the only harmful insect as yet. There is no spraying of
fruit trees in this town. There has been a noticeable scarcity of
help for farm work. Wages are $20 per month with board and
$1.50 per day without board. I know of no new methods to be
pursued or changes in farming the present season.

Uxhridge (Augustus Story). — The season is not up to the
normal, and planting is three weeks late. Pastures and mowings
promise finely, and fall seeding looks well. The fruit bloom is
fully up to former years. No insects are doing damage worth
speaking of. Not much spraying is done here. Farm help is
scarce, and not one in six good help. Wages are from $12 to
$18 per month with board and from $20 to $25 per month without
board. There are no marked changes in the acreage of farm
crops, and no new enterprises in agriculture.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

Hojikintoii (W. V. Thompson). — The season is a late one,
agriculturally speaking. Pastures and mowings are in good con-
dition, and fall seeding wintered well. The fruit bloom was full
for an off year. Canker worms are doing some damage. Spray-
ing against insects attacking fruit is not much practised. Farm
help is scarce. There are no marked changes in the acreage of
farm crops, and no new enterprises in agriculture.

Marlborough (E. D. Howe). — The season is from two to three
weeks late, on account of excessive rain. Pastures and mowings
are in excellent condition. No winter apples, all other fruit a full
bloom. Currant worms and tent caterpillars are the only insects
noticed as yet. About half our farmers spray, but the practice is
not increasing. There is plenty of farm help, and two-thirds of it
is good help. Wages are from $20 to $25 per mouth with board
and from $1.25 to $2, mostly $1.75, per day without board. Wet
fields will necessitate some modification of the usual acreages of
farm crops.

Maynard (L. H. Maynard). — I should say the season was
about two weeks late. Pastures and mowings look unusually well,
and fall seeding wintered well. Apples made about half a full
bloom, other fruits more than an average. The asparagus beetle
is doing some damage. Spraying of fruit trees is practised to a
considerable extent, and is on the increase. Good farm help is
scarce. Wages are from $20 to $25 per month with board and
from $1 to $1.50 per day without board. There are no marked

23

changes in the acreage of farm crops, though that of asparagus
seems to be on the increase.

Littleton (G. W. Sanderson). — The season compares very
favorably with the normal. Pastures and mowings are looking
well, and fall seeding wintered well, except where injured by the
very dry weather of last fall. Apples did not make a full bloom ;
pear bloom large. Tent caterpillars are doing some damage. At
the present time there is not as much spraying in progress as in
former years. Ordinary help is plenty, but not more than half our
help can be called good. Wages are from $22 to $30 per month
with board and from $12 to $14 higher without board. More silos
are to be built this year than any year heretofore.

Ashby (Anson Wetherbee). — The season is later than usual
by a week. Pastures and mowings look better than for some time.
There is but little apple bloom in this section, owing to the ice
breaking the trees badly in November last. A few tent caterpillars
are our only insects. Not as much spraying will be done this year
as in a bearing year. Farm help is scarce, and half of it is good
help. Wages are from $20 to $25 per month with board and from
$1.25 to $1.50 per day without board.

Dimstable (A. J. Gilson). — In some respects the season is more
backward than usual. Pastures and new mowings promise well,
and fall seeding wintered well. The fruit bloom is rather above
the nox'mal. No complaint in regard to insects at this time.
Spraying is but little practised, and 1 do not think it is on the
increase. Good farm help is scarce, and second-quality help not
very plenty. Wages are from $18 to $20 per month with board
and from $30 to $32 per month without board. There are no
marked changes in the acreage of the main farm crops, and no
new enterprises in agriculture.

Chelmsford (P. P. Perham). — The present season is some two
weeks later than the average. Pastures never looked better at
this season of the year. The fruit bloom is very light, and winter
apples will be a light crop. The season is so cold and backward
that insects are doing very little damage. Spraying is practised
to a limited extent, but is not on the increase. Good farm help is
not plenty, and not more than one-third the supply would be called
good. Wages average $20 per month with board and from $30 to
$35 per mouth without board. There are no marked changes in
the acreage of the usual farm crops.

Bedford (Henry Wood). — The season is very wet, low land
being particularly moist. Pastures and mowings are in good con-
dition, but fall seeding winter-killed considerably. The fruit
bloom is about half that of last year. Tent caterpillars are the only

24 •

insect doing damage as yet. Spraying is on the increase. Only
a small proportion of our farm help is good help. Wages are from
Sl5 to $20 per month with board and from $1.50 to $1.75 per day
without board. There is no change in the acreage of the usual
farm crops, although many strawberry plants are being set out this
spring.

Winchester (Marshall Symmes). — The season has been so wet
that many pieces of ground cannot be plowed even yet, so it would
seem that early crops will be short. Pastures and mowings are in
the very best of condition, and fall seeding mostly wintered well.
Enormous quantities of blossoms on peach, plum, cherry, pear and
apple trees. Not many insects in sight yet. Spraying is on the
increase. Plenty of men looking for work, but not many take
kindly to farming. Wages are from $15 to $20 per month with
board and from $7.50 to $10 per week without board.

Newton (Otis Pettee) . — But little work has been done as yet,
because of the cold, wet weather. Grass in pastures and mowings
has set thick, and if wet weather continues there is the prospect of
a good crop. The fruit bloom is a fair average of former years.
Very few insects have appeared as yet. There will be no marked
changes in the acreage of farm crops, and no new enterprises in
agriculture.

ESSEX COUNTY.

Salisbury (Wesley Pettengill). — The season has been very
cold and wet, and everything except grass is backward. Pastures
and mowings are looking well except on high ground, where they
were severely injured by the drought of last summer. Baldwins will
give light bloom, other apples good ; pears and plums in full bloom.
Tent caterpillars are doing some damage, but are not as plenty as
some years. Spraying is practised for canker worms, and not
much for other insects. Farm help is a little scarce this spring,
and not over 20 per cent of it is good help. Wages range from
$15 to $25 per month with board and from $25 to $35 per month
without board ; by the day, $1 with board and $1.50 without. The
acreage of planted crops will not be as large as usual, owing to the
lateness of the season.

Haverhill (Eben Webster). — The season has been cold and
wet, and not much has been done on low land. Pastures, mowings
and fall seeding are looking well. The fruit bloom is smaller than
last year, Baldwin apples very light, fall apples full bloom. No
insects as yet. Spraying is rather on the increase. Good farm
help is not plenty. Wages average about $20 per month with
board and $1.50 per day without board. There is nothing new
in agricultural enterprises or the acreage of farm crops.

Newbury (G. W. Adams). — The season is about two weeks
late. The prospect for pastures and mowings is good, and fall
seeding wintered well. The fruit bloom appears to be nearly an
average. Canker worms and tent caterpillars are doing some dam-
age. One-eighth of our farmers spray with a slight increase from
year to year. Farm help is scarce, and perhaps 2 per cent is
good help. Wages are from $16 to $26 per month with board and
$1.50 per day of a scant ten hours without board. Some crops
will be abandoned this year, on account of the late season and wet
ground.

Manchester (John Baker). — The season is very backward.
Pastures and mowings promise very well, and fall seeding wintered
well. The fruit bloom is a good average. It is too wet and cold
for insects to work much havoc as yet. The practice of spraying
is on the increase. Farm help is quite plenty and from one-half
to two-thirds of it is good help. Wages average $25 per month
with board and $1.75 per day without board. There are no marked
changes in the acreage of farm crops, and no new enterprises in
agriculture.

Tojjsfiekl (B. P. Pike). — The season promises as well as usual.
Fall seeding is all right, and pastures and mowings were never in
better condition. Pears and plums made a full bloom, very few
winter apples, some fall apples, no peaches. No insects are doing
damage as yet. There is not much spraying, except for canker
worms. Farm help is scarce, and one-fourth of it is good help.
Wages are about $20 per month with board and $1.50 per day
without board. There is not much change in the acreage of farm
crops, and most of our farmers make milk.

NORFOLK COUNTY.

Cohasset {E. E. P^llms). — The season is more favorable than
usual. Fall seeding wintered well, and the promise for pastures
and mowings was never better. The fruit bloom was fuller than
usual. No insects doing damage as yet. Spraying is not practised
to any great extent. Farm help is very scarce, and hardly an}^ of
it good. Wages average $28 per month with board and $45 per
month without board. There are no changes in the acreage of
farm crops of any account.

Stoughton (C. F. Curtis). — The season is about two weeks
late. Pastures and mowings are looking as well as they ever
did, and most fall seeding wintered well. The fruit bloom is not
far enough advanced for a comparison with former years. No
insects have appeared as yet. Very little spraying is done, but
should say that it is increasing slowly. Farm help is scarce,

26

and good help about one in ten. Wages average S20 per month
with board and $1 per day without board. There are no marked
changes in the acreage of farm crops, and no new enterprises in
agriculture.

Canton (E. V. Kinsley) . — The season is later than the normal,
but promising. Pastures and mowings look finely, and fall seed-
ing wintered well. Apples made a normal bloom ; pears, peaches,
plums and cherries a very full bloom. No noxious insects have
made their appearance. Not much spraying is done, though some
interest in the process is manifested. Farm help is not plenty,
and there is very little good help. Wages are from $15 to $25
per month with board and from $1.25 to $1.50 per day without
board. Dairying for milk to supply family trade is constantly
increasing.

Medfield (Geo. R. Chase). — The season is good for grass, but
■other crops are backward. Pastures and mowings are in good
•condition, and fall seeding wintered well. The fruit bloom was
very abundant, except for apples. Spra3nng is practised but
little, and is possibly increasing slightly. Farm help is scarce,
and one-third of it is good help. Wages are from $18 to $22 per
month with board and about $40 per month without board. The
acreage of corn will be increased about 10 per cent.

Millis (E. F. Richardson) . — The season is late and wet. Past-
aires and mowings are in good condition, and fall seeding wintered
well. The fruit bloom is much lighter than usual. Insects have
not appeared as yet. Spraying is practised to quite an extent, and
is on the increase. Good farm help is scarce. Wages range from
$17 to $24 per month with board and average $1.50 per day with-
out board. There are no marked changes in the acreage of farm
crops, and no new enterprises in agriculture.

Franklin (C. M. Allen). — The season promises fairly well at
present. The dry weather of last summer will make mowings thin,
although the spring has been excellent for them ; fall seeding win-
tered well. Apples made a very light bloom, all other fruits very
good. No insects have appeared as yet. Only a few spray their
fruit trees, but the practice is increasing. Farm help is plenty,
but none of it is good without an overseer. Wages range from $15
to $22 per month with board and are about $1.50 per day without
board. There are no marked changes in the acreage of farm crops.

BRISTOL COUNTY.

Attleborough (Isaac Alger). — The season is above the aver-
age, agriculturally speaking. Pastures and mowings never looked
Itetter. Apples made a small bloom, pears average, plums full.

27

cherries very full. Insects are not doing much damage as yet.
There is practically no spraying done. Farm help is scarce, and
fairly good. A^^ages average $20 per month with board and $1.50
per day without board. There is no change in the acreage of farm
crops.

Mansfield (Wm. C. Winter). — The season is late, and crops
will generally be a week later than usual. Pastures and mowings
are in excellent condition, and fall seeding wintered well. The
fruit bloom was a full average, except for peaches. Insects have
done no damage thus far. Comparatively little spraying is done,
but it is on the increase. There is enough good farm help for our
needs. Wages average $18 per month with board and $36 per
month without board. Very little change is apparent in the acre-
age of farm crops ; cucumber raising in hothouses is being entered
into by a number.

Raynham (N. W. Shaw). — The season is favorable, though
late. Fall seeding winter-killed, but mowings are looking well.
The fruit bloom was a good average. Currant worms are doing
some damage. Very little spraying is done here. Farm help is
scarce, and only a small part of it is good help. Wages average
$18 per month with board and $1.25 per day without board. A
smaller acreage of farm crops than usual will be put in, owing to
the late season and the scarcity of help.

Swansea (F. G. Arnold). — The season has been very wet, and
spring work is very much behind. Pastures and mowings look
well, and fall seeding wintered well. The fruit bloom was very
heavy. No insects have appeared up to the present time. Spray-
ing is practised but little. Farm help is rather plenty, though but
little of it can be called competent. Wages range from $18 to
$22 per month with board, from $30 to $35 per month without
board and from $1.25 to $1.50 per day without board. Less
potatoes than usual will be planted and more corn and forage
crops.

Acushnet (M. S. Douglas). — The season has been cold and
wet, and is fully ten days late. Pastures were never in better
condition, and the hay crop promises well. Full bloom for all
fruit except apples, peaches unusually heavy. Tent caterpillars are
very plenty. Farmers are seeing the necessity of spraying, and
it is on the increase, but not much is done as yet. Farm help is
scarce, and not over half of it is good help. Wages are from $18
to $20 per month with board and about $1.50 per day without
board. Farmers in this section are engaged in market-gardening.

Dartmouth (L. T. Davis). — The season is very backward.
Pastures and mowings look well, and fall seeding wintered fairly.

28

The fruit bloom was quite full in most cases. It is too wet and
cold for insects at present. Very little spraying is done. There
is about a normal supply of help, of the usual quality. "Wages
range from $15 to $20 per month with board and from $1.25 to
$1.50 per day without board. There will be no great change in
the acreage of farm crops though there may have to be some
changes because of excessive moisture.

PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

Brockton (Davis Copeland). — The season is about thi*ee weeks
later than usual. Pastures and mowings promise well, and fall
seeding wintered well. It is too early to judge as to the fruit
bloom. Green flies on cattle are causing some trouble. Spraying
is not practised to any extent. Farm help is scarce, and about
half of it is good help. Wages average $20 per month with board
and $1.50 per day without board. There are no marked changes
in the acreage of farm crops, and no new enterprises in agriculture.

Marshfield (J. H. Bourne). — There has been less sunshine and
more rain than usual, and the season is late. Pastures and mow-
ings are in excellent condition, and fall seeding looks well. Pears
and peaches made a full bloom ; apple trees not out yet, but
promise well. Tent caterpillars are building their tents. Spray-
ing is not largely practised, and is not increasing much. Farm
help is rather less plenty than usual, with one-third of it good.
"Wages are from $18 to $20 per month with board and $1.50 per
day without board. There has been quite an extensive planting
of peach trees, currants and strawberries.

Hanson (F. S. Thomas). — The season is late and wet. Past-
ures and mowings are in good condition, and fall seeding wintered
well. Late apples made a poor bloom ; early apples, pears and
plums good ; peaches poor. There are a good many tent cater-
pillars in evidence. Spraying against insects attacking fruit is
practised very little. Farm help is scarce, but what there is is
good help, as a rule. There are no marked changes in the acre-
age of farm crops, and no new enterprises in agriculture.

Plympton (Winthkop Fillebkown). — The season is as early
as usual, with an excess of rain. All grass is in excellent condi-
tion, and fall seeding is above the average. The fruit bloom is as
good as possible. Tent caterpillars seem to promise considerable
damage later on. Spraying is practised by only a few, and is not
on the increase. There is not an excess of help, but our local
supply is of excellent quality. Wages range from $15 to $25 per
month with board and $1.50 per day of ten hours without board.

29

There will be little change in the acreage of farm crops, but poul-
try raising is steadily on the increase, and several new cranberry
bogs have been made the past year.

Ldkeville (N. G-. Staples). — The season has been very wet
and backward. Grass is looking very well on high land, but low
land is too wet ; fall seeding wintered well. Apple bloom about
one-third, pears full, no peaches. We have been free from in-
sects thus far. Very little spraying is done. Farm help is very
scarce. Wages average $18 per month with board and $1.50 per
day without board. There are no marked changes in the acreage
of farm crops, and no new enterprises in agriculture.

Carver (J. A. Vaughan). — The ground is very wet, and farm-
ers are late in planting. The promise for pastures and mowings
is excellent. There was a full fruit bloom. No insects have ap-
peared as yet. Spraying is practised to only a small extent, but
is increasing. Wages average $18 per month with board and
$1.50 per day without board. There are no marked changes in
the acreage of farm crops, and no new enterprises in agriculture.

BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

Bourne (D. D. Nye). — The season compares fairly well with
the normal. Pastures and mowings promise finely, but fall seed-
ing winter-killed badly. The fruit bloom was not as full as last
year. No insects have appeared as yet. Spraying is practised to
a small extent. Farm help is very scarce, half of it being good
help. Wages average $20 per month with board and from $30 to
$35 per month without board. There are no changes in the acre-
age of farm crops, and no new enterprises in agriculture.

Mashpee (W. F. Hammond). — The season is rather below the
average in promise at present. Pastures and mowings are looking
well, and fall seeding wintered well. Fruit trees bloomed full,
except apple trees, and strawberries are setting very full. Tent
caterpillars and onion maggots are doing some damage. There is
very little spraying done, but it is on the increase. Farm help is
plenty, and three-fourths of it is good help. Wages average $18
per month with board and $28 per month without board. There
will be an increased acreage of corn.

Dennis (Joshua Crowell) . — The season is about ten days late.
Pastures and mowings are in excellent condition. The fruit bloom
is a full average. Tent caterpillars are doing some damage. Very
little spraying is done, except on cranberry bogs, but the practice
is increasing. Farm help is plenty, and half of it is good help.
Wages average $25 per month with board and $1.50 per day with-

30

out board. There are no marked changes in the acreage of farm
crops, and no new enterprises in agriculture.

Harwich (A. N. Doane). — The season has been cold and wet.
Grass land is in good condition. The fruit bloom was not as good
as last year. Cut worms are doing some damage. Spraying is
increasing yearly. Farm help is in fair supply, and of good qual-
ity. Wages average $20 per month with board and $1.50 per day
without board. There has been no marked change in the acreage
of farm crops. We are now letting the water off the cranberry
bogs. Those bogs which have been without water have been badly
damaged by the severe cold weather.

Eastham (J. A. Clark). — The season is about a week later
than the average. Pastures and mowings were never in better
condition. Pears made a full bloom, but it is too early to say as
regards apples. No insects are very troublesome as yet. Spray-
ing is practised to some extent, and is on the increase. There is
help enough for the demand, and it is fairly good. Wages range
from $10 to $25 per month with board. Farmers in this section
are largely engaged in asparagus culture, but there seems to be an
increase in small fruit and strawberries.

Truro (D. E. Paine) . — The season promises fairly well. Past-
ures and mowings are in excellent condition, and fall seeding
wintered well. The fruit bloom is very backward. No insects
have appeared as yet. Spraying is but little practised. Farm
help is plenty, and most of it is good. Wages average $20 per
month with board and $30 per mouth without board. There are
no marked changes in the acreage of farm crops, and no new en-
terprises in agriculture.

DUKES COUNTY.

West Tisbury (Geo. Hunt Luce). — The season is very much
later than usual, on account of the cold wet weather. Pastures
and mowings promise well. It is too early for fruit bloom with us.
No insects have appeared as yet. Spraying is practised to some
extent, and is increasing slowly. The supply of farm help is about
equal to the demand, and about one in five is good help. Wages
are about $20 per month with board and $1.50 per day without
board. There have been no marked changes in the acreage of
farm crops. Two hop farms have been started on our plain
land.

31

BULLETIN OF

Massachusetts Board of Agriculture.

THREE COMMON ORCHARD SCALES.

By Prof. H. T. Feenald, Professor of Entomology, Massachusetts Agricultural

College.

Our knowledge of scale insects has been very limited until
recently. The injuries they cause have passed unnoticed in most
cases, while the occasional loss of some tree has too often been
attributed to some other cause. The appearance of the San Jos6^
scale in Massachusetts, however, and its rapid extension over the
State, followed everywhere by serious injury to the trees attacked,
has attracted much attention to this group of insects.

Although over a hundred different kinds of scale insects prob-
ably occur in Massachusetts, only three are likely to be present
in any orchard in sufficient abundance to cause injury to the trees
and demand attention, and only one of these is usually so destruc-
tive as to require radical measures for its control. These three
are the oyster-shell scale, the scurfy scale and the San Jose scale.
It is important that every person having fruit trees should learn
to recognize these three scales, and know what treatment to apply
for each if he wishes to obtain his crops, or, in case of the San
Jose scale, if he wishes even to keep his trees alive.

The Oyster-shell Scale.
(Myiilasjjis pomo7'uni Bouche.)

This scale is a native of Europe, and reached this country,
where it is now generally distributed, about a hundred years ago.
It is probably present in every orchard in Massachusetts in greater
or less numbers, and is also abundant on many of our shade and
forest trees.

During the winter the scales of this insect are very noticeable
on the twigs and smaller branches of many trees, often com-
pletely covering them. The scale is about one-eighth of an inch
long, quite pointed at one end, rounded at the other, and usually
somewhat curved to one side (Fig. 1) so that in general outline
it somewhat resembles an oyster shell. Its color is dark reddish

32

or grayish browu. If one of these scales be lifted, and its under
side examined under a microscope, from twenty to a hundred
whitish or yellowish eggs will be found, while under the pointed
end are the remains of the parent insect which produced the scale.
The eggs hatch in Massachusetts about the 10th of June, the
exact time varying with the nature of the season, and the little

Fig. 1. — Oyster-shell scale : n, under side of female scale, showing eags; 6, upper side
of same, both much enlarged; c, female scales ou a branch, natural size; d, male scale,
much enlarged; e, male scales on branch, natural size. The line lines to the right of a, b
and d show the real length of the scales. (Howard, U. 8 Dept. Agr., Tearbook, 1894.)

yellowish young escape from under the scale and crawl about over
the twigs, seeking for places to locate. After a few days they
settle down, push their sharp beaks through the bark and begin
to suck the sap from the tree. Here they remain, and gradually
cover themselves with scales as a protection. In the fall the eggs
are laid under the hinder part of the scale and the parent dies,
leaving its scale as a covering during the winter for its eggs,
which hatch the following spring. The male scales are smaller
and of a slightly different form from the female scales, as shown
in Fig. 1.

This insect is found on a large number of food plants, the more
important ones being the apple, pear, plum, quince, lilac, ash,
poplar, willow, elm, maple, raspberry, currant and rose.

33

The Scurfy Scale.
(Ckionasjns furfura Fitch.)
The scurfy scale, probably a native of this country, is generally
abundant over the eastern United States, but is most plentiful
south of New England.

The scale itself is somewhat smaller than that of the oyster-
shell scale, and is usually broader in proportion to its length.
One end is somewhat pointed, while the other is irregularly

rounded, the general color
being a dirty white, which
makes it quite noticeable
(Fig. 2, a and c).

The scales of the male
(Fig. 2, b and d) differ
from those of the female
above described in form,
and are also smaller.

The habits of this scale
are similar to those of the
oyster-shell scale, the win-
ter being passed in the egg
stage. The ten to seventy-
five eggs which may be
found under the female
scale hatch in June, and
the purplish young crawl
about for a few days, after which they settle down to feed. The
remainder of the life history is much the same as that of the
oyster-shell scale.

The scurfy scale is found on the apple, crab-apple, pear, peach,
cherry, quince, Japan quince, currant, mountain ash and many
other plants.

Fie. 2. — Scurfy scale: a, female, b, male scales,
natural eize on twigs; c, female scales, much en-
larged; d, male scale, much enlarged. (Howard,
C. 8. Dept. Agr., Yearbook, 1894.)

Treatment for the Oyster-shell and Scurfy Scales.
The treatment for these two scales is comparatively simple. As
there is but one brood of young each year, the infested trees or
plants should be sprayed soon after the young hatch from the egg ;
this will be some time in June, varying with the season. The
material used for spraying may be either kerosene emulsion or a
mechanical mixture of kerosene and water. If kerosene emulsion
be used, it should be prepared as follows : hard soap, shaved fine,
one-half pound ; water, one gallon ; kerosene, two gallons. Dis-
solve the soap in the water, which should be boiling ; then remove

•64:

from the fire, and while hot pour it into the kerosene. Churn this
with a spray pump till it changes, first into a creamy, then into a
soft, butter-like mass. For use, take one part of this prepared
emulsion and thoroughly mix with nine parts of soft water by
churning it back into the pail, or whatever it may be in, through
the spray pump until it is thoroughly mixed, then apply to the
tree. This treatment in ordinary seasons should be made about
the 15th of June, and a second one ten days or two weeks later.

If the mechanical mixture be used instead, a special pump,
having two tanks, such as the " Kerowater," should be used, the
pump being adjusted so as to mix five per cent of the kerosene
with ninety-five per cent of water. The time of the treatments
should be the same as when kerosene emulsion is used.

The San Jose Scale.
(^Aspidiotus perniciosus Comst.)
This most serious of scale insects was first discovered in thia
country in California, about 1870. It is probable that Japan is
its native home, as it has several times been received from there
on imported stock. In 1893 it appeared in Virginia, where it
seems to have been received from New Jersey. An investigation
in the latter State led to the discovery that two nurseries there had
about the year 1886 or 1887 introduced the " Kelsey " plum from
California, in the hope that it might be proof against the attacks
of the curculio. The trees thus obtained did not thrive (probably
because they were infested by this scale), and were ultimately
destroyed, but presumably not until the insect had spread from
them to other nursery stock. As both of these nurseries did a
large business, the scale was in this way scattered all over the
eastern and middle States before the danger was realized. As
many of the places to which the infested stock was sent were
nurseries, these in turn became infested, with the result that the
San Jos6 scale is now present in nearly every one of the United
States, as well as in Canada and other foreign countries.

Life History.
The insect passes the winter under the scale, but it is probable
that both the adult and the very young insects die during thia
period. In the spring those which are alive resume their feeding
and become full grown about the first or middle of June. The
production of young soon follows, these being born alive. When
the young first appear they are extremely minute, yellowish in
color, and with six legs. They crawl away from the parent scale
and move about for a day or two, then settle down, and, inserting

35

their beaks into the bark, begin to suck the sap from the tree.
About this time little waxy threads develop on the surface of the
body, and soon fuse together to form the first portion of the cov-
ering scale. When this is completed, the scale is white, nearly
circular in outline, and with a little hump or nipple in the centre.
About ten days later the insect molts its outer shell and adds this
to the covering scale, which by this time has become dark gray,
except the central nipple, which is lighter colored, often yellow.
About ten days later the female insect molts again, and, as before,
adds the molted skin to the covering scale, thus making it larger
than those of the males, which do not undergo a second molt.

Soon after molting the second time the females become mature
and begin to produce young, " averaging ten a day for more than
a month." Each of these young develops as just described for
the parent, and those produced first have begun to produce young
in their turn before their parent has completed the same process.

As a result, young, crawling forms may be found at almost all
times from the last of June until frosts appear in the fall, during
which time it has been calculated that the progeny of a single
female may number 1,608,040,200, all of which have obtained
their nourishment from the plant they are on. With a power of
increase as rapid as this, it is not strange that trees suffer severely
and often die in a short time after being attacked by this pest.

Food Plants.
The San Jose scale feeds upon nearly all our plants, shrubs and
trees, except evergreens. Its more usual food plants, however,
appear to be the pear, peach, plum, cherry, strawberry, raspberry,
blackberry, gooseberry, currant, grape, rose, osage orange, elm,
maple, chestnut, oak, birch, willow and Japanese plants. It
attacks trunk, branches, twigs, leaves, and even the fruit ; and
during the year 1900, currants, pears and apples, grown in Massa-
chusetts, were received so covered by these insects as to render
them unsalable.

Distribution iii Massachusetts.
This scale was first discovered in Massachusetts in 1895. Since
that time it has appeared in a large number of places in the State,
probably introduced on stock purchased from infested nurseries,
and it is now known to occur in the following places : Amherst,
Attleborough Falls, Auburndale, Bedford, Belchertown, Beverly,
Billerica, Boston, Brookline, Danvers, Dighton, Dracut, Everett,
Greenwood, Groveland, Holyoke, Jamaica Plain, Leominster,
Lunenberg, Maiden, Middleborough, Millville, Natick, Newton-
ville. North Abington, North Attleborough, North Cambridge,

36

Norwood Central, Reading, Revere, Roslindale, Russell, Salem,
Saxonville, Scituate, Somerville, South Framingham, South
Chelmsford, Swampscott, Taunton, Three Rivers, Townsend,
Winchester and Worcester. It is probable that in addition to
these forty-four places it is present in as many more, existing
unrecognized and perhaps unnoticed.

How the Scale spreads.
The most important way in which the scale spreads is, as has
already been shown, by its conveyance upon nursery stock. Its
spread from tree to tree, however, occurs by means of the crawl-
ing young. These are very small, and may easily be blown off
the tree they are on by sudden gusts of wind, and, if carried to
another tree, or even very near it, may be able to establish them-
selves. Others crawl onto the feet of birds or even other insects
as these rest on infested trees, and when they fly to other trees
may crawl off there. If the branches of adjacent trees touch, the
young may crawl directly from one to another.

Enemies.

The San Jose scale is not without its enemies, which prey upon
it. Chief among these are the lady-birds, or lady-bugs, as they
are commonly called, perhaps the most common one which feeds
upon the scale being the " Twice-stabbed lady-bug," which is a
small, shining black beetle, about an eighth of an inch long and
nearly as wide, with its upper surface very strongly convex, and
with two dark-red or orange spots on the back. This insect is of
much aid in the destruction of the scale, but unfortunately its rate
of increase is so much less than that of the scale that it is unable
to do more than somewhat reduce the numbers of the pest.

There are several parasites of the scale, as well, but here, too,
their rate of increase is less rapid than that of the scale, which of
course renders their work of less value than would otherwise be
the case.

A fungus occurs in the southern States which also attacks the
scale, and this has been cultivated somewhat, in the hope that it
might be made use of in controlling the insect. Thus far, how-
ever, these hopes have failed to be realized. In fact, all of these
enemies together fail to do more than to somewhat check the
rapid increase of the scale, which, when present, requires treat-
ment by man in addition, if the infested plants are to be kept
from entire destruction.

Treatment.

The methods of treatment for the San Jos^ scale successfully
used on the Pacific coast have thus far failed in the eastern United

■

^^^■^^^^^^■■^^■1

■^fvt.-

"•--"gte:-^

■1

The Scurfy Scale.

The San Jos§ Scale.

The Oyster-shell Scale.
THREE COMMON ORCHARD SCALES. — Twice Natural Size.

37

States, where they are " fatal to only a small percentage of
scales." Why this is the case it is difficult to say. In California
the treatment is applied some little time before the rainy season,
which gives an opportunity for its action before being washed off
by the rains. In the east, however, this treatment must be ap-
plied at times when rains are frequent, and it may be that in this
fact is found the reason why the treatment is a failure in this part
of the country.

The San Jos^ scale is a sucking insect ; consequently, neither
Paris green, arsenate of lead or any of the so-called " stomach
poisons " are of the slightest use. The treatment which will kill
it must be something which kills by coming in contact with it ; and,
as the insect, except in its earliest stages, is covered by a hard
scale, the treatment must be by the application of some substance
caustic enough to eat or corrode the scale and penetrate to the
body of the insect beneath. Spraying with kerosene emulsion
will kill the young insects, of course ; but, as these appear every
few days from some time in June until November or even Decem-
ber in some cases, this would mean that the infested trees must
be sprayed at least once a week during this entire time, which is
also the time during which it is most difficult to reach all parts of
the tree thoroughly, on account of the foliage. Accordingly,
treatment during the winter months is the best.

Destriiction of Trees infested.
In cases where the scale has just appeared, or but few trees are
infested, the cheapest and safest treatment is to cut down and
burn those trees. If a tree be thoroughly covered with the scale,
burning is also the best treatment, as it will be almost impossible
to clear such a tree sufficiently to make it valuable for its product,
while it would be a constant menace to all other trees around.
The sooner a badly infested tree is destroyed the better.

Kerosene.
During the winter months, while the trees are not growing,
much stronger materials can be used for treatment than during
the growing season. This is particularly the case between the
first of January and the time when the buds begin to swell. Dur-
ing this period pure kerosene may be used under certain conditions
with success. Kerosene will kill every scale which it touches,
but, unless used in experienced hands, it is likely to kill the tree
also, even during the late winter months, hence should be used
with caution, and, as there are other and safer treatments, its use
in general should be avoided. If it is desired to try it, however,
the following suggestions should be closely followed : —

38

1. Use pure kerosene in January, February or March only.

2. Use the finest nozzle to the spray pump which can be ob-
tained.

3. Stop spraying any portion as soon as it is wet.

4. Spray on a bright day, when a slight (not strong) breeze is
blowing.

Crude Petroleum.

This substance has been recommended as an insecticide for
scale insects by Dr. J. B. Smith of New Jersey, where it was
first tried in 1898. While perhaps not beyond the experimental
stage, as yet, it seems to promise well if precautions be followed
in its use. Some of the conclusions drawn from experiments with
it are : —

1. Treatment should be made in .January, February or March.

2. Crude petroleum is not adapted to summer use.

3. It kills the scales wherever it comes in contact with them.

4. It may be used pure, but a more even distribution is obtained
by mixing forty parts with sixty of water by means of a two-tank
pump, such as the " Kerowater." Do not apply too much.

5. Use a very fine nozzle.

6. Spray on a reasonably calm day, when the trees are dry.

7. Use petroleum testing 43° Beaum6 or above at 60° F.
Petroleum testing lower than 43° at this temperature is dangerous
to the trees.

In this last statement lies one of the chief difficulties. Crude
petroleum is a very variable substance, and, if it be of too low a
degree of the Beaume scale, it is likely to injure the trees.

Fumigation.
"While fumigation is the most certain method of destroying the
scale, its use is not usually practicable by fruit growers in this
State. Gas-tight tents, large enough to completely cover the
trees, are necessary, and are expensive. The gas generated is
a very dangerous one, and its use can hardly be recommended
to one not familiar with it. It should be used for the treatment
of nursery stock before shipment, however, and so many nurseries
in this country now have the scale that it is desirable that only
fumigated stock be purchased.

Whale-oil Soap.
This is usually a fish-oil rather than a whale-oil soap. It
should be liquid when cold even in as strong a mixture as two
pounds to a gallon of water. If it contains fats other than the
fish oil, it is likely to prove unsatisfactory, and it should therefore
be obtained from a reliable manufacturer. Two satisfactory

39

brands on the market are " Good's potash whale-oil soap No. 3,"
made by James Good of Philadelphia; and the "Anchor brand,"
made by Leggett & Bro., 301 Pearl Street, New York. .

This soap should be dissolved in water at the rate of two pounds
of soap to a gallon of water, by heat, and sprayed between the
first of January and the time the buds open. If it is desirable to
spray in the fall, this may be done after the leaves have fallen,
using one pound to a gallon of water.

Treatment with whale-oil soap is probably the most practical
for fruit growers to make use of in most cases.

Summary of Treatment.

1. Fumigation is the most effectual treatment known, but must
be given under such conditions as to make it usually impracticable
for general use by inexperienced persons.

2. Kerosene will kill the scale, and is likely to kill the trees as
well. A strength of kerosene and water mixture which will not
injure one kind of tree may kill another kind.

3. Crude petroleum may prove the best remedy to use, but must
test above 43° Beaume, and be used only in January,- February or
March.

4. The treatment recommended for general use, except in nurs-
eries, is as follows : —

(a) Spray infested trees with whale-oil soap, two pounds to a
gallon of water, before the buds start in the spring, or at the rate
of one pound to a gallon of water, after the leaves are off in the
fall.

(&) Cut back and prune infested trees before spraying, burning
the prunings.

(c) Cover as much of the trunk and limbs with whitewash, about
the first of June, as the tree will safely stand.

{d) Badly infested trees can probably never be entirely cleared,
and, if left, will distribute tlie scale to all trees near by. Cut and
burn all badly infested trees.

(e) In spraying for the scale, remember that, to be destroyed,
each scale must be touched. Use a very fine nozzle, and try to
reach every part of the tree, but stop spraying any part before it
begins to drip.

5. Never purchase stock not accompanied by a certificate of
inspection, signed by an authorized inspector, or by a guarantee
that it has been fumigated with hydrocyanic acid gas. One who
neglects this has only himself to blame if his trees prove later to
have been infested.

Series of 1901. Bulletin No. 2.

MASSACHUSETTS

CEOP EEPOET

Month of June, 1901.

ISSUED BY

J. W. STOCKWELL,

Secretary State Board of Agriculture.

BOSTON :

WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS,

18 Post Office Square.

1901.

Ckop Eeport for the Month of June. 1901.

Office of State Board of Agriculture,
Boston, Mass., July 1, 1901.

Bulletin No. 2, Crop Report for the month of June, is
presented herewith. We desire to call the attention of our
readers to the article at the close of the bulletin, on " A Lesson
in Economics : what the Agriculture of the Twentieth Cent-
ury demands," by Dr. George M. Twitchell, editor of the
" Maine Farmer." Dr. Twitchell has given this subject much
careful thought, and the result cannot but be helpful to every
one, in pointing out places where savings can be made which
may make all the difference between profit and loss.

Progress of the Season.

Preliminary reports to the United States Department of
Agriculture (Crop Reporter for June, 1901) indicate a re-
duction of about 1,200,000 acres, or 6.4 per cent, in the
acreage of spring wheat. The average condition of spring
wheat on June 1 was 92, as compared with 87.3 last year,
91.4 in June, 1899, and 92.6, the mean of the averages of
the last ten years. The average condition of winter wheat
declined during May 6.3 points, the condition on June 1
being 87.8, as against 94.1 a month earlier, 82.7 last year,
67.3 in 1899, and 81.2, the mean of the June averages of the
last ten years.

The total reported acreage of oats was smaller than the
acreage harvested last year by 3.8 per cent. The average
condition of oats was 85.3, against 91.7 last year, 88.7 in
1899, and a ten-year average of 90.

The acreage reported as under barley is 1.2 per cent
smaller than the area harvested last year. The average con-
dition of barley was 91, against 86.2 last year, 91.4 in 1899,
and a ten-year average of 88.5.

The acreage under rye showed a reduction of 1.9 per cent
from that harvested last year. The average condition of rye
was 93.9, as compared with 87.6 on June 1, 1900, 84.5 at
the corresponding date in 1899, and a ten-year average of
89.4.

The acreage and condition of clover could not be definitely
and satisfactorily determined, but would seem to approxi-
mate, on the whole, very closely to the averages of the last
ten years.

The average condition of the apple crop was, on the whole,
favorable, though in some of the larger producing States the
condition is somewhat below their ten-year average. Of the
fourteen States having 3,000,000 or upward apple trees at
the last census, three report conditions below their ten-year
averages, one was the same, and the others were above. It
is probable that more than an average crop will be produced
in the remaining States and Territories.

The prospects of the peach crop were highly favorable,
the condition being above the average in every important
peach-growing State, with the exception of California, in
which there was a falling off of 13 points from the ten-year
average of 83.

The acreage of rice has been somewhat reduced, except in
Louisiana, in which there was an increase of 12 per cent, and
in Texas a very large increase of approximately 125 per
cent. The condition was generally equal or above the ten-
year average.

The total estimated area planted in cotton is 27,532,000
acres, an increase of 2,111,000, or 8.3 per cent, over the
acreage planted last year, and of 2,498,000, or 10 per cent,
over the acreage actually picked. The average condition of
the growing crop June 1 was 81.5, as against 82.5 last year,
85.7 in 1899, and 86.4, the mean of the June averages of
the last ten years. The condition Avas the lowest, with one
exception, of any June condition in twenty years.

In Massachusetts the acreage of rye as compared with last
year was given as 98, and the average condition June 1 as
101 ; the acreage of oats as 94, and the condition as 95 ; the
acreage of barley as 90, and the condition as 86 ; the acre-
age of clover as 99, and the condition as 103 ; the average

condition of spring pasture as 105 ; the average condition of
apples as 67 ; and the average condition of peaches as 75.

Temperature and Rainfall for the Whole Country.

[From United States Climate and Crop Bulletins.]

Week ending June 3. — The week was decidedly cool to
the eastward of the Mississippi River, and also in the west
Gulf States, Oklahoma and New Mexico. It was slightly
cooler than usual along the immediate Pacific coast and over
the central and southern Plateau regions. The week aver-
aged warmer than usual in Minnesota, the Dakotas, western
Nebraska, Montana and Wyoming, and over portions of
Washington, Oregon and northern California. Very heavy
rains fell during the week in the east Gulf States, over por-
tions of northern Texas, Oklahoma and northern New Mexico,
the north-eastern Rocky Mountain slope, portions of the lower
Lake region, and generally throughout New England and the
northern portion of the middle Atlantic States. There was
less than the average weekly rainfall over the southern por-
tions of the middle Atlantic States, the lower Ohio, central
and upper Mississippi and Missouri valleys, and on the west
Gulf coast, a large area in the lower Missouri, upper Missis-
sippi and Red River of the North valleys receiving no
measurable rainfall.

Week ending June 10. — The week was cooler than usual
from the north Pacific coast eastward to the Lake resrion,
including the northern portions of the central valleys and
middle Atlantic States. The week was slightly cooler than
usual in California and in portions of the east Gulf and south
Atlantic States. Along the immediate New England coast,
in portions of southern Florida and from the lower Missis-
sippi westward to Colorado and New Mexico the week aver-
aged warmer than usual. Heavy rains fell over portions of
the middle and south Atlantic States and in the Ohio, central
Mississippi and Missouri and Red River of the North valleys,
and more than the average amount fell in Oklahoma, south-
ern Kansas and portions of New England. A considerable
portion of the south Atlantic and Gulf States received less
than the usual amount, and the weekly rainfall was largely

6

deficient in the Lake region, and also in portions of the mid-
dle Atlantic States, upper Ohio and lower Missouri valleys,
a considerable area in the Lake reofion receivino- no measur-
able amount.

Week ending June 17. — The week was warmer than usual
in the west Gulf States, lower Missouri valley, throughout
the Mississippi valley and in all districts to the eastward,
except along the middle and south Atlantic and east Gulf
coasts. The week was marked by unseasonably low minimum
temperatures over the eastern Rocky Mountain slope and in
northern New England, and unusually high maximum tem-
peratures in the lower Mississippi valley and on the west
Gulf coast. The week was marked by exceptionally heavy
rains in the middle and south Atlantic States and over
an area extending from northern Colorado and southern
Wyoming north-eastward over western Nebraska, the Da-
kotas, to Minnesota and northern Wisconsin. There was a
general absence of rain throughout the central and west Gulf
districts, and over a large part of New England and the lower
Lake region. The precipitation was generally below the
average over the greater portion of the central valleys and
the northern portion of the middle Atlantic States.

Week ending June 24. — The week was slightly cooler
than usual along the Atlantic coast, over portions of the
upper Lake region, eastern Montana and in California.
Throughout the central valleys, southern States, Rocky
Mountain region and on the north Pacific coast the week
was warmer than usual, particularly in the lower Missouri,
central Mississippi and lower Ohio valleys. Generally
throughout the southern States, on the middle Atlantic coast,
over a large 'part of the upper Lake region, and in portions
of the upper Mississippi, lower Missouri and Ohio valleys
the rainfall was below the average, there being practically
none over the greater part of the central and west Gulf
States. In northern New England, northern and western
New York, eastern North Carolina, the Florida peninsula,
portions of the central and upper Ohio valley the rainfall
was excessive. Good rains also fell over south-eastern
Kansas and Oklahoma, and the northern portion of the
upper Lake region.

Special Telegraphic Reports.

[Wbathbr^Bureau, Boston.]

Week ending June 3. — New England. Boston : Farm
work and crops at a standstill; sunshine and warm, drying
weather needed ; grass excellent ; small fruits promise well ;
little corn planted, land too wet and cold; potatoes good in
Aroostook County, Me., elsewhere poor, seed rotting in
ground.

Week ending June 10. — New England. Boston : Week
favorable ; much planting done ; low land remains too wet
to work ; grass continues excellent, heavy hay crop assured ;
all small fruits promise well ; corn poor ; potatoes fair ; sun-
shine and warmer weather needed.

Weekending Jane 17. — New England. Boston : Weather
favorable ; planting completed ; all crops much improved and
now growing rapidly ; heavy hay crop promised and haying
will begin soon ; abundant crop of small fruits and berries
promised ; potato bugs numerous.

Week ending June 24. — New England. Boston : Weather
favorable ; alT'crops making good growth ; some damage by
frost on the 18th to potatoes in Aroostook County, Me. ;
haying commenced, will be general the coming week ; potato
bugs very numerous, otherwise insects and bugs few.

The Weather of June, 1901.

The month opened with a week of generally cloudy, cool
weather. Rain was of frequent occurrence although the
amounts were generally light to moderate. The tempera-
ture during this period was quite uniform, with a mean near
the average. From the 10th to the 20th, inclusive, the
weather was partly cloudy to clear, with almost an entire
absence of rain. The temperature ranged somewhat above
the normal till the 11th, followed by several days of cool
weather, with the mercury from four to six degrees below
the normal. There was a season of showers from the 21st
to the 25th. The rainfall was, however, unevenly dis-
tributed, being excessive in some instances while in others
the amounts were unimportant. The showery conditions
were accompanied with easterly winds and fogs in coast

8

sections. During the remainder of the month the weather
was generally fair, with the temperature above the normal.
The last four days of June were excessively warm, with the
maxima temperatures at Boston ranging from 92° to 97°
and the minima from 71° to 74°. Viewing the month as a
whole the precipitation was largely deficient, the average
being; little more than half the normal for the month of
June. The average temperature was several degrees above
the normal. At Boston the accumulated excess for June
was 54°. There was less than the usual number of thunder-
storms, and, with few exceptions, they were less violent
than those generally experienced during this month. The
winds were southerly to westerly, and the absence of easterly
winds was a noticeable feature of the weather of the month.
About 30 per cent, of the wind direction was from the south-
west. Considered as a whole, for the entire State, June
was a very pleasant month.

In the circular to correspondents, returnable June 22, the
following questions were asked : —

1. What insects are proving injurious in your locality?

2. How is Indian corn looking, and what is the acreage
as compared with previous years?

3. Has haying begun, and what is the prospect for the
crop?

4. How does the acreage of early potatoes compare with
previous years, and what is the promise for the crop?

5. How do early market-garden crops compare in yield
and price with previous years, and what is the promise for
the crop?

6. How do the quantity and price of dairy products and
the supply and price of dairy cows compare with former
years ?

7. What is the condition of pasturage in your locality?

8. What is the outlook for such fruits and berries as are
grown for market, naming them?

Returns have been received from 134 correspondents, and
from them the following summary has been made up : —

9

Insects.
Not for many years has there been as little complaint of
damage from insects as at present. Potato bugs are present
in the usual numbers, but are not doing particular damage
as yet. Other insects most complained of are cut worms,
tent caterpillars, canker worms and squash bugs, from 12 to
20 correspondents reporting the presence of each. Other
insects mentioned are rose bugs, currant worms, wire worms,
plant lice, onion maggots, elm leaf beetles, cattle flies of
various kinds, asparagus beetles, cabbage worms, brown-tail
moths, and cranberry vine and fire worms.

Indian Corn.

The cold, wet spring delayed corn planting so that it is
now very small and backward for the season. A good stand
is generally reported, however, and it is also said to be com-
ing forward rapidly with the advent of hot weather, and to
generally promise well. The acreage appears to be about
an average one, reports of decreased acreages in some local-
ities being practically balanced by reports of increases in
others.

The Hay Crop.

Haying was beginning in many localities at the time of
making returns, and by date of issue should be well under
way almost everywhere. A good crop seems to be gener-
ally expected, certainly much better than for the last two
years. There are some complaints that the grass roots were
injured to such an extent last year that the crop will be thin
on old fields, and this expectation seems reasonable. There-
fore reports after harvest will be needed to settle the stand-
ing of the crop as a whole.

Early Potatoes.
The acreage of early potatoes shows a slight decrease,
especially in eastern sections, probably owing to the unfavor-
able weather at planting time. There was also some com-
plaint of their rotting in the ground. Being generally
planted late they are backward for the season, but otherwise
lookinir well.

10

Market-garden Crops.
■ Early market-garden crops are about average as to yield
and price, though somewhat backward. Asparagus was
rather a light crop but brought good prices. Later crops
look well and promise good yields if conditions continue
favorable.

Dairy Products.
The quantity and price of dairy products appears to be
about as last year, the gain in price noted at that time hav-
ing been fully held. The supply of dairy cows continues to
be less than the demand, and their prices certainly are as
high as in past years.

Pasturage.
Pasturage was much benefited by the rains of April and
May and is generally in first-class condition. There are a
few complaints that the grass is weak and sappy, but they
are by no means numerous.

Fruits and Berries.
Strawberries were late in ripening, but at time of making
returns picking had begun, with the prospect of an average
crop, though hardly a large one. Prices, so far as reported,
were good. Kaspberries and blackberries, particularly the
latter, winterkilled to a considerable extent, and the crop
of both will be short. Currants generally promise well.
Apples will be a light crop, particularly winter varieties.
Peaches promise only a light crop. Plums and cherries
generally set full and promise a good crop. Pears set well
and promise an average crop. Wild berries promise well.

11

NOTES OF CORRESPONDENTS.

[Returned to us June 22.]

BERKSHIRE COUNTY.

Alford (L. T. Osborn). — Indian corn is very backward but is
coming on rapidly just now ; acreage about as usual. Haying has
not begun ; the crop will be fair but not as good as was expected,
as the grass roots were killed by the dry weather of last year.
The acreage of early potatoes is about the same as usual and they
are looking well. Quantity and price of dairy products and supply
and price of dairy cows about normal. Pasturage is in very fair
condition. Strawberries are a fine crop, but few other fruits and
berries grown.

Tyringhavi (E. H. Slater). — Corn is backward, but the acre-
age is about the same as in previous years. Haying has not begun
and the crop will be light. The acreage of early potatoes is about
the same as last year and the crop is very backward. The price
of dairy products is about the same as in former years. Pasturage
has been very good. The outlook for apples is very good ; not
much done in small fruits and berries.

Becket (AYm. H. Snow). — Potato bugs are doing some dam-
age. Indian corn is looking well but is small. Haying has not yet
begun. The acreage and condition of early potatoes is about
average. Market-garden crops are not much raised. The quan-
tity of dairy products is good and the prices fully average. Past-
ures are in good condition. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries
and huckleberries promise well.

Richmond (T. B. Salmon). — Potato bugs, rose bugs, currant
worms and small black flies are doing some damage. Indian corn
is very small, having all been planted late, but looks well ; acreage,
75 per cent, of the average. Haying has not begun, but the pros-
pect for the crop is good. The acreage of early potatoes is about
the same as usual. Early market-garden crops are average in
yield and price, and the prospect is good for later ones. There is
more butter made than in previous years, with prices about the
same ; supply and price of dairy cows about normal. Pastures

12

are in good condition. Strawberries and raspberries good, black-
berries winterkilled, cherries good, apples good in some orchards
and very scarce in others.

Cheshire (L. J. Northuf). — Potato bugs are the most plenti-
ful insect. Corn stands very well but is backward ; acreage about
as in previous years. Haying has not begun, but the prospect for
the crop is fair. The acreage of early potatoes compares favor-
ably with former years, but the crop is not far enough advanced to
report on. Market-garden crops are not up to former years, owing
to the wet season. The quantity of dairy products is well sus-
tained, also prices of dairy cows. Pastures are holding their own
remarkably. Blackberries promise a large yield.

New Ashford (Elihu Ingraham) . — Indian corn is small and
backward ; acreage average with former yeai's. Haying has not
begun, but the crop will be about an average one. The acreage of
early potatoes is about average, and the crop promises fairly well.
Early market-garden crops are backward, and the promise for
those not yet harvested is fair. The quantity and price of dairy
products compares well with former years, but the supply of cows
is small. Pasturage is in good condition.

Florida (E. D. Rice). — Potato bugs are quite plenty. Corn is
quite backward, some fields being just out of the ground ; acreage
about as usual. Haying will not commence until about July 1,
but a good crop is promised. Acreage of early potatoes about as
usual, but crop very late. Butter is in good demand, and cream
also brings a good price. Pastures are in very good condition.
Apples will not be a full crop ; strawberries and blueberries are
abundant ; currants will be a large crop ; no peaches ; other fruits
looking well.

FRANKLIN COUNTY.

Charlemont (S. W. Hawkes). — Potato bugs, wire worms and
cut worms are doing damage to a small extent. Corn is looking
well but is some two weeks late. A few have commenced haying ;
new fields good, old fields rather light. Potatoes are late and the
acreage is about average. Very little is done in market-garden
crops here. The quantity and price of dairy products and the
supply and price of dairy cows is about as usual. Pasturage is in
very good condition.

Conway (J. C. Newhall). — Plant lice are troubling plum and
cherry trees and currant bushes. Corn is rather late on account
of cold and wet, but has improved very much the past week. Very
many have begun haying and the prospect is for a heavy crop.
Acreage of early potatoes about as usual, and the crop is rather

13

late. The quantity and price of dairy products are up to the usual
average, and dairy cows are in good demand at good prices. Past-
ures are in good condition. The outlook for fruits and berries is
hardly up to the average, and the apple crop appears to be very
short.

Bernardston (R. H. Cushman). — Corn is small but growing
fast; acreage fully up to the average. Haying is well under way
with the prospect of a good average crop. Potatoes look well
with the usual acreage. The price of cream is very unsatisfactory,
but there is a strong demand for dairy cows at good prices. Past-
ures are in first class condition. Apples will not be up to an
average crop. Cut worms are seriously injuring some fields of
corn. An unknown worm of the inch worm habit is increasing its
devastated territory, leaving a ruin of defoliated trees. It has a
preference for the chestnut but thrives on the willow.

Gill (F. F. Stoughton). — Insects are not making very much
trouble. Indian corn is very late, and more has been planted than
a few years ago. Haying is beginning in a small way, with the
prospect of a good crop. Dairy cows are higher than they were a
few years ago, and good new milch cows are bought up pretty
close for the Boston market. Pasturage is in extra good condition.

Northjield (R. T. Callendak). — Plant lice are affecting many
shade trees. Corn is small for the season, but is looking well ;
acreage about average. Haying has not begun ; grass late but
promises better than an average crop. Potatoes are late but are
looking well ; acreage larger than usual. All dairy products are in
good demand at about average prices ; dairy cows high. Pasturage
was never in better condition. Berries are little grown, but are
looking well. Tobacco was set very late, but a good stand was
secured. Cucumbers for pickling are looking well.

Wendell (N. D. Plumb). — Potato bugs, wire worms and cut
worms are doing damage to a small extent. The outlook for the
hay crop is the best for years. The acreage and condition of early
potatoes are about normal. But little has been done with market-
garden crops owing to the wet season. Dairy products are in good
demand at good prices and dairy cows are in good demand at high
prices. Pasturage is in the best condition for years. Berries, with
the exception of blueberries, are very nearly a failure. Crops of
all kinds are from two to three weeks later than usual, and some
are now planting corn and potatoes.

Leverett (W. L. Boutwell). — Cut worms are doing some dam-
age. Acreage of Indian corn is about average, but the crop is
very backward and not very well stocked. Haying has begun, with
the prospect of an average crop. The acreage of early potatoes is

14

about average, but they are very backward. Market-garden crops
are normal in yield and price. Dairy products are about the same
as last year in yield and price, but dairy cows are high. Pastures
are in poor condition. This is a good year for all small fruits.

Orange (Ansel Harrington). — Potato bugs and squash bugs
are doing some damage. Indian corn is backward, and the acre-
age is less than in former years on account of the wet weather,
which prevented planting. Haying has just begun, with good
prospect of a heavy crop. The acreage of early potatoes is about
the same as in former years, with the prospect of a fine crop. The
yield and price of market-garden crops is about the same as in
former years. The quantity and price of dairy products and the
supply and price of dairy cows are better than formerly. Pastures
are in excellent condition. The apple crop will be light ; plums
and all kinds of small fruits promise well. Frost on the 17th did
some damage to beans and vines.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.

Prescott (W. F. Wendermdth). — Potato bugs are doing some
damage. Corn is small and nearly two weeks late ; acreage about
average. Haying will not begin for a week or more, but the crop
will be nearly an average one. Acreage of early potatoes about
average ; crop a little late but looking well. Quantity of dairy
products as usual, price fully up to the average ; cows bring a
little higher prices than usual. Pasturage is fairly good but needs
rain. Apples are a very short crop even for an off year ; huckle-
berries and blueberries promise a fair crop.

Amherst (Wm. P. Brooks). — Squash bugs, potato bugs and
onion maggots are doing some damage. Indian corn is late but is
now starting well ; acreage about as usual. Haying has begun and
the crop will be above the usual average. The acreage of early
potatoes is about as usual and the crop looks well. Peas are ex-
ceptionally good, asparagus light, other market garden crops prom-
ise well. There are no marked changes in the quantity and price
of dairy products and the supply and price of dairy cows. Past-
ures are in good condition. Strawberries light, raspberries and
blackberries badly winterkilled, apples a small crop, peaches prom-
ise well, currants and gooseberries good, pears promise well but
are little grown.

Easthampton (Wm. C. Clapp). — Potato bugs, plant lice and
squash bugs are doing some damage. Corn is looking well though
many fields were planted late, owing to the ground being too wet
to work. Haying has begun, with a fair average crop ; early seeded

15

pieces heavy, late seeded light. The acreage of early potatoes is
less than usual and the promise now is for a light crop. Yield of
market-garden crops less than usual, prices good ; asparagus short
yield with high prices ; beans and beets are looking well. The
quantity and price of dairy products are fully up to the average,
and dairy cows are in good demand. Pasturage is in very good
condition. P'all apples fair, winter apples short ; strawberries a
fair crop ; blackberries bloomed full ; red raspberries winterkilled.

Westhampton (H. A. Parsons). — Indian corn is late but is
looking well. Haying has begun and there will be a full crop.
There is the usual acreage of early potatoes and they are looking
well. Market-garden crops are late but bring good prices. Sup-
ply and price of dairy products and dairy cows are good. Past-
urage is in good condition. Strawberries are a good crop and
other berries are coming on and looking well.

Williamsburg (F. C. Richards). — Potato bugs are doing some
damage but are not bad as yet. The acreage of Indian corn is
slightly increased, and it is looking well though somewhat back-
ward. Haying has begun with about a three-fourths crop, less
than was expected. Acreage of early potatoes about the same as
usual, with the prospects for the crop good. Quantity and price
of dairy cows and supply and price of dairy products about the
same as usual. Pastures are in good condition. Winter apples
light ; fall apples a good crop ; berries good ; cherries blasting and
rotting on the trees ; plums good ; no peaches.

Middlefield (J. T. Bryan) . — Not much damage from insects.
There is the usual acreage of corn and though it was planted very
late it is coming on finely. Haying has not begun but the crop
promises to be a fair one. Potatoes are looking well with about
the usual acreage. Not much is done at market-gardening here.
Price and quantity of dairy products about average ; dairy cows
rather low. Pasturage is in excellent condition. All fruits
promise good crops.

HAMPDEN COUNTY.

Blanclford (E. W. Boise). — Potato bugs are doing some dam-
age. Indian corn is very small with about the usual acreage.
Haying has not begun and the prospect is poor, crop very light
except on rich lands where average yields may be looked for.
Early potatoes have an average acreage but it is too early to re-
port as to the prospect. Price of dairy products fully up to the
average ; no call for cows, prices when sold 10 per cent less than
for several years. Pastures are in good condition. Wild berries
promise a full crop. The season's work is fully two weeks behind.

16

Southwick (L. A. Fowler). — Potato bugs and cutworms are
doing some damage. Indian corn is looking well ; no noticeable
increase in the acreage. Very little haying has been done but
there is the prospect of a large crop. Acreage of early potatoes
about the same as in previous years and the vines are looking well.
Market-garden crops are about as usual in yield and price and those
not harvested promise well. Quantity and price of dairy products
about the same as last year ; good cows bring a high price.
Pasturage is in good condition. There is an abundant crop of
sti'awberries now being harvested ; raspberries, blackberries,
cherries, peaches and pears promise large crops ; apples probably
half a crop.

Chicopee (R. W. Bemis). — Elm-leaf beetles are doing some
damage to the elms. Corn is looking well where planted in sea-
son. Many farmers have commenced haying with the prospect of
a large yield. There was quite a good acreage of potatoes planted,
and those planted early are in blossom and look finely. Early
planted market-garden crops look finely ; those planted later do
not look so well. There is a scarcity of milch cows in this vicinity.
Pasturage is in good condition, but the grass is rather more sappy
than usual. Small fruits and berries blossomed well and should
fruit well.

Longmeadow (W. F. Emerson). — Rose bugs, elm beetles and
cut worms are doing some damage. The acreage of Indian corn
is increased probably one-fifth, and although backward it is coming
on finely. Haying has commenced on uplands, and a good crop is
promised on new seeded fields. The acreage of early potatoes is
average and the promise good. No special change in the yield
and price of market-garden crops. No particular change in the
quantity and price of dairy products and the supply and price of
dairy cows. Pastures are in fair condition. Strawberries have
been a good crop ; plums, peaches, pears and apples promise well;
also blackberries and raspberries.

East Longmeadow (J. L. Davis) . — Insects are not very trouble-
some, except potato bugs. The acreage of Indian corn is increased
one-third, and it is looking well though late. Haying is just be-
ginning, and the crop is not over 80 per cent, of an average.
Very few early potatoes were planted ; potatoes are coming up
very unevenly, some not at all. Not much is done with market-
garden crops in this town. Milk is about average in quantity and
price ; dairy cows about as last year. Pasturage is in very good
condition. Strawberries excellent; raspberries good; pears,
peaches and plums plenty; late apples set poorly, early ones
plenty.

17

Wales (C. F. Crawford). — Tent caterpillars and potato bugs
are doing some damage. Corn is looking well with about the usual
acreage. No hay is cut as yet, but the crop will be good. Pota-
toes are looking thrifty, but are late; acreage about as usual.
Dairy products are plenty with prices about as common ; dairy
cows are a little lower than formerly. Pastures are in better con-
dition than usual. Peaches, pears, grapes and berries are very
plenty ; apples will make a full crop.

WORCESTER COUNTY.

Dudley (J. J. Gilles). — Potato bugs and squash bugs are
doing some damage. Indian corn is very backward, and except-
ing that grown for fodder the acreage is small compared with pre-
vious years. Haying is just beginning, with the prospect good
for an extra abundant crop ; long seeded fields about average.
Acreage of early potatoes small and very uneven, so it is hard to
predict results. Early peas are in fine condition, other market-
garden crops very backward. The quantity and price of dairy
products and the supply and price of dairy cows are about normal.
Pasturage is in fine condition. Strawberries are somewhat below
the average, blackberries the same, and raspberries decidedly below.

Warren (W. E. Patrick). — Indian corn is very backward with
about the usual acreage. A few farmers have begun haying ; crop
about average. The acreage of early potatoes is about the same
as usual, but the crop is backward though otherwise looking well.
Early market-garden crops are nearly two weeks late ; prospect
good for later ones. Dairy products do not vary much in quantity
or price ; shortage in good dairy cows with price for same high.
Pasturage is in excellent condition.

North Brookjield (J. H. Lane). — Potato bugs and squash bugs
are plenty. Corn is late but is growing very fast, and the late
planted is vigorous. Haying has barely begun with the prospect
of a good crop, although some fields show the effects of the winter.
The acreage of early potatoes is about the same as usual, but they
are very late. The yield of market-garden crops may be all right
but they are too late to be called early. The present conditions
should increase the supply of milk. Pasturage is in fine condition.
The prospect for fruits and berries is good except for apples, which
will be a light crop.

Gardner (A. F. Johnson). — Indian corn looks well, but is
rather late ; acreage average. Haying has not begun but there
will be a good average crop. There is no change in the acreage of
early potatoes, and they are looking well. Market-garden crops

18

are about as usual in yield, price and condition. Quantity and
price of dairy products and supply and price of dairy cows has not
changed materially. Pastures are in fairly good condition. Wild
berries, blueberries and raspberries are very scarce ; blackberries
blossoming well.

Ashburnham (E. D. Gibson). — Potato bugs are doing some
damage and apple tree borers are very numerous ; tent caterpillars
are fewer than for 25 years. Indian corn is very backward, but
there is a good stand ; acreage for the silo the same as usual, but
there will be less for husking owing to the wet spring. Haying
will not begin for two weeks ; the crop will hardly be an average
one ; old fields very light. Early potatoes are average in acreage
but are very backward, many fields just coming up. The quantity
and price of dairy products is as good as in any recent year ; good
milch cows bring from $40 to $55, and there are only enough to
supply the demand. Pastures are in good condition but need rain.
Pears promise a great crop ; early apples a good crop, Baldwins a
failure.

Westminster (G. A. Stockwell). — Tent caterpillars are doing
some damage. Potatoes and corn are hardly out of the ground,
and market-garden crops are not far enough advanced as yet to
report upon. Haying has not begun but there will be a good
crop. The quantity and price of dairy products is about as usual,
also the supply and price of dairy cows. Pasturage is in good
condition. There will be a large supply of all kinds of berries and
small fruits.

Princeton (A. O. Tyler). — Cut worms, potato bugs and cur-
rant worms are doing some damage. Indian corn is looking fair
but is backward. Haying is just beginning, with a fair crop.
Early potatoes and market-garden crops are not raised here.
Quantity and price of dairy products and supply and price of dairy
cows are about as usual. Pasturage is in extra good condition.
Pears, plums and cherries are very good crops, as are berries of
all kinds also.

Holden (G. S. Graham). — Potato bugs are very numerous.
Indian corn is very small and backward, with about the usual
acreage. Little haying has been done as yet, but the prospect for
the crop is good. The acreage of early potatoes is about as usual,
but it is too early to judge as to condition. Quantity and price of
dairy products are a little higher than usual, and dairy cows are
fully as high as in former years. Pastures are in good condition.
Strawberries are quite abundant.

Southborough (E. F. Collins). — Potato bugs are doing some
damage ; other insects are not as numerous as in some years. En-

19

silage corn is looking well but is late. Not much hay has been cut
as yet, but there will be a full crop. The acreage of early pota-
toes is one-half the usual average, but they are looking well. Wet
weather delayed the starting of market-garden crops, but they are
doing well now. Dairy products bring about the same price as
usual, but dairy cows are higher. Pastures are in fair condition.
There will be very few apples, and peaches are not over half a
crop.

Hopedale (Delano Patrick). — No insects are doing much
damage. Indian corn is very backward; there is the same acreage
for forage and the silo as usual. Haying has not begun, but the
prospect never was better. The acreage of early potatoes is about
two-thirds of the usual average ; crop looks well, but is backward
for the early market. Early market-garden crops are about the
same as usual in yield and price. The quantity and price of dairy
products are quite as good as usual. Pastures are in excelletit
condition. The apple crop will be light.

Sutton (C. P. Kikg). — Corn looks poorly and the acreage is
small compared with previous years. Haying has not commenced
but there is prospect of a heavy crop. The acreage of early pota-
toes is small and promises only a small crop. There are scarcely
any early market-garden crops planted this year and prices are
high. Dairy products are abundant and prices low ; dairy cows
plenty and prices low. Pasturage is in fine condition. Straw-
berries are ripening well and command a ready market ; cherries
blasting in some places ; pears and plums look well ; apples about
a three-fourths crop.

Douglas (J. M. Rawson). — There are fewer tent caterpillars
than for years. Corn is in fair condition with an increased acre-
age ; crows are pulling it badly. Haying has not begun but the
crop will be a little heavier than last year. The acreage of early
potatoes is less than usual owing to the wet weather, but some are
planting now. All market-garden crops are backward. Quantity
and price of dairy products about as usual and cows sell at a little
better prices. Pasturage is in the best condition for years.
Strawberries are a light crop, blackberries fair, currants fine.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

Framingham (J. 8. Williams) . — Squash bugs and potato bugs
are doing some damage, and cut worms are working badly on all
garden crops. Corn is generally backward, though there are some
good fields. Some have begun haying, and the crop will be larger
than last year ; quality in doubt. Potatoes are looking well, with

20

the usual acreage. Asparagus has sold well, quality not as good
as usual ; rhubarb sold low ; peas doing well. Quantity and price
of dairy products compares favorably with other years. Pastures
are looking uncommonly well, but the grass is weak and sappy.
No apples to mention ; fair prospect for pears ; strawberries look-
ing well and selling well.

Stow (G. W. Bradley). — Potato bugs are doing considerable
damage. Corn is very backward for the season ; acreage about
the same as usual. But little haying done as yet ; a good crop in
view. A great many early planted potatoes rotted in the ground ;
too early to estimate on late ones. Quantity and price of dairy
products and supply and price of dairy cows about the same as
usual. Pastures are looking well. Strawberries set heavily but
are drying up ; blackberries and raspberries winterkilled badly.

Westford (J. W. Fletcher). — Indian corn is rather small but
is looking well, with acreage increased over last year. Some have
begun haying, but hay is growing very fast and will be a good
crop. The acreage of early potatoes is above the average, and the
prospects now are for a good crop. Quantity and price of dairy
products and supply and price of dairy cows about the same as
usual. Pasturage is in good condition. Strawberries and rasp-
berries are doing well, but blackberries are a failure.

Pejjperell (P. J. Kemp) . — Potato bugs are doing some damage.
Corn is very backward and not as much as usual was planted on
account of the late, wet spring. No haying has been done as yet,
but the crop will be a fourth larger than last year. The acreage of
early potatoes is about the same as usual, but they are very back-
ward. Quantity and price of dairy products and supply and price
of dairy cows about as usual. Pastures are in good condition.

Carlisle (E. J. Carr). — Canker worms are doing some dam-
age. Indian corn is looking well but is very backward as yet ;
acreage about the same as last year. Haying has not begun to
any extent but the prospect is good for a heavy crop. Not as
many early potatoes were planted as usual, but they are looking
well. Asparagus is about our only market-garden crop and is a
fair crop with good prices. Quantity of milk full and prices about
the same as last year ; good cows are scarce and high. Pasturage
is in the best condition. Strawberries a fair crop, blackberries
winterkilled badly, plums have set for a full crop, but few apples.

Concord (Wm. H. Hunt). — Asparagus beetles have been
abundant. Acreage of Indian corn about the same as usual, but
it is late owing to cold weather. Some early fields of hay have
been cut and the prospect for the crop is good. Acreage of early
potatoes about the same as usual, but there is some complaint of

21

the seed rotting in the ground. Early market-garden crops have
sold well, asparagus especially so. The quantity and price of
dairy products and the supply and price of dairy cows are about
the same as usual. Pasturage is iu very good condition. Straw-
berries are a fair crop, apples light, no peaches, pears fair.

Lincohi (C. S. Wheeler). — Potato bugs are doing some dam-
age. Very little Indian corn is planted in this town, sweet corn
almost entirely. Haying has begun with an average crop. The
acreage of early potatoes is about as usual, with the promise of a
good crop. Asparagus is a short crop, with prices good. Quan-
tity and price of dairy products, and supply and price of dairy
cows, about as last year. Pasturage is better than common, but
pastures are generally neglected. Strawberries a good crop, cur-
rants fair, apples poor.

Woburn (W. H. Bartlett). — Canker worms, tent caterpillars
and cut worms are doing some damage. Very little Indian corn is
raised in this vicinity. Sweet corn for market is backward, with
about the usual acreage. Haying has begun and the crop is
heavier than usual and looking finely. The acreage of early pota-
toes is about the same as usual ; they are now coming into bloom,
and it is too early to estimate the crop. Early market-garden
crops are about the same as usual so far, with prices very good ;
asparagus about a one-third crop and prices extra. Not much
change in either the supply or price of dairy products ; stock
looking well. Pastures are in very good condition indeed. Cher-
ries blighted, not half a crop ; no peaches ; few pears ; raspberries
and blackberries winterkilled ; apple crop will be light, Baldwins
especially ; currants looking well and commencing to color.

Wakefield (Chas. Talbot) . — Canker worms and brown-tail
moths are doing damage, many pear trees being entirely stripped
by the latter. Acreage of Indian corn about as usual, but back-
ward owing to cold, wet season. Hay is a large crop, and some
have commenced cutting. The acreage of early potatoes is about
80 per cent, of last year, and a fair crop is promised. Pearly mar-
ket-garden crops are about the same as last year in yield and price.
Quantity and price of dairy products about as last year; dairy
cows a shade lower in price. Pasturage is in very good condition.
Strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are very good ; fruit
large and of good flavor.

Stoneham (J. E. Wiley) . — Canker worms and brown-tail moths
are doing some damage. Indian corn is backward, with about an
average acreage. Haying has begun and the prospect for the crop
is good. The acreage of early potatoes is about the same as usual,
with the promise for the crop good. Prices for market-garden

22

crops have been above the average, and there is a fair prospect for
those not yet harvested. The quantity and price of dairy products
and the supply and price of dairy cows have been a fair average.
Pasturage is in fine condition. Strawberries, blackberries and
apples will be good crops.

ESSEX COUNTY.

West Newbury (J. C. Tarleton). — Canker worms and tent
caterpillars are doing some damage. Corn is backward but holds
its acreage average with other years. Haying has not begun but
the grass crop is very heavy. The acreage of early potatoes is
below previous years, but there is the promise of a fair crop.
Yield of early market-garden crops above average ; those not
harvested looking well. Dairy products are about as usual as to
quantity and price and good dairy cows bring a high price.
Pastures are in good condition. Pears, plums and peaches are
few ; small berries about the average of former years.

Groveland (Abel Stickkey). — Canker worms are doing some
damage. The season is late and corn is small ; acreage of field
corn less, but that for forage greater. No hay has been cut but
the prospect for the crop is very good. The acreage of early
potatoes is less than usual. Very few market-garden crops
harvested ; looking fairly well but late. Price of dairy products
about the same as usual, milk mostly for market, cows rather high.
Pastures are in better condition than usual. Plums, peaches and
pears fair ; cherries and currants not plentiful ; apples few.

Ipsioich (O. C. SMrrri). — Potato bugs and cutworms are doing
some damage. Indian corn is now growing well and the acreage
is about the same as usual. Most farmers have commenced haying
and the crop will be double what it was last year. Acreage of early
potatoes the same as usual and the crop is growing well. No
market-garden crops marketed as yet, all look well except beans.
Dairy products do not vary much in quantity and price, but dairy
cows sell for higher prices than usual. Pastures are in good con-
dition and stock have all they can eat. AVild berries will be
plentiful.

Topsfield (B. P. Pike). — The usual number of potato bugs and
horn flies are with us. Indian corn is very backward, with about
the usual acreage. Haying has not begun ; crop good but not as
heavy as some years. The acreage of early potatoes is reduced,
and they are very late. Asparagus was a poor crop but brought
good prices, no other market-garden crops marketed. Price of
milk the same as last year ; cows about the same. Pasturage is in

23

good condition. Strawberries promise a large crop ; no peaches ;
plums and apples, which blossomed well, did not set well.

Wenham (N. P. Perkins). — Squash bugs, carrot lice and
potato bugs are doing some damage. Not much corn is planted,
except for the silo and for fodder ; not as large an acreage as last
year. There is the prospect of a good crop of hay on well manured
land, but it will be poor on old land. Acreage of early potatoes
about average, but the crop will be below. There is a fair pros-
pect for peas, lettuce, spinach, etc. Quantity and price of dairy
products the same as usual ; good cows bring high prices. Some
high pastures are getting short, but as a rule they are in good con-
dition. There is a fair prospect for strawberries, currants, etc.

Manchester (John Baker). — Squash bugs, canker worms, cut
worms and currant worms are doing some damage. Corn is look-
ing well, with acreage about the same as last year. Hayiug has
just begun, with the prospect of a fine crop. The acreage of early
potatoes is about the same as usual, and the ci'op promises well.
Early market-garden crops are about average in yield, with prices
higher, if anything ; prospect good for those not harvested. Quan-
tity and price of dairy products about the same as usual ; dairy
cows are high. Pasturage is in good condition. Apples, pears
and peaches fair ; plums good ; strawberries good, just coming on
well ; blackberries and raspberries good.

NORFOLK COUNTY.

Cohasset (E. E. Ellms). — Tent caterpillars are doing some
damage. Indian corn looks well and compares well in acreage
with previous years. Haying has begun, with the pi'ospect of a
great crop. The acreage of early potatoes is about the same as
usual, with the promise of a fair crop. Early market-garden crops
are about average in yield and price. Quantity and price of dairy
products, and supply and price of dairy cows about normal. The
condition of pasturage is excellent. Strawberries and raspberries
are very good crops.

Cayiton (E. V. Kinsley). — Indian corn is somewhat backward,
with the acreage about as usual. Haying has begun, with the
prospect of a good but not excessive crop. Acreage of early pota-
toes about average, and they are looking finely at present. Milk
is in full supply, prices up to average or a little better, 28 to 30
cents per can of 8^ quarts net ; cows in good supply with prices
well up. Pastures are at their best. The outlook for apples, pears,
cherries and plums, also peaches where grown, is excellent ; also
for strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.

24

Westwood (H. E. Weatherbee). — Currant worms are doing
some damage, and potato bugs are thick. Indian corn is looking
well but is backward ; acreage not over half of the usual average.
Haying has begun, and the prospect is for a good crop. Acreage
of early potatoes about as usual, and the crop is looking well.
Early market-garden crops are up. to the average, and the prospect
is good for those not yet harvested. The quantity and price of
dairy products is up to the average, and dairy cows are scarce and
higher than formerly. Pasturage is in good condition. Straw-
berries are a good crop, and currants are looking well.

Millis (E. F. Richardson). — Potato beetles are doing some
damage. Corn is very late, and the acreage is much less than
usual. Hay is a large crop, with the exception of low lands
and meadows. The acreage of early potatoes is smaller than usual,
with the promise of a good crop. Early vegetables are high, less
than the usual acreage having been put in. Cows are doing well.
Pasturage is in A No. 1 condition. Small berries will be plenty,
such as strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Franklin (C. M. Allen). — Potato bugs are more plentiful
than usual. Indian corn is looking fairly well but is late ; acre-
age 90 per cent of the average. But little hay has been cut and
there will be more than an average crop. But few early potatoes
were planted, but they are looking well. Yield of early market-
garden crops good, prices good, and prospect for later ones good.
But little variation in the quantity and price of dairy products and
the supply and price of cows. Pastures are in better than average
condition. Strawberries, blackberries and raspberries are not
more than 75 per cent of last year's crop.

Norfolk (G. E. Holbrook). — Potato bugs are doing some
damage. About the usual amount of corn has been planted but it
is late and small. Haying has begun on light land and a fair
crop is in sight. About the usual amount of early potatoes were
put in but they are late and small. Early market-garden crops are
not much raised. Good cows command high prices. Pasturage
is in very good condition. Blackberries and raspberries winter-
killed quite badly, strawberries rather scarce and selling well so
far, wild berries doing well.

BRISTOL COUNTY.

AUlehorongJi (Isaac Alger) . — Potato bugs are doing some
damage. Indian corn is small for the season but is now growing
well ; acreage about the same as last year. Haying has not begun
but the crop promises to be up to the average. The acreage of

25

early potatoes is about the same as usual and the crop looks well
though late. The quantity and price of dairy products and the
supply and price of dairy cows is about the same as usual.
Pasturage is in good condition. Strawberries are not fruiting as
well as the bloom would indicate ; apples very few. Rain is
needed.

Mansfield (Wm. C. Winter). — Potato bugs, green aphids and
thrips on rose and grape vines are doing some damage. Less corn
was planted this year than usual and that is very backward. Haying
is not commenced except on a very small scale ; crop looking well.
The acreage of early potatoes is much less than usual and very few
of them are above ground as yet. No market-garden crops har-
vested as yet. The quantity and price of dairy products and the
supply and price of dairy cows compares well with former years.
Pastures are in good condition. Strawberries, currents, black-
berries, plums and cherries are looking finely ; pears and apples
light ; no peaches.

Stvansea (F. G. Arnold). — Owing to the wet spring corn is
very late ; the acreage is increased. Haying is late, with the pros-
pect of a good crop. The acreage of potatoes is very much smaller
than last year, but they promise well. Milk is plenty and price
the same as last year, 28 cents per can delivered to the peddler ;
price of cows about the same as usual. Pasturage is in very good
condition. Pears are plenty, peaches set well and apples fair.

Dartmouth (L. T. Davis) . — Insects are doing the least damage
for many years. Not nearly all the Indian corn is planted that
will be, but that which is up is looking fairly well. Haying has
not begun to any extent, and the crop promises to be a very good
one. In this section early potatoes are almost an entire failure ;
acres have been plowed up, and some replanted. Early market-
garden crops are almost an entire failure, others fair; prices per-
haps a little better than usual. The quantity and price of dairy
products are about as usual ; price of cows perhaps a little higher.
Pastures are in very good condition. Apples and some other tree
fruits are hardly far enough along to tell what the result will be ;
strawberries fair, currants good.

Acushnet (M. S. Douglas). — Currant worms are doing some
damage. Corn is looking well, with a good color; acreage two-
thirds of the average. Haying has begun and the crop is the
heaviest for years. The acreage of early potatoes is larger than
usual, and an average crop is promised. Yield of early market-
garden crops not large but prices good, and the prospect is good
for later ones. The quantity of dairy products is increased, with
prices the same ; price of dairy cows about as usual. Pasturage

26

is in flne condition. Strawberries are a good crop ; plums extra ;
raspberries and currants average ; apples and pears have dropped
off very badly.

PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

Hingham (Geo. R. Lowe). — Rose bugs and potato bugs are
doing some damage. Acreage of Indian corn about as usual, but
the crop is about ten days late. Haying is just beginning, with
the prospect of a large crop. There is a smaller acreage of early
potatoes than usual, and they are all very backward. Market-
garden crops are all late, with prices good at the present writing.
No change of consequence in either cows or dairy products as to
prices. Pasturage is in good condition as compared with former
years. Strawberries are a short crop, owing to poor fertilization
of blossoms, prices fair ; plums and peaches heavily fruited ; pears
and apples light ; blackberries and raspberries winterkilled badly
and are short ; grapes appear in abundance and look well ; cur-
rants and gooseberries promise fairly well.

Hanover (H. L. House). — Potato bugs are doing considerable
damage. Corn looks fairly well, but is later than usual ; acreage
about average. Very little haying has been done, but a heavy
crop is promised. Rather less than the usual acreage of early
potatoes has been planted, owing to wet weather at planting time.
No marked change in the yield and price of early market-garden
crops. The quantity and price of dairy products is the same as
usual, and there is no marked change in the supply and price of
dairy cows. Pasturage is in excellent condition. Apples, pears
and peaches are excellent ; strawberries are plentiful.

Duxbury (S. P. Soule). — Potato bugs, pea vine lice and tent
caterpillars are doing some damage. Corn is backward, much hav-
ing to be planted over ; acreage about the same as usual. Haying
has not begun as yet ; crop a little heavier than usual. Acreage
of early potatoes less than usual but promising well ; outlook for
crop good. Early market-garden crops less in yield than ordi-
narily, price about as usual ; later one looking well. Quantity and
price of dairy products and supply and price of dairy cows about
the same as usual. Pastures are in better condition than usual.
Strawberries late but good, currants not filling out well, rasp-
berries and blackberries average, peaches much better than usual,
plums very good.

Halifax (G. W. Hatward). — Indian corn is small and back-
ward, but mostly came up well ; acreage the same as in previous
years. Haying has hardly begun, and the prospect is bright for a
good crop. Hardly any early potatoes were put in owing to the

• 27

wet spring. Prices of dairy products average as usual ; price of
cows same as in previous years. Pastures are in excellent con-
dition. Strawberries are a fair crop, very few other berries.

Kingston (G. L. Churchill). — Potato bugs and tent cater-
pillars are doing some damage. Indian corn is looking well but is
rather late. Not much haying has been done as yet, but a good
crop is promised. Early potatoes are rather late but are looking
well. Market-garden crops are not yet ready for market but
promise well. Supply of dairy cows about average and prices
fair. Pasturage is in very good condition. Strawberries, black-
berries and currants promise well.

Carver (J. A. Vaughan). — Potato bugs and tent caterpillars
are doing some damage. But little Indian corn is raised here.
Haying has not begun, but there is prospect of a good crop. Early
market-garden crops are average in yield and price. Pasturage is
in very good condition. Strawberries are very plenty ; cranberry
vines were winterkilled on some bogs, but aside from that are
looking well and are well filled with buds.

BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

Bourne (D. D. Nye). — Tent caterpillars are doing some dam-
age. Indian corn is looking well ; acreage smaller than last year.
Haying has begun with the prospect of from one-half more to
double the quantity of last year. The acreage of potatoes com-
pares favorably with previous years with the promise of a large
crop. Early market-garden crops are fully average in yield and
price. Quantity and price of dairy products fully up to former years,
also prices of dairy cows. Pastures look in first-class condition.
Strawberries are doing finely, huckleberries and blueberries bid
fair for a good crop.

Falmouth (D. R. Wicks). — Potato bugs, squash bugs and cut
worms are doing some damage. Very little Indian corn planted,
acreage of sweet corn increasing and it is looking well. Very
little hay has been cut but the prospect was never better for a large
harvest. Early potatoes are late, just beginning to bloom ; rather
light tops but that may change later. Quantity and price of dairy
products are about the same from year to year. Pasturage was never
better. Currants have dropped off badly, strawberries have
blasted somewhat and small fruits will not be very plenty.

Barnstable (John Bursley). — Tent caterpillars, fire worms
and canker worms are doing some damage. Corn is very late with
the average acreage. Haying has begun and the crop will be much
better than for the past two ^ears, though not equal to the two

28

previous. Early potatoes are late but are growing quite fast now.
Quantity and price of dairy products and supply and price of dairy
cows is much the same as usual. Pastures are in good condition.
Strawberries fair to good and cranberries looking fairly well for
the time of year.

Dennis (Joshua Crowell) . — Tent caterpillars are doing some
damage. Corn is looking well but is backward on account of late
planting ; acreage increased. Haying has begun and the crop will
be a full average or better. Acreage of early potatoes about
average ; a fair crop is promised but later than usual. All early
market-garden crops were more or less injured by the excessive
rains. Not much difference in the quantity and price of dairy
products from former years, but cows are perhaps a little higher
than last year. Pasturage is in good condition. There is a
medium crop of strawberries.

Orleans (F. E. Snow). — Tent caterpillars are doing some
damage. Little Indian corn is raised ; late but looking well.
There is a good crop of hay, and cutting is just about commenc-
ing. The acreage of early potatoes is about as usual, and a good
crop is promised. Quantity of dairy products generally abundant,
prices fair ; supply and price of dairy cows about the same as
usual. Pasturage is in better condition than for several years
past. Very little has been done in the way of growing fruits for
market, but they are generally looking well.

Welljleet (E. S. Jacobs). — No corn is raised in this locality.
A large crop of hay is expected, although none has been cut as
yet. The acreage of early potatoes is about average, and the out-
look for them is very favorable. Market-garden crops are very
backward, but looking well. Price and quantity of dairy products
is above the average. Pasturage was never in better condition in
this neighborhood to my knowledge. The cold, stormy weather
about blossoming time blighted fruit considerably, especially
strawberries.

DUKES COUNTY.

West Tishury (Geo. Hunt Luce). — Potato bugs, squash bugs
and tent caterpillars are doing some damage. Indian corn is back-
ward on account of being planted late ; acreage about as usual.
Haying is late, only a few having commenced, but the prospect is
good. Potatoes were all planted late this year. Quantity and
price of dairy products and supply and price of dair}^ cows are
about average. Pasturage is in very good condition. Straw-
berries are late but good.

29

BULLETIN OF

Massachusetts Board of Agriculture.

A LESSON IN ECONOMICS : WHAT THE AGRICULTURE
OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY DEMANDS.

By G. M. TwiTCHELL, Editor " Maine Farmer,'' Augusta, Me.

The consideration of the question of economics imposes obliga-
tions on the writer or speaker not to be neglected, else failure is
sure to result. It is easy to cry out against recognized practices,
and, viewing the situation from the outside, bearing none of the
weight of responsibility, criticise existing conditions and standards.
At the same time, standing on the inside, conscious of the difficul-
ties confronting, there is grave danger that established practices
and habits may blind to the importance of open-eyed vision, of
being watchful of all changes and prepared to adjust when good
business suggests, or reconstruct when by reconstruction more is
to be obtained. The fundamentals of all business remain the
same ; it is the adjustments which time is constantly modifying,
and wise is he whose finger is on the pulse of trade to feel the
variations and note intelligenth' their significance.

Agriculture forms no exception to the rule, and here, perhaps,
is the lesson most difficult to learn. Life on the farm, the very
conditions attending operations there, leads to deliberate action.
One cannot thrust into the business the restless energy possible on
State Street, Boston, and this deliberation may act as a barrier to
the adjustment of methods and practices which the changing con-
ditions of business first suggest and afterward render imperative.

Economy as applied to an industry must have a wide significance.
It necessitates not only the completest elimination of waste, both
in time, material and labor ; it requires not only the readjustments
of methods and products, with the sole thought of leading, not fol-

30

lowing, the market, but it imposes iipou the manufacturer that
watchfulness of events, that study of tastes and that constant con-
tact, mental and physical, with moving currents, which alone can
insure against loss.

The application is universal. The ruts of habit do not lead
along the highway of progress. Large men, with vision sharp-
ened by friction with the bustling activities of this new century,
are as necessary on the farm as elsewhere. So much more is in-
volved than simply to plow, plant, sow and harvest that the sub-
ject must be debated on a broader plane. It is easier to grow a
crop or make a product than it is to realize the most from it in the
market, yet every principle of economy demands that not only
shall all waste in growing or manufacturing be prevented, but
that there be no loss in disposing of what is produced.

He who faces agricultural problems in these days, when compe-
tition is growing sharper and ever-widening areas are filling our
markets with the products of the land, must realize the complexity
of the situation. The necessity for maintaining the agriculture of
New England was never greater than at the present hour, and,
rightly considered, the outlook improves in spite of the difficulties
to be mentioned. At the same time the producer cannot hope for
higher prices to rule, and therefore must study the field to ascer-
tain, if possible, whether or not there is opportunity to reduce cost
of production, improve quality, hasten maturity or increase quan-
tity per head or per acre.

The farm producer is not exempt from the general law of busi-
ness which imposes these same obligations on every one who would
succeed. If, then, it be true that the principles of business govern
here as elsewhere, the question may well be considered from a
purely business stand-point.

How reduce cost of production? For tlie past quarter of a
century this has been the query facing the manufacturer in every
department of labor. That it might be compassed the inventive
genius of the age has been searching, with fine mathematical
adjustments, that construction of machinery which might reduce
friction, do away with hand labor and increase product. The
results attest the skill of the mechanic and the genius of the inven-
tor. The farmer is to-day a manufacturer, in that the controlling
conditions impose artificial relations and restrictions.

No man has yet compassed the capacity of machinery ; no one
realizes the power of nature to respond to an intelligent invitation.
The milk maker who cannot tell what the product is per year for
each individual cow is suffering from a loss of surprising magni-
tude, even though the average of the herd is above the cost limit.

31

We make superficial selections. A heavy flow when fresh is too
often accepted as evidence of value, and three or four months'
idleness at the end of the year are overlooked. In the majority of
herds of twelve, where individual daily records are not kept, the
loss caused by non-profitable cows may easily be reckoned at
twenty-five per cent. That is, the range of production is so wide
that, unless closely watched, one-quarter of the herd becomes a
burden upon the pocket-book of the owner by dragging the total
production below what it would otherwise be. No man can figure
this loss or fix responsibility upon given animals save by the daily
use of the scales and the careful record of each cow's production.

Milk making claims the attention of a large per cent of the
farmers of New England. At two cents per quart, or practically
one dollar per hundred pounds, the variations in the average herd
are so wide as to astonish him who has not applied the individual
test. This price means fifty dollars income from a cow producing
five thousand pounds, and leaves little profit. It means eighty
dollars for her mate, yielding eight thousand pounds yearly, — a
good profit. The variations in many herds not selected by the
scales range from thirty-five hundred to eight thousand pounds per
cow, and the owner in such a case would be better off if he did a
smaller business. To carry the illustration further, let us suppose
that eight cows yield from six to eight thousand pounds of milk
yearly, with an average of seven thousand. They would return
seventy dollars per head, a total of five hundred and sixty dollars ;
also that the other four range from thirty-five hundred to five thou-
sand,— an average of four thousand, — and we have as the total
of the twelve cows seven hundred and twenty dollars, or an average
of sixty dollars per head. Had the weeding process been applied
and six thousand pounds established as the minimum, the profit
would have been one hundred and twenty dollars more than at the
present, for, be it remembered, these higher figures deal with profit
entirely. If it costs fifty dollars per head to keep a cow, we have
in one case a net balance over cost of keep of one hundred and
twenty dollars and in the other of two hundred and forty. Sup-
posing the four cows are removed from the herd and the production
of the eight would return one hundred and sixty dollars net profit,
and the owner is richer by forty dollars than with the twelve. This
is a supposable case, but in a large number of herds as wide vari-
ations will be found and as great a per cent of cows not yielding
enough to pay the bills for hay, grain, pasturage and ensilage.

The scales and record for three hundred and sixty-five days form
the only reliable test, and the story these tell must be final with
him who makes milk for market.

32

Another loss along the same line lies in producing five per cent
milk for a four per cent market and standard. The standard estab-
lished by law or agreement is to be met, but there is no reason why
the producer should exceed that in value, and give something for
which he obtains no equivalent. This calls for the selection of
stock by the Babcock test. Milk and butter fat are the products
of nerve force and it is this which exhausts vitality most rapidly.
For this reason the producer must protect himself from waste by
wise selection with reference to the work the animal is to perform.
Economy here points to a conservation of nerve force, an item
which receives far too little attention. We save at the spigot and
waste at the bung when the principle here involved is not applied
by the individual farmer to his individual animals.

The standard is to be met, but skill and care are called for not
to exceed unless price is proportionately increased. Deliver what
your contract calls for and then protect yourself from loss. In
butter making the question rests solely on production of butter
fat, with the same exactions regarding individuals. In both cases
breeds become of secondary importance. A close study of the
cost of the product desired from individual animals is the only way
by which one can open the way to larger yield and less expense.
Profitable cows are to be bred, not purchased. Herds are to be
established, not picked up. The dominating will of an objective
mind, filled with a high ideal of quantity or quality, alone can
breed up to that standard of profit consistent with good business.
Males are to be selected with sole reference to their virile energy
and prepotent powers to transmit, in exceptional degree, the ten-
dencies which under wise guidance, may be developed into fixed
habits. Profitable dairy herds or animals are not accidents.

Viewing the problem from the business stand-point, the greatest
saving in our milk or butter departments will come b}^ a strict
application of the law of selection of individuals, the sharp weed-
ing out of non-profitable cows, the breeding of future herds from
sires and dams of pronounced merit and the casting one side of
all calves which do not give evidence of vitality and promise of
great production. Color of markings plays no part in the con-
sideration of the question from a milk or butter stand-point, but
quality of hair and skin, evidence of udder, size and location of
teats, looseness of tissue about the udder, thickness of abdominal
wall and size of navel are points not to be passed over carelessly.
Future cows will carry the evidences of worth at birth in udder
structure and conformation, while the story of endurance may be
read in the strength of the abdominal wall about the umbilicus.
It does not pay to raise heifer calves upon a chance basis.

33

Breeders of pure-bred stock must follow sharply the requirements
of the standard established by their associations, and combine
fancy and utility, but the milk maker has the single standard of
business by which to measure the individual heifer or cow. On
my desk lies a letter from a milk maker, who in six years has built
up the cows of his herd from six to nine, ten, twelve and thirteen
thousand pounds of milk each per year. One cow, which gave
9,474 pounds in 1899, increased to 13,708 in 1900, and in 194
days, from Oct. 15, 1900, to May 1, 1901, yielded up 11,120
pounds. That she will break her record before October there is
no question, and this upon a steady working ration for business,
producing milk to sell at the factory from 80 cents to $1.38 per
hundred pounds, to test 3f per cent., the price being graded for
the year, the average about $1.12. This cow's milk brought her
owner in 1900 $157.03, and for the 194 days named, $139.81.
Every cow in this large herd over four years must yield yearly not
less than $100 at these factory prices or she goes to the block or
market. The measure is by individuals and this insures profit.

The study of the food question is of equal importance with that
of breeding. As conditions change, practices are to be modified.
Supplemental foods must to-day be increased, that the ill effects
of drought at any season of the year may be overcome. No shrink-
age in product can be permitted which care and food might pre-
vent. The silo for every day in the year promises to become a
necessity with the milk producer, as by its use the feeder can con-
trol the inevitable changes of the season and supply succulent food
to supplement the pastures or relieve the hay mow. The item of
grain purchased is an important one with dairymen, and if, by the
use of ensilage, Hungarian, oats, rye, barley or other succulent
crops, a saving is possible, good business demands immediate
action looking to an increase of these crops.

Still another question facing the grower of any crop is that of
cost per ton, per bushel or per hundred pounds. In this are in-
volved all the contingents of soil adaptability, soil cultivation,
quality of seed and cost of fertilizer. That the question of soil
adaptability to given crops is not appreciated there can be no
doubt, and economy suggests more critical study. That cultiva-
tion plays a more important part than has yet been reckoned must
be admitted. Marked results obtained by and through continued
and complete cultivation demonstrate the importance of attention
to this one important step.

The value of experimentation in the development of seeds to
produce crops of fine quality and which will mature early must be
admitted and the use of such must be depended upon by him who

34

would realize most. A few days' time in perfecting the crop may
determine its profit or loss. Then, too, buyers are critical and
their fancy forms the one standard which must control the grower.
To fit the market most completely, and not fight it in the least,
calls for a sharp and discriminating appreciation of the changing
tastes of consumers. The universal appreciation of this condition
and its liability to changes form one of the difficult problems the
grower is obliged to face, yet he who keeps in closest touch with
the palates of his customers and best pleases their epicurean tastes
will be the one to realize most out of his growing crops. Last, but
by no means least, in the consideration of this question, must be
reckoned the fertilizer item, and, whether one purchases the ele-
ments to combine himself or obtains his supply in the open market,
the labors of the manufacturer must be recognized. Dependent as
we so largely are upon the market for the supply of plant food,
the services of the scientist in fixing values and determining what
single or combined fertilizer promises to give the best results with
any given crop must be relied upon more and more by him who
studies the economies of the question and seeks to feed for most
complete results. The day has passed for blunderbuss methods
of fertilization, and skill and care are demanded in the selection
of the elements wanted for any given crop.

Right here may well be enforced the old lesson of saving and
utilizing the natural accumulations about the barns, yards, cess-
pools and sink spouts. Thousands upon thousands of dollars are
lost yearly by the farmers of every State through failure to prop-
erly save the solids, and especially the liquids, from the stock,
protect from leaching under the eaves, and hold by the free use of
absorbents the accumulations everywhere, that out of all these we
very largely increase the crop-producing power of the land. The
most intelligent use of the combined fertilizer on the market will
be secured b}^ him who, through skill and economy, utilizes to the
utmost the wastes about the farm.

One of the growing industries in New England, and one to be
fostered in every way, is that of poultry culture ; yet there is in
no field such neglect of the principles of economy as here. Men
forget that breeds are simply the result of the painstaking care and
skill of individual enthusiasts and that unless held to the level of
large production by the well-defined purpose of the breeder, they
revert rapidly to their natural state. The experiment lately made
at the Maine Experiment Station reveals the situation facing every
grower. By careful supervision it was found that while the best
layer in a flock of ten produced over two hundred eggs in a year,
the worst loafer produced but thirty-six. This suggests that fifty

35

per cent of the flocks, save perhaps the Leghorns and Minorcas,
might be wiped out of existence and greater profit realized by the
State. We carry altogether too much dead wood in our poultry
yards. From the close of the hatching season until it opens again,
males are a positive injury in the flock. Their sole value lies in
their power to fertilize eggs, and fertilized eggs, outside of the
hatching season, are an abomination. Consumers want fresh eggs,
and as decay commences in the dead germ, the importance of non-
fertilized eggs for the market must be realized. Eggs from hens
running free from males will, if cared for, keep fresh nearly twice
as long as the same eggs fertilized. Poultry should be made to
play a more important part in fertilizing the crops, and by floor-
ings under the roosts and the sweeping of the droppings daily into
a pail or basket where they can be carried to a dry storeroom and
mixed with dry earth, muck or plaster, a most valuable fertilizer
will be obtained.

No hen should be kept after two years old unless wanted solely
as a breeder, and it is better to send to market at the close of the
first year's laying season. A sharp distinction may well be made
between keeping a flock from which to breed and one simply to
produce eggs for the market. In the multiplicity of breeds there
is danger of losing rather than gaining, all depending upon the
appreciation by the individual breeder. We have reached a point
where production in good-sized flocks should exceed twelve dozen
per head yearly. This can be realized only by a sharp weeding
out of the one hundred egg hens. It practically costs as much to
keep a six dozen as a twelve dozen hen. If our flocks were cleared
of all surplus males and worthless females, of all old, sick, infirm
and valueless stock, the saving would be enormous. Many a flock
of hens is being kept at no profit simply because their owner is
loading the producers with a burden of waste stock which eats up
all the profit.

In all breeding we have first the tendency, then the habit ; the
habit follows the tendency, and therefore it is in the earlier state
that control is easiest and most successful. In spite of this, the
great majority of flocks grown this year will be allowed to run
together, males and females, with the one thought of size and fat
on the part of the males, forgetting that the pullets mature earlier,
that fat is an obstacle to egg production and the natural tendencies
are unconsciously being turned into habits of fat forming. Viewing
the question as an economic problem, these conditions are all to be
noted as helps or hindrances to success. Grow the cockerels for
the end you desire them to reach, but think of every pullet as a
possible profit bearer to you and let her mature with no thought

36

but of strengthening the natural functions of egg production.
There are some things which may be forced but these are all crude
or mechanical. All the higher and finer products come by invitation.
This applies equally to the fruit or vegetable grower and the horti-
culturist as to the crop producer and feeder.

Another important step which economy dictates is that of pro-
tecting stock, crops and fruit from myriad pests and diseases.
That this imposes severe obligations there is no question, but it
offers the only economic solution of the difficulty. Healthy animals,
plants and growing crops alone can return the largest yield and
finest quality. More sunlight and fresh air in the tie-ups will
retard the activity of disease germs, better prptection from flies
increase the flow of milk. Whatever destroys any portion of the
leaves on the growing plant or tree, destroys also its power to
reproduce in largest quantity or to mature to greatest perfection.
Thus the spray pump, the insecticide, the fungicide and bug
destroyer, the solution to prevent scab, and any and all agents
which, intelligently used, enable the plant or growing tree to com-
pletely mature its fruit or seed are absolutely necessar}' from a
purely economic stand-point.

Rural life, while it insures fixedness of ideas and principles,
needs the friction of contact to vitalize into positive action, and
this suggests the importance of the agricultural press, the bulletin,
the institute, work of the Board of Agriculture and the grange. It
must be true that he who rises to the fullest grasp of the situation
confronting to-day utilizes all possible helps, seeks all avenues of
assistance. So many conflicting agencies are at work that there
is forced upon the individual the imperative need of allying him-
self with every agency which can in any way promote his prosperity.
It is economy to avail oneself of the assistance of these agencies ;
it is waste to refuse. So long as these fill their sphere, stimulate
thought and arouse ambition, they are helpful in the extreme.
This is their mission. No industry can thrive to-day without its
representative publication. A live farm paper, aggressive, fearless,
outspoken and sound, is a positive necessity in the home of every
man who would fill his place as a producer and salesman of the
finer products of 1901. By and through it alone can he keep touch
with moving currents of trade, watch over the changing markets
and have brought fresh to his door the work being accomplished
by the scientist and student. The bulletins and reports of the
Board constitute a library of agricultural thought, investigation
and results too valuable to be lost by any tiller of the soil.

The institute for the discussion of live questions of vital impor-
tance to the community has long been recognized as a potent factor

37

in every State, yet to be of greatest value it must claim the atten-
tion and command the presence of every man who tills a farm. Its
province is the presentation of live agricultural problems in a manner
not to confirm past practices but stimulate thought and provoke
discussion. He who denies himself the privileges and benefits of
the well-conducted agricultural institute is a loser in the struggle
of to-day. The institute must be made of greater service, its
mission needs be more clearly defined and appreciated, its dis-
cussions claim the attention of a wider circle.

The grange is so interwoven with the social, educational, agri-
cultural and home life of New England that there can be no fair
analysis of existing conditions which does not include the work of
this organization. Its field is peculiar. It cannot take the place
or do the work belonging to any other agent. It holds by the
bonds of sentiment, it helps by kindling enthusiasm. It must
ever be the ally of every agent set for the promotion of the farm
home and home farm, and for these reasons every consideration of
economy should urge the individual farmer to unite in this farmers'
organization for those enduring results which are not to be obtained
through any other channel. A live, earnest, working grange, loyal
to its declarations of principles, is one of the strongest promoters
of fidelity and enthusiasm the country home can have.

May it not be that the evident drift of all forms of business into
what are termed trusts furnishes a good illustration of that spirit
of practical co-operation which must extend over the farms before
the avenues of waste can be checked ? The writer is familiar with
a section fifteen miles from market where ten farmers living on
one road and in one school district spend one day every two weeks
in going to market with their butter, cheese, eggs, potatoes, etc.
One man could do the business for the whole by going weekly, as
each has his regular customers. The loss to this school district
amounts to two hundred and eight days yearly, less the extra
expense to be paid for delivering.

The manufacturers have accepted the inevitable lesson and com-
bined. Why should not the farmers? The principle is sound.
Its application may be extended in many directions. It must come
in the not far distant future in order that all that is possible may
be realized from their labors. It suggests almost limitless possi-
bilities along the lines adopted by our corporate interests.

Economy is not parsimony, and therefore to realize most one
must expend wisely. My thought is that good business demands
the application of the same spirit of enterprise by the farmer as by
the manufacturer. If a new machine will do more and better
work than the old, reducing cost in any direction, its purchase is

38

economy. Many a man has gained by setting one side a Sve-foot
mower and buying a longer cut. Tlie value of all machines must
be gauged by results. Hand labor is more and more to be super-
seded by machinery, but this necessitates larger operations that
the relative profit may not be reduced. It reduces labor in one
direction that more may be done in another. These labor-saving
machines are not intended to relieve the brain but the hand. The
man saves physical force that he may expend mental, and out of
this expenditure obtain what formerly was impossible.

A large item of loss on many farms is the time necessary to
move from field to field in order to complete any given work, and
the same lesson applies with equal force to the majority of manu-
facturers. We turn too many short furrows, cultivate too many
fractions of an acre, travel over too much territory to grow our
crops. Economy suggests the massing of land under the plow and
the systematic going over the whole farm by a short-term rotation.

Standing one day recently, looking over the well-tilled fields of
a middle-aged farmer, there could be counted ten lots of land
under the plow, scattered all over the farm, four or five of which
covered considerably less than an acre each. If these could have
been in one lot the saving of labor in cultivation and travel would
be no mean item. Asking a Kansas corn grower how he made
money, his reply was, " By the length of the corn rows." He re-
duced loss of time and labor to the minimum.

Discussing this question from a purely business stand-point with
reference to the economies possible these are a few which are sug-
gested. They all or nearly all apply with equal force to other
lines of labor, and only illustrate the fact that occupation does not
settle the question and that waste is universal. At the same time
here are some of the steps which may be taken to still further re-
duce the cost of production and leave in the pocket of the pro-
ducer the evidence of a more satisfactory year's business.

Asking of nature that she return in ever-increasing ratio and in
constantly improving quality, there come correspondingly increas-
ing obligations upon the grower and producer which must be appx*e-
ciated and observed. Discussing the situ ation from the business
side, with special reference to reducing cost of production, these
important considerations present themselves with a force not to be
lost by the thinking producer.

The wastes which must be eliminated before the industry reaches
its higher levels are not alone along the lines already suggested
but bear a direct application to the individual farmer. To-day the
successful farmer is not only a mechanic but an artist ; he realizes
the necessity for reducing the cost of production, and, to a degree,

39

of frictionless machines, whether animate or inanimate, but to suc-
ceed he must have an artist's outlook, he must see clearly before
him the perfected crop, the ideal structure in the animals consti-
tuting his herd, and pronounced individuality in each necessary
for large service ; and with this large, full appreciation there will
be wanted the same unbounded enthusiasm found in the ranks of
the mechanic, the tradesman or the specialist.

Here is the field for future operations. Men succeed not solely
out of intuitive preceptions but because these have been sharpened
and made critical through study and investigation, because they
have grown into large comprehension of underlying principles,
and, by the force of a dominant will, intelligently invite their
flocks and herds out into ever-broadening fields of service. Here
is the demand for economy of nerve force on the part of the pro-
ducer ; here the opportunity to make the conscious and unconscious
forces of nature yield greater returns ; here the field wherein waste
forces are to be utilized, sympathetic relations established and our
agriculture made real, positive, strong, invigorating and attractive
to the coming generation.

Series of 1901. Bulletin No. 3.

MASSACHUSETTS

CHOP EEPOET

Month of July, 1901.

ISSUED BY

J. W. STOCKWELL,

Secretary State Board of Agriculture.

BOSTON :

WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS,

18 Post Office Square.

1901.

Ckop Eeport foe the Month of July, 1901.

Office of State Board of Agriculture,
Boston, Mass., Aug. 1, 1901.

Bulletin No. 3, Crop Report for the month of ' July, is
herewith presented. Attention is called to the article at
the close of the bulletin, on " Selection and Improvement of
the Dairy Herd," by Prof. F. S. Cooley, professor of animal
husbandry and dairying at the Massachusetts Agricultural
College, which we would commend to the attention of our
readers, and particularly those who are interested in the
production of milk and butter.

Progress of the Season.

The July returns of the United States Department of
Agriculture (Crop Reporter for July, 1901) state that the
preliminary returns on the acreage of corn planted indicate
a reduction of about 400,000 acres, or .5 per cent from the
area planted last year. The average condition of the grow-
ing crop July 1 was 81.3, as compared with 89.5 last year,
86.5 in 1899, and a ten-year average of 90.3. In the 22
States having 1,000,000 acres or upwards the condition is
more or less below their ten-year averages, except in Missis-
sippi, Virginia and South Dakota, where the conditions cor-
respond with their ten-year averages.

The condition of winter wheat improved during June,
being 88.3 on July 1, as compared with 87.8 on June 1,
80.8 on July 1 of last year, 65.6 in 1899, and a ten-year
average of 80.2. The average condition of spring wheat
also improved during the month, being 95.6 on July 1, as
compared with 92 a month earlier, 55.2 on July 1 of last
year, 91.7 in 1899, and a ten-year average of 85.6. The
condition of spring and winter wheat combined was 91.1,
against 69.8 on July 1 of last year, and 76.2 in 1899. The

amount of wheat remaining in the hands of farmers on Jul}''
1 was estimated at about 31,000,000 bushels, or the equiv-
alent of 5.85 per cent of the crop of 1900.

The average condition of the oat crop was 83.7, as com-
pared with 85.3 on June 1, 85.5 on July 1 of last year, 90
in 1899, and a ten-year average of 87.7.

The average condition of barley was 91.3, as against 91
on June 1, 76.3 on July 1 of last year, 92 in 1899, and a
ten-year average of 87.1.

The average condition of winter rye was 93. H, as com-
pared with 89.6 on July 1 of last year, 83.3 in 1899, and a
ten-year average of 89.2. The average condition of spring
rye was 93.3, as compared with 69.7 on July 1, 1900, 89.7
in 1899, and a ten-year average of 87.3.

There is an indicated decrease of some 60,000 acres, or
2.3 per cent, in the acreage of potatoes. The average con-
dition was 87.4, as compared with 91.3 on July 1, 1900,
93.8 in 1899, and a ten-year average of 93.1.

The sweet potato reports were rather unfavorable, a ma-
jority of the more important producing States showing con-
ditions more or less below their ten-year averages.

Reports on the hay crop were in the main unftivorable,
there being a decline from the condition as reported on June 1
in a majority of the more important hay-producing States.
The condition of pastures suftered impairment during the
month, and in several important States was considerably
below the ten-year averages.

While there was a general decline in the condition of
apples and peaches as compared with a month earlier, almost
every important peach-growing State has the promise of
more than an average crop, but in the apple-producing
States the crop will be generally poor. The condition of
grapes was excellent.

The average condition of cotton on June 25 was 81.1, as
compared with 81.5 on the 20th of the preceding month,
75.8 on July 1, 1900, 87.8 in 1899, a ten-year average of
86.3, and a fifteen-year average of 87.5.

In Massachusetts the acreage of corn as compared with
last year was 100, and the average condition July 1, 86;
the average condition of oats, 92 ; the average condition of

barley, 90; the average condition of spring rye, 103; the
acreage of potatoes, 97, and the average condition, 87 ; the
average condition of tobacco, 87 ; the average condition of
clover, 98 ; the average condition of timothy, 100 ; the
average condition of pasture, 101; the average condition of
apples, 66 ; and the average condition of grapes, 95.

Temperature and Rainfall for the Whole Country.

[From the United States Climate and Crop Bulletins.]

Week ending July 1. — The week was excessively warm
throughout the central valleys, Lake region. New England
and middle Atlantic States, and over the northern portion
of the Gulf States. In California the week was also warmer
than usual. Along the south Atlantic and Gulf coasts the
temperature conditions were nearly normal, and over the
middle and northern Plateau regions and the north Pacific
coast the week was decidedly cool. The maximum tempera-
tures of the week were unusually high in the central valleys,
Lake region and New England, where many stations re-
ported the highest yet recorded for the last decade of June.
Heavy rains fell over the greater part of the upper Lake
region, including portions of the upper Mississippi and Ohio
valleys, and more than the usual amount occurred over
limited areas in the Gulf and south Atlantic States. Over
much the larger part of the country, however, the week was
very dry.

Week ending July 8. — The week was excessively warm
throughout the central valleys. Lake region and the middle
Atlantic coast districts, with temperatures averaging above
the normal in the Gulf States and over the Eastern Rocky
Mountain slope and eastern portion of the Plateau region.
The excess of temperature was most marked in the middle
Atlantic States and lower Missouri valley, where the records
for the first decade of July were broken at many stations.
In southern Florida and on the immediate coast of South
Carolina and Georgia and southern Maine there was a slight
deficiency in temperature, and the week averaged cooler than
usual in all districts on the Pacific coast. Heavy rains fell
in portions of the middle Atlantic States and New England,
Lake region, Minnesota, North Dakota, eastern Montana,

6

over portions of the central Missouri valley, in Florida, along
the immediate central and east Gulf coasts, and over local
areas in the Ohio valley. Over the greater part of the cen-
tral valleys, Gulf and south Atlantic States the weekly rain-
fall was below the average.

Week e7iding July 15. — The week was intensely warm in
the Missouri and Mississippi valleys, eastern portion of the
upper Michigan Peninsula, over the central Rocky Mountain
region and northern portion of the west Gulf States, it being
the third consecutive week of excessive heat in these districts.
Nearly normal temperatures prevailed in southern Texas,
Florida, the Ohio valley southern New England and over
the western portion of the Plateau region. The week aver-
aged cooler than usual in the central and northern Pacific
coast regions. Maximum records for the first and second
decades of July were broken at a large number of stations
throughout the Mississippi valley and in portions of the Gulf
States, upper Lake region, lower Ohio and lower Missouri
valleys. Abundant rains fell along the Atlantic coast from
New Jersey southward to northern Florida. Showers fell
over local areas in portions of the central Gulf States, upper
Lake region and portions of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado
and Utah. Generally throughout the central valleys there
was little or no rain.

Week ending July 22. — The week was intensely warm
throughout the central valleys, northern Rocky Mountain
districts. Lake region, northern portion of the middle Atlan-
tic States and New England. Nearly normal temperatures
prevailed over the southern portion of the middle Atlantic
States, along the Gulf coast and over southern Plateau dis-
tricts, while the week averaged cooler than usual on the
south Atlantic coast and generally throughout the Pacific
coast districts. Heavy rains occurred in the Carolinas,
Florida and over portions of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi,
Louisiana and eastern Texas, and the greater part of New
England and the middle Atlantic States rectnved showers
giving from one-quarter to more than one inch. Throughout
the central valleys the precipitation was below the average
and was generally very light. Over a large part of the cen-
tral valleys there was no appreciable rainfall.

Special Telegraphic Reports.

[Weather Bureau, Boston.]

Week ending July 1. — New England. Boston: Crops
improved ; weather very warm and dry, and unless rains
come soon crops will sulier ; haying begun, generally average
or above average crop ; pasturage drying in central-southern
portion, and dairy interests suffering.

Weeh ending July 8. — New England. Boston: High
temperatures and showers improved crops, especially corn
and potatoes ; haying continued in southern and beginning
in northern States, large crop promised ; apples promise
small yield, especially winter varieties, other fruits plentiful.

Week ending July 15. — New England. Boston : Cloudy,
with showers first part of week, fair last three days ; crops
improved, especially corn, potatoes and tobacco, but hay
harvesting retarded ; small fruits plentiful ; peaches good in
some sections ; apples small crop ; rain needed in Vermont
and southern States.

Week ending July 22. — New England. Boston : Weather
very warm ; favorable for all crops ; excellent for haying ;
corn late but promising ; potatoes late, short crop ; tobacco
fair, condition improving, some injury from hail ; small crop
of apples promised, dropping continues ; other fruits plen-
tiful ; rain needed in southern section.

The Weather of July, 1901.
The excessive heat which prevailed at the close of June
continued through the first three days of July, making eight
days during which the maximum temperatures rose to 90
degrees or above. According to the official reports of the
Weather Bureau at Boston this excelled all previous records,
covering a period of twenty-nine years, the largest number
of successive days heretofore with a like range of the mer-
cury being six, from June 24 to 29, inclusive, in 1880. The
temperature ruled high throughout the month, and was by
far the most conspicuous feature of the weather of the month.
From the 4th to the 13th the daily means did not depart
greatly from the average for that period of the month, but
from the 14th to the 24th the dailv excesses ranged from 6

8

degrees to 13 degrees above the normal. There was a
marked drop in the temperature on the 25th, and the
weather continued cool for several days, followed by slowly
rising temperature, and the conditions at the close were near
the seasonal. Taken as a whole, the daily mean temperature
was about two degrees in excess of the average July. Ex-
cepting the temperature, the weather of the month was very
pleasant. Showers occurred quite frequently and were gen-
erally well distributed over the State. With slight excep-
tions the amounts were moderate to copious. For the larger
portion of the district the monthly precipitation was some-
what in excess of the normal. There were, however, scat-
tered sections which the rains did not reach, chiefly in
eastern portions of the State, and where there was some
complaint of drought. Nevertheless, it is not believed that
the absence of rain was sufficiently marked to cause injury
to vegetation or growing crops. Moderate to heavy rains
occurred on the 11th and 12th and again on the 25th and the
night of the 28th, but the precipitation for the remainder of
the month consisted of local showers. Some sections were
visited by severe local storms, in which high and destructive
winds occurred, and in a few instances hail storms were re-
ported. These resulted in more or less damage to crops and
buildings. Viewed as an entirety, the weather of July was
pleasant and characteristic of the month.

In the circular to correspondents returnable July 23 the
following questions were asked : —

1. What insects are proving most troublesome in your
locality ?

2. What is the condition of Indian corn, and what pro-
portion of the crop will be put into the silo ?

3. What is the quantity and quality of the hay crop as
compared with former years ?

4. What forage crops are being raised to supplement the
hay crop, for the silo and to eke out the pastures? What is
their condition, and are more raised than usual?

5. What is the condition of market-garden crops, including
potatoes, and how have those already harvested compared in
yield and price with former years?

9

6. What is the prospect for apples, pears, peaches, plums,
quinces, grapes and cranberries?

7. What is the condition of pasturage in your locality?

8. How have rye, oats and barley compared with former
years, both as grain and forage crops?

Returns have been received from 163 correspondents, and
from them the following summary has been made up : —

Insects.

Potato bugs appear to be rather more numerous than in
ordinary years, and in numerous localities are reported as
doing considerable damage. Squash bugs also appear to be
more than commonly prevalent, and squash vine borers, while
not reported by many correspondents, are spoken of as having
done much damage where they have appeared. Eleven cor-
respondents, from widely separated parts of the State, report
the presence of the elm leaf beetle. Other insects mentioned
are cut worms, tent caterpillars, currant worms, cattle flies,
grasshoppers, tobacco worms, rose bugs, pea-vine lice, horn
flies, plant lice, curculios, gypsy moths, cabbage worms and
canker worms.

Indian Corn.
The hot weather of the month brought Indian corn forward
very rapidly, and at the time of making returns it was gen-
erally in good condition and growing fast. Since then the
general rains must have still further improved the condition.
Silos gain in favor constantly but slowly, and are most used
in the dairy counties, particularly Worcester County, and
least in the southeastern section of the State.

The Hay Crop.
Haying was later than usual, owing to the press of farm
work at the time haying begins on most farms, but at the
time of making returns there was little left to be cut. The
crop was much larger than for the past two years, but it is
doubtful if more than an average crop was secured for the
State as a whole. The quality of the crop was generally
good, though much of the later cut was injured by showers.

10

Forage Crops.
Returns point to an increase in the acreage of forage crops,
which, taken with the fact of a good hay crop, would seem
to indicate increased interest in and attention to these crops.
Fodder corn is the crop most extensively raised for the pur-
pose, followed by oats, millet, Hungarian grass and barley,
in the order named. Other crops mentioned are peas and
oats, peas, rye, soy beans, buckwheat, vetch, wheat, mangels
and sugar beets. They were generally reported to be in
good condition, which condition undoubtedly still maintains.

Market-garden Crops,
The hot weather of the early part of the month injured
early market-garden crops very severely, but the recent rains
have been most beneficial to later ones, and with seasonable
rains in future they should do well. Prices for early crops
were rather higher than commonly.

Early Potatoes.
The cold, wet spring so delayed potato planting that at
time of making returns very few early potatoes had been dug.
It is therefore impossible to give any definite information as
to the yield or the prices received. The hot, dry weather
did considerable damage to the early crop and it is very
doubtful if an average yield is secured. Later planted fields
should do well, but the planting came with such a rush that
there will hardly be the usual difference in the time of harvest.

Fruits.
Apples dropped badly during the month, still further re-
ducing the already light crop. Pears and peaches promise
only light crops. Plums were reported as dropping badly
in some sections, but a fair crop is still expected. Quinces
are good as far as reported on. Grapes promise well. Not
enough returns were received in regard to cranberries to
warrant an opinion as to the probable yield.

11

Pasturage.

Pasturage got a good start in the spring and came through
the hot, dry weather surprisingly well. The showers came
most opportunely in most localities, and with the recent rains
pastures should be in the best of condition at the date of
issue.

Small Grains.

Rye was a fair average crop, but oats are generally off in
condition, with numerous complaints of rust. Barley is little
grown, except as a forage crop, and in that capacity promises
well.

12

KOTES OF CORRESPONDENTS.

[Returned to us July 23.]

BERKSHIRE COUNTY.

Sheffield (Dwight Andrews). — Potato bugs were never as
plenty as now. Indian corn is looking well but is late ; fully
half the crop will go into the silo. Hay was a good crop as to
quantity, but the quality was a little off. 'Corn is the principal for-
age crop grown and more than usual is being raised. Potatoes
promise a full average crop. The prospect for all kinds of fruit
is very poor in this section. Pasturage is in good condition for
the time of year. Rye, oats and barley are good average crops.

Monterey ( Wm. S. Bidwell) . — Potato bugs, cut worms and tent
caterpillars are doing some damage. Corn is in good condition
and only a small amount will go into the silo. The hay crop is
much better than last year. Oats are the principal forage crop
raised to supplement the hay crop and are in good condition,
more being raised than usual. Market-garden crops are in poor
condition ; prices good, yields very small. Fruit is scarce. Past-
ures are in good condition. Wild berries are very plentiful.

Lee (A. Bradley) . — Indian corn is nearly average in condi-
tion ; one-fourth the crop will go into the silo. The quantity and
quality of the hay crop is fully up to former years. Corn is the
principal forage crop grown, is nearly average in condition, and
more is being raised each year. Apples promise a little over
half a crop and grapes nearly a full crop. Rye is in very good
condition.

Stockbrklge (F. A. Palmer). — Potato bugs are very numerous
this season. Corn was planted late but is doing finely ; about one-
fourth of the crop goes into the silo. Hay is not an average crop
in quantity or quality. Corn is the principal forage crop grown,
is doing well, and more is raised each year. Potatoes are small
and in need of rain. Very few apples ; pears fair ; a few peaches
and quinces; plums fair. Pasturage is in good condition. Rye
is good ; oats are rusty and will be a light crop. Old meadows

13

Show a poor crop of hay and white and yellow daisies are coming
in very thick as the grasses die out.

West Stockbridge {Wu. C. Spaulding). — Potato bugs, squash
vine borers, currant worms and elm leaf beetles are doing damage.
Indian corn is in good condition ; no silos here. Hay a medium
crop as to quantity but of good quality. A little sowed corn is
raised as forage and looks fairly well. Potatoes look fairly well,
but are greatly in need of rain. Apples very light ; pears few ;
grapes fair. Pasturage has been excellent but needs rain soon.
Rye, oats and barley are fair crops, though oats are short in straw
and heading out lightly on account of dry weather.

Hancock (C. H. Wells). — Potato bugs are doing some of
their best woi'k. Corn is looking very well, considering the back-
ward start in the spring. The hay crop is a full average one of good
quality. Sowed corn is looking well and is about the only forage
crop raised. Potatoes are looking finely and promise a good yield.
Early apples plenty, late ones scarce ; pears few ; plums an abun-
dant crop ; grapes promise well. Pastures are in better condition
than usual at this time. The oat crop is slim; very little rye and
barley raised.

Windsor ("W. H. Tirrell). — Potato bugs are doing some dam-
age. Indian corn is in good condition and a large proportion of
the crop will be put into the silo. Hay was more than an average
crop as regards quantity. Corn and millet are the principal forage
crops grown and they are looking well. Potatoes are in poor
condition and bring a high price. There will be a fair crop of
fruit. Pastures are in good condition.

Savoy ( W. W. Burnett) . — Potato bugs, squash bugs and cattle
flies are doing some damage. Corn is looking well and growing fast ;
about half of the crop is for the silo. The hay crop was more than
an average one for quantity. Corn and oats are the principal
forage crops grown. Market-garden crops and potatoes do not
promise as well as usual. There are few apples ; other fruits
not extensively grown. Rye, oats and barley are less than average
crops. The greater part of the hay crop is as yet uncut and the
quality is thought to be a little off.

Williamstoion (S. A. Hickox). — Potato bugs are very plenty.
Corn is growing fast but is uneven, owing to there being several
plantings in the spring. Hay is a good average crop as to quantity
and of good quality. Corn is the principal forage crop grown and
more is being raised for that purpose than usual. Market-garden
crops are late but look well ; potatoes will be a very light crop.
Pasturage is in good average condition . Rye good ; oats rusted
badly ; barley good.

u

FRANKLIN COUNTY.

Moyiroe (D.^ H. Sherman). — Potato bugs are more numerous
than ever before. But little Indian corn was planted and it is late,
but will be all right for the silo, for which most of it was designed.
Hay is a fair average crop, but rust has appeared in places so as
to affect the quality. Japanese millet, oats, peas, barley and corn
are the forage crops raised ; they are late and more are raised
than usual. No market-garden crops harvested ; potatoes looking
well but late. Few apples ; no peaches or pears ; some plums and
grapes; cranberries blossomed full. The hot weather is pinching
pastures, as we have had no showers. Rye, oats and barley fair
crops ; all raised for forage.

Leyden (U. T. Darling). — Potato bugs are our most trouble-
some insect. Corn is looking well but is a little late ; probably
two-thirds of the crop will go into the silo. The hay crop is good,
both as regards quantity and quality. Corn and oats are the prin-
cipal forage crops raised. Potatoes have suffered badly from potato
bugs. Very few apples ; no peaches ; pears, plums and grapes
very good. Pasturage is looking fairly well. Rye, oats and barley
compare favorably with former years.

Buckland (C. E. \Yard). — There is very little trouble from
insects. Indian corn is late, but is coming forward rapidly ; more
than half the crop will go into the silo. Quantity of the hay crop
in excess of past two years ; quality fair. Hungarian grass, oats
and barley are the principal forage crops grown. No market-garden
crops are raised ; potatoes late and none harvested. Fruit of all
kinds will be poor. Pastures are in good condition. Rye, oats and
barley are not raised for grain, and promise about as usual for
forage.

Deerfield (Charles Jones). — Potato bugs are doing some
damage. Indian corn is late but growing fast, and one-tenth of
the crop will go into the silo. Hay is about an average crop of fair
quality. Forage crops of any kind are not much raised. Market-
garden crops are in good condition ; potatoes look well, but none
have been harvested as yet. Apples will be a small crop, also
pears and grapes. Pasturage is not up to the average in condition.
Rye and oats are better than average crops. Tobacco is late, but
is looking well and growing fast.

Sunderland (J. M. J. Legate). — Cutworms have done more
than the usual amount of damage to tobacco this year. Corn is
rather late but is growing fast and looking nicely ; over half the
crop will go into the silo. The hay crop is above the average, but
quite a good deal has been damaged by the catching weather we

15

have had while securing it. Corn is the principal forage crop
grown, and there is also a very little millet raised. Market-garden
crops are late with average yields and prices. Potatoes will be
less than an average crop, but bring high prices now. There will
be a short crop of fruit, with the exception of plums, which prom-
ise a heavy yield. Pastures are in good average condition. Rye,
oats and barley are little raised.

Montagxte (C. S. Raymond). — Potato bugs are doing some
damage. Indian corn is making good growth but is late ; half the
crop will go into the silo. Hay is only a normal crop, but its
quality is very good. Oats and peas and corn are the principal
forage crops and are being grown in about the usual quantity.
Market-garden crops are in fair condition ; potatoes a light crop
with the price somewhat higher than usual. Fruit of all kinds will
be very poor. Pasturage is in fair condition. Rye, oats and bar-
ley are little raised.

Wendell (N. D. Plumb). — Potato bugs are doing more damage
than for years. Corn is somewhat backward but looks A 1 ;
about three-fourths of the crop will be put into the silo. Hay was
a somewhat better crop than usual, especially new seeded fields.
Hungarian grass and barley are the principal forage crops grown
and there is an increase of 50 per cent in the acreage this year.
Potatoes are somewhat backward. Fruit will not give more than
a one-fourth crop. Pastures are in very good condition now, but
need rain. Rye, oats and barley are about normal crops.

Neio Salem (Daniel Ballard). — Potato bugs, currant worms,
and in some places an insect which attacks the maple trees, are
doing damage. Indian corn is in good condition ; only a small
portion of the crop will go into the silo. Hay is above the aver-
age in quantity and is of excellent quality. Corn, oats, Hunga-
rian grass and some barley are raised for forage, in the usual
quantities. But few market-garden crops are raised, excepting
potatoes, which are backward and none harvested. Light crop of
apples and peaches ; pears more plenty. Pastures are in very
good condition, though the present hot, dry weather is injurious.
Rye and oats have been good crops ; but little barley is grown.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.

Greenwich ("Wm. S. Douglas). — Potato bugs are doing some
damage. Indian corn is in fair condition and only a very small
proportion of the crop will go into the silo. The hay crop was
much larger than last year. Oats are raised for forage to a small
extent. Market-garden crops, including potatoes, are later than

16

usual. The prospect for fruit of all kinds is not very promising.
Pasturage is in good condition.

Enfield (D. O, Chickering). — Potato bugs and rose bugs are
doing some damage. Corn is quite backward but is growing fast
now ; not much of it will be put into the silo. Hay is above the
average in quantity and quality. Oats, Hungarian grass and corn
are the principal forage crops grown. Market-garden crops, in-
cluding potatoes, are about average ; prices a little better than
usual. Pears, plums and grapes promise well ; apples a light
crop. Pastures are in good condition. Rye, oats and barley are
about average crops.

Belchertown (H. C. West) . — Potato bugs have not been as
troublesome for years as they are at present. Corn is late, but is
making a great growth and now bids fair to be a full average
crop ; very little for the silo. Hay is a fair average crop, not as
large as w^as expected a month ago. Fodder corn, millet, oats and
barley are the forage crops raised and are all looking well ; acre-
age greater than usual. Market-garden crops are little raised ; no
potatoes harvested as yet. Apples half a crop or less ; pears,
peaches, plums and grapes fair. Pastures are short but green.
Rye and oats are good crops ; barley just comiug u[) and looks well.

Hadley (H. C. Russell). — Potato bugs and squash bugs are
more plentiful than usual. Indian corn never looked better and
has improved greatlj^ in the past two weeks ; only a small per cent
will go into the silo. The hay crop is much better than last year,
but haying is later than usual and much of the crop is too ripe.
Hungarian grass and sowed corn are the principal forage crops
grown. Early potatoes will be a very poor crop. Market-garden
crops much below the average with prices good. There will be
only a medium crop of fruit. Pasturage is in good condition.
Rye, oats and barley are about average crops. Onions are looking
well. Tobacco has grown very fast since the rains.

Southamjjton (C. B. Lyman). — Potato bugs are doing some
damage. Corn is looking first rate ; only a small part goes into
the silo. The hay crop was not as large as some years, but the
quality was good. Corn, oats and millet are the principal forage
crops grown ; oats the poorest for years. Potatoes look the
poorest for years. There will be a light crop of fruit, except
grapes, which promise well. Pastures are in very good condition.
Rye is a good crop ; have not seen a good field of oats. Cabbage
are looking finely.

Chesterfield (Horatio Bisbee). — Potato bugs are more numer-
ous than ever before. Corn is in good condition and one-fourth
the crop will go into the silo. Hay was less than an average crop,

17

but the quality was good. Corn, Hungarian grass and oats are
the principal forage crops grown ; condition good and more raised
than usual. Early potatoes are nearly a failure. Small crop of
apples ; small fruits not much raised. Pasturage is in fairly good
condition. We are suffering for want of rain, although there has
been plenty in adjoining towns.

Plainfield (S. W. Clark). — Potato bugs and squash vine
borers are doing considerable damage. Indian corn is a little
late, but is strong and vigorous. Hay was a heavy crop, nearly
twice that of last year, and of fair quality. Forage crops are not
raised as much as last year, hay being abundant. No early pota-
toes have been dug as yet. Apples have dropped badly for some
time, and last night a shower, with a heavy wind, blew off what
remained on the trees. Pasturage is in very fine condition. Rye,
oats and barley are normal crops.

Middlefield (J. T. Bryan) . — Potato bugs are about the only
insect doing damage. Corn was planted very late, but is growing
rapidly ; nearly half the crop will go into the silo. Hay was about
an average crop of excellent quality. Sweet corn, oats and barley
are the principal forage crops grown. Market-garden crops are
late, but are growing rapidly. There is not much fruit of any
kind. Pasturage is in good condition. Rye, oats and barley are
good crops, but will all be cut for forage.

HAMPDEN COUNTY.

Tolland (E. M. Moore) . — Potato bugs are very numerous.
Indian corn is late, but the warm weather has started it growing
rapidly ; only a small proportion of the crop will go into the silo.
The hay crop is heavier than last year and of good quality. Corn,
oats and barley are the forage crops raised, and the acreage is
about the same as usual. Apples will be a short crop ; pears,
peaches and plums plenty. Feed in pastures is in fair condition,
though beginning to get short. Rye is a good average crop ; oats
and barley below average, and some pieces rusting.

Russell (E. D. Parks). — Potato bugs are doing some damage.
Indian corn is in very good condition ; not much will go into the
silo. Hay was less than an average crop, but of good quality.
Oats, Hungarian grass and millet are the principal forage crops
grown. Market-garden crops are about average. Potatoes do not
promise as well at present as commonly. The fruit crop is very
poor in this locality. Pasturage is in average condition for the time
of year. Rye, oats and barley promise well. Rain is needed for
all crops ; heavy showers have gone around us.

18

SoutJiioick (L. A. Fowler). — Cutworms aud potato bugs are
doing some damage. Indian corn made a rapid growth in the last
month ; only a few farmers have silos. The hay crop was larger
than for several years. Hungarian grass and oats are the prin-
cipal forage crops grown. Potatoes as a rule do not look very
promising; few have been harvested, prices high. Apples and
pears half crops ; peaches reported good. Pasturage is in good
condition.

West Springfield (N. T. Smith). — Potato bugs have been unu-
sually troublesome and nearly all fields are injured by them, some
seriously ; horn flies abundant. Corn has made phenomenal
growth, but very little shows tassel as yet ; one-tenth of the crop
will go into the silo. Quantity of hay somewhat larger than last
year, about 80 per cent of a full crop, quality below last year.
Corn is the principal forage crop with some oats and peas, barley,
Hungarian grass and Japanese millet. Market-garden crops are
about average in yield and price ; potatoes promise about a three-
fourths crop. Apples practically none ; pears a half crop ; peaches
85 per cent ; other fruits very light if any. The frequent showers
have kept feed in pastures fresh and growing. Rye a full crop ;
oats rusted badly, straw short, mostly cut for hay ; little barley
grown and that light.

Wilhraham (H. M. Bliss). — Indian corn is a good crop, and
most of it will go into the silo. Hay was almost a full crop of
very good quality. Fodder corn is the principal forage crop grown
to supplement the hay crop. Market-garden crops, including po-
tatoes, promise, on the whole, about three-fourths crops ; no pota-
toes dug as yet. Apples very light indeed ; pears less than half a
crop ; peaches nearly a full crop ; plums half a crop ; quinces half
a crop ; grapes a three-fourths crop. Pasturage is in fair condi-
tion. Rye is a fair crop, oats rather light.

Monson (A. H. White). — Potato bugs are very numerous.
Corn is growing very fast ; there are quite a few silos in town.
Hay was an average crop both in quantity and quality. Potatoes
are late and, I fear, a small crop. Fodder corn is the principal
forage crop grown. A few apples and pears ; some peaches and
plums ; quinces and grapes scarce. Pasturage is in nearly average
condition. Rye, oats and barley are not up to the usual average.

Palmer (O. P. Allen). — Potato bugs are doing some damage.
Indian corn is looking well, but is backward owing to the cold,
wet spring ; a limited amount will go into the silo. The hay crop
was greater than usual in quantity and of very good quality. Corn
is the principal forage crop grown. Market-garden crops promise
well, and where harvested sustain yields and prices of former years.

19

The prospect for apples and pears is not good, for other fruits
normal. Pastures are in very good condition. Rye, oats and
barley are not up to the average.

Holland (Francis AVight). — Potato bugs are doing some dam-
age. Corn is doing well, but will be used for grain as we have
not many silos in this locality. The hay crop will be a full aver-
age with other years in quantity and quality. Corn is the prin-
cipal forage crop raised and rather more than usual will be grown.
Potatoes are late and none have been harvested as yet. Apples
will be light ; pears and plums promise fair crops. Pastures are
in good condition. Rye, oats and barley will be good average
crops for grain, and are not much used for forage here.

WORCESTER COUNTY.

Oxford (D. M. Howe) . — Potato bugs are doing some damage.
Indian corn looks nicely now and nine-tenths of the crop will go
into the silo. Hay was a much larger crop than last year. Hun-
garian grass and barley are the principal forage crops grown and
their acreage is about as usual. No potatoes harvested as yet
but they look well. Apples a light crop, other fruits about as
usual. Pasturage is in good condition. Some fields of oats are
very small and backward, othei's look finely.

North BrooTcfield (J. H. Cane). — 'Potato bugs, squash bugs
and squash vine borers are doing some damage. Corn is in fine
condition ; 20 per cent of the crop will go into the silo. Hay was
20 per cent above an average crop in quantity and of good quality.
Corn, millet and Hungarian grass are the principal forage crops
grown. Apples dropped very badly and there will be, but few ; pears
one-fourth of a crop ; plums dropped badly and will not be more
than 20 per cent of a full crop ; grapes in fine condition. Pastur-
age is in excellent condition for the time of year. Oats were badly
injured by the hot, dry weather.

Rutland (L. S. Dudley). — Potato bugs and squash bugs are
doing some damage. Corn is in good condition and about all the
crop goes into the silo. Hay was a full average crop both in
quantity and quality. Corn and Japanese millet are the principal
forage crops grown and more has been put in than usual. Po-
tatoes are looking well, but none have been dug as yet. Apples
poor ; pears good ; other fruits not much raised. Pastures are in
good condition. Rye, oats and barley were mostly cut green.

Oakham (Jesse Allen). — Potato bugs are doing some dam-
age. Indian corn is in fine condition and perhaps one-fourth of
the crop will go into the silo. Hay was about an average crop in

20

quantity and quality. Japanese millet and corn are the principal
forage crops grown. Market-garden crops are in fair condition ;
potatoes will be a light crop. No apples, peaches or plums ; few
quinces ; pears and grapes abundant. Pastures are in quite good
condition. Rye and barley good crops ; oats a small crop.

Dana (E. A. Albee). — Potatoes bugs, squash bugs and squash
vine borers are doing some damage. Corn is nearly up to the
normal ; no silos in this town. The hay crop was about one-third
above the average in quantity and of good quality. Corn and
Hungarian grass are the principal forage crops grown and more
than usual are being raised. There will be a good average crop
of vegetables and potatoes are looking well. No apples, pears or
peaches ; plums and grapes average. Pastures are short and need
rain. Rye an average crop ; oats half a crop.

Petersham (S. B. Cook). — There are many potato bugs and
squash bugs. Corn is a little backward but'is growing rapidly ;
one-third of the crop will go into the silo. The hay crop was
larger than for many years and of good quality. Fodder corn,
oats and Hungarian grass for hay are our principal forage crops.
Potatoes promise a fair crop of early planted with prices the same
as usual ; market-garden crops fair. Pears and grapes will be good
crops ; all other fruits, including apples, nearly a failure. Pastur-
age is in very good condition. Rye, oats and barley are about
average crops.

Royalston (C. A. Stimson), — Squash bugs and potato bugs are
doing some damage. Indian corn is in good condition and about
one-fourth of the crop will go into the silo. Quantity of the hay
crop average, quality excellent. Corn, oats and barley are our
principal forage crops, condition good, no more than usual raised.
Potatoes are in poor condition, none as yet harvested. Pears and
plums average ; grapes fair ; scarcely any other fruits. Pastures
are getting short. Rye, oats and barley are about average crops.

Huhhardston (C. C. Colby). — Potato bugs are unusually plenty
and squash bug's have made that crop a failure. Corn is looking
well and making a good growth ; nearly all will be put into the
silo. The hay crop was only about average in quantity but of ex-
cellent quality. An increased amount of forage crops is being
raised, especially of Hungarian grass and Japanese millet. Pota-
toes are backward as well as all other root crops. The prospect is
for a very light crop of fruit of all kinds. Pasturage is in excel-
lent condition and is holding out well. Oats have made a poor
growth and have rusted badly.

Fitchburg (Jabez Fisher). — Insects are less troublesome than
usual. Indian corn is making a luxuriant growth and will mostly

21

go into the silo. The hay crop was somewhat larger than last3'ear
but of no better quality. Apples will be a small crop ; pears very
good ; peaches few ; plums very good ; and grapes very good.
Pasturage is in very fair condition.

Harvard (J. S. Preston). — No particular trouble from insects.
Corn looks well, but is about ten days late ; but few silos in this
town. There was a large crop of hay and that cut early will
shrink a good deal, but the later cut is a good average quality.
Hungarian grass and corn are raised for forage, are looking well
and have about the usual acreage. Garden crops are very back-
ward, peas especially were cut short by the drought, root crops
are coming along fairly well. All fruits are a short crop this year.
Pastures are in good condition. Rye, oats and barley are looking
well, but are little raised for grain.

Shrewsbury (T. F. Marston). — Squash bugs are doing some
damage. Indian corn is in fair condition and about a third of the
crop will go into the silo. Hay is an average crop of good quality.
Fodder corn is the principal forage crop raised, condition good,
more raised than usual. Market-garden crops promise fairly well ;
yield of those harvested not up to the average; prices good. The
prospect is good for a full fruit crop with the exception of apples.
Pastures are in good condition. Oats have been very light.
Potatoes look fairly well, but are very late, none having been dug.
. Milford (J. J. Nutter). — Squash and potato bugs are doing
some damage. Indian corn is late, but looks quite promising ;
only a small proportion for the silo. There was a large quantity
of hay, but the quality was rather poor. Corn is the principal
forage crop raised. Apples will be a light crop ; peaches, pears
and grapes fair ; good prospect for cranberries. Pasturage is in
good condition. Rye, oats and barley are but little raised.

Blackstone (0. F. Fuller). — Potato bugs are doing some
damage. Corn is a little backward ; but one silo in town. There
was more hay harvested this year than last. About the same
amount of forage crops as usual are being raised this year. No
early potatoes have been harvested ; prices higher than last year.
Very few apples and pears ; a fair crop of peaches and plums ;
grapes a good crop. Pastures are holding out well. Oats have
done poorly in this section ; rye has done as well as usual ; no
barley raised for grain, but considerable raised for fodder.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

HopMnton ( W. V. Thompson) . — Indian corn is in good condi-
tion and growing fast, though a little late. Hay is more than an
average crop in quantity and quality. Hungarian grass to be

22

hayed is the principal forage crop grown. Potatoes are not look-
ing as well as usual. Not many apples ; few pears ; no peaches ;
grapes badly injured by rose bugs. Pasturage is in good condi-
tion. Rye good ; oats light and rusted.

Sherhorn (N. B. Douglas) . — Potato bugs are doing some dam-
age. Corn is backward though coming on rapidly ; one-third to
one-half the crop will go into the silo. There was a large crop of
hay of fair average quality. Corn, oats, barley and Hungarian
grass are the forage crops grown and are raised in the usual
amounts this year. Garden crops look well ; no potatoes dug as
yet. Apples and pears a light crop ; peaches full crop ; grapes
average. Pasturage is in very good condition. Oats for forage a
light crop.

Sudbury (E. W. Goodnow), — Potato bugs and currant worms
are our most troublesome insects. Indian corn is backward but is
looking well ; about one-fourth the crop will go into the silo. A
large crop of hay of excellent quality will be harvested. Oats are
used to supplement the hay crop and for the silo. All market-
garden crops are backward with good prices for those harvested.
There will be a very small crop of apples ; prospect excellent for
a large crop of peaches. All pastures are looking well. Most of
the oats and barley raised are used for forage.

Ashhy (A. Wetherbee). — Potato beetles and tent caterpillars
are doing some damage. Indian corn is late but otherwise will be
a good crop ; probably two-thirds of it will go into the silo.
Quality of the hay crop good except that injured by wet weather
at harvesting, quantity average. Japanese millet, oats, barley and
fodder corn are the forage crops raised, look well and acreage
larger than usual. Market-garden crops are not much raised, but
have not made average yields. Nearly all fruits will give short
crops, with the possible exception of grapes. Pastures are in need
of rain. Oats poor ; rye good ; barley fair.

Dunstable (A. J. Gilson). — Potato bugs are our most trouble-
some insect. Corn never looked better, but was badly bent over
by wind and rain on the night of the ISth ; only a small amount
goes into the silo. In quality the hay crop is good and in quantity
a little above the normal. Corn, Hungarian grass and oats are the
principal forage crops raised and are in good condition. No market-
garden crops raised ; no potatoes dug as yet. Apples, pears,
peaches, plums and quinces very light crops ; grapes and cran-
berries promise well. Pastures are getting short of feed. Rye,
oats and barley compare well with former years.

Lowell (C. L. Marshall). — The pea vine louse is the only
insect doing damage. Corn is in g-ood condition and about three-

23

fourths of the crop will go into the silo. The hay crop is very
good and has been well secured. Millet is the principal forage
crop and is in good condition, with a great deal more raised than
in former years. Market-garden crops already harvested show
poorer yields and higher prices than usual ; prospect for those to
come good ; potatoes late, not bottomed at all. Some apples and
quinces ; pears good ; no peaches ; plums good ; grapes abundant.
Pasturage is in excellent condition. Rye and oats are in very
good condition.

Carlisle (E. J. Carr) . — Potato bugs and squash bugs are doing
some damage. Indian corn is backward but is growing fast ; none
put into the silo. The hay crop was the largest for many years and
of the best quality. Corn and millet are the principal forage crops
raised, and are looking well with the usual acreage. Potatoes
looking well, none harvested ; peas a poor crop and prices high.
Small crops of apples, pears and peaches ; plums, quinces, grapes
and cranberries plenty. Pasturage is in the best of condition.
Rye has done well, but oats and barley are very poor.

Wohurn (W. H. Bartlett). — Potato bugs, cut worms and cur-
rant worms are doing some damage. Sweet corn is raised for
market and the stalks cut for fodder, very little Indian corn raised.
Quantity of the hay crop above the average, quality very good.
Rye, corn and millet are the forage crops raised ; condition good
and acreage as usual. The condition of market-garden crops is
very good indeed ; too early to predict as to potatoes. Apples
poor, also pears and peaches ; plums and quinces fair ; grapes
good. Pasturage is very good indeed. Rye, oats and barley are
about average crops.

Winchester (Marshall Symmes) . — Potato bugs and cut worms
are doing damage, while the gypsy moth is appearing in places and
eating clean as it goes. There was a very heavy crop of hay of
good quality. Forage crops, as such, are not much raised, as
sweet corn stalks, pea vines, etc., are abundant. Market-garden
crops are growing well ; potatoes not ripe yet. Light crop of
apples ; good crop of pears and plums ; peaches promised a good
crop, but have recently turned gummy and spotted and dropped
badly. Pasturage is in first-rate condition. Rye very heavy and
good.

Newton (Otis Pettee). — Potato bugs are most troublesome,
and cut worios are doing a little damage. Indian corn is looking
finely, with the promise of a good crop ; about the usual acreage
for the silo. Hay was a good crop, and is nearly all housed ;
quality not quite up to the standard. Corn and oats are the prin-
cipal forage crops grown, and are raised mainly for summer feed-

24

ing. Early potatoes are rather below an average crop ; late ones
doing finely. Pasturage is in very good condition. There is but
little rye grown this season, but what there is has done well.

ESSEX COUNTY.

Salisbury (Wesley Pettengill). — Potato bugs are doing the
most damage at the present time. Corn is looking well as the hot
weather has pushed it along rapidly, but very little will be put into
the silo. The hay crop was good, larger than last year, but not
a great crop. Fodder corn, millet and barley are the principal
forage crops grown, and are looking finely, with an increased
acreage. Market-garden crops are in good condition ; potatoes
looking fairly well ; prices above the average. Apples are a light
crop ; pears good ; peaches rather light ; plums and grapes good.
Pastures are in good condition. Rye, oats and barley are rather
less than average crops. Beans are looking finely, but squash
vines are dying badly.

Haverhill (Eben Webster). — Potato bugs, squash bugs and
canker worms are doing some damage. Indian corn is in good
condition, and about two-thirds of the crop will go into the silo.
The hay crop is about the same as two years ago as to quantity
and of good quality. Potatoes look well. Market-garden crops
about as usual. Apples light crop ; pears plenty ; plums short.
Pasturage is in very fair condition. Rye, oats and barley are good
crops for forage.

Newbury {G. W. Adams). — Potato bugs are doing some dam-
age. Indian corn promises a fair crop, one-third of which will go
into the silo. Hay was three-fourths of a full crop of fair quality.
Fodder corn and oats are the principal forage crops grown, and
are about average in condition. Market-garden crops, including
potatoes, are late, and recently badly pinched by drought. Apples
poor ; pears fair ; no peaches ; plums poor ; quinces very few ;
grapes fair; cranberries small crop. Pasturage is dried up. Rye,
oats and barley are nearly average crops.

North Andover (Peter Holt). — Corn is small for the time of
year, but is growing very fast now ; nearly all that raised goes into
the silo. The hay crop was larger than for the past two years, but
much of it is being injured by bad weather. Indian corn is the
main fodder crop. No potatoes harvested as yet. § No winter
apples, a few early apples of poor quality ; no peaches or plums ;
grapes look well. Pasturage has been extra good. The late, wet
spring brings hoeing and haying together.

Ipswich (0. C. Smith). — Potato bugs are the most in evidence

25

of any insect. Corn started late, but is now growing finely and
promises a good crop ; about 30 per cent of which will go into the
silo. The hay crop was above the average in quantity and of good
quality. Corn and Hungarian grass, with some oats, are the forage
crops grown, and are all growing well with acreage as usual. Early
potatoes a light yield, other market-garden crops good, prices higher
than usual. Apples a small crop ; pears fair ; quinces and grapes
below the average ; cranberries promise a fair crop. The rains
have kept pastures fresh and growing. Rye, oats and barley about
normal crops.

Manchester (John Baker) . — Potato bugs are doing some
damage. Indian corn is in good condition; no silos in town.
Hay was first-class crop. Oats and Hungarian grass are the prin-
cipal forage crops grown, condition good and acreage about as
usual. Market-garden crops, including potatoes, promise well,
with prices about as usual. Apples a small crop ; no peaches ;
plums a good crop, also grapes. Pasturage is in good condition.
Rye, oats and barley are raised as forage crops and are in good
condition.

NORFOLK COUNTY.

Randolph (R. A. Thayer). — Potato bugs and squash bugs are
doing some damage. Indian corn is looking finely and is growing
rapidly. The hay crop was about a fourth larger than for the last
two seasons. Millet, oats and barley are the principal forage
crops raised and the acreage is about the same as usual. Market-
garden crops are in fine condition, yield and prices good ; potatoes
very late. Apples will be a small crop ; other fruits fair crops or
better. Pasturage is in very good condition. Rye, oats and
barley are very good crops.

Avon (S. F.Oliver). — Potato bugs are our most troublesome
insect, but even they are well cared for. Very little corn is planted
for ensilage. The hay crop was heavy, but late rains have injured
it iu course of making. Sweet corn, mangels and sugar beets are
the principal forage crops grown and all look well. Peas and
beans yielded well and potatoes look well. Apples and pears are
not very abundant, but seem of pretty good quality. Pastures are
in good condition.

Stoughton (C. F. Curtis) . — Potato bugs are doing some damage.
Corn is in very good condition and 90 per cent of the crop will go
into the silo. Hay was more than an average crop and the quality
of the early cut was perfect, but that cut later has been considerably
damaged by rain. Peas and oats, Japanese millet and common
millet are the principal forage crops grown, condition varies

26

according to the land, some being too wet and some too dry.
Potatoes are not quite ready for harvesting ; peas doing well. The
prospect is very good for all fruits. Pasturage is in extra good
condition from timely rains. Eye, oats and barley are fully up to
the average.

Medway (Monroe Morse). — Potato bugs and squash bugs are
doing some damage. Indian corn is late but is growing well now ;
one-third the crop will go into the silo. Hay was an extra crop
in quantity and of good quality. Corn and oats are the principal
forage crops grown. Potatoes promise a three-fourths crop.
Apples very poor ; pears fair ; peaches good ; plums rotting ;
grapes good.

Norfolk (G. E. Holbrook). — Potato bugs are doing some
damage. Corn is very backward, but is of good color. Hay was
just an average crop. Corn and Hungarian grass are the principal
forage crops grown and are looking well. Potatoes are almost a
failure. The apple crop is the poorest for years ; pears, peaches
and grapes look well. Pastures are in good condition. Rye is a
good crop ; oats and barley cut for feed and look well.

Foxborough (E. A. Morse). — Potato bugs and elm leaf beetles
are doing some damage. Corn is looking finely, was backward at
first but is booming now ; only two silos in town. The hay crop
is above the average. Corn, Hungarian grass and barnyard millet
are the principal forage crops grown. Potatoes are looking well,
but none are harvested as yet. Apples a fair crop ; pears and
plums a full crop ; cranberries promise well, and should be a full
crop. Pasturage is good for the time of year as we have had
plenty of rain.

BRISTOL COUNTY.

Mansfield (Wm. C. Winter). — Potato bugs, thrips on grape
vines and rose bushes, and curculios on plums, apples and pears
are doing some damage. Corn is in excellent condition, but late;
no silos in this town. Quantity of the hay crop above the average,
quality generally excellent. Sweet corn and oats are the principal
forage crops grown and the acreage is about the same as usual.
Market-garden crops are all looking well now. Apples and pears
promise one-third crops ; no peaches ; plums and grapes looking
finely ; quinces half a crop. Pasturage is in excellent condition.
Rye, oats and barley are more than average crops both for grain
and forage.

Norton (Wm. A. Lane). — Potato bugs are doing some damage.
Indian corn is in good condition; no silos here. Hay was a good
crop in both quantity and quality. Fodder corn, millet and Hun-

27

garian grass are the principal forage crops grown. Potatoes are
in poor condition and promise only a small crop. Pastures are in
fair condition. Rye is a good crop ; oats a failure this year, owing
to blight and rust.

Raynham (N. W. Shaw). — Potato bugs are doing some dam-
age. Indian corn looks well, but none is raised for the silo. The
hay crop was larger than usual and of average quality. Hunga-
rian grass and fodder coi'n are our principal forage crops with the
acreage about as usual. All garden crops are backward ; potatoes
promise a good crop. Apples will be a small crop ; pears a full
crop ; no peaches ; plums falling off ; grapes average. Pastures
in good condition.

Berkley (R. H. Babbitt). — Elm tree beetles, potato and squash
bugs are doing some damage. Corn is very backward but is grow-
ing finely ; very little will go into the silo. The hay crop is below
the average in quantity but of good quality. Peas and oats, fod-
der corn and millet are the principal forage crops grown. Early
potatoes are a failure ; other market-garden crops fair. Straw-
berries were a failure. Few apples ; pears plenty ; peaches light ;
plums, quinces and grapes average. Pasturage is in very good
condition. Rye, oats and barley are much below average crops.

Seekonk (F. A. Howe) . — Indian corn is looking well ; very
few silos in town. The hay crop is double that of last year.
Millet and barley are our principal forage crops and are looking
well, with about the usual acreage. Market-garden crops are all
looking well ; very few potatoes harvested yet. Very few apples ;
prospect good for pears ; other fruits a failure. Pasturage is in
good condition. Rye, oats and barley are very good crops.

Westport (A. S. Sherman). — Canker worms, potato beetles
and currant worms are doing some damage. Corn is looking well
but late ; none put into the silo. The hay crop was good but the
quality was injured by showers. Corn and oats are cut green and
cured for fodder. Potatoes are late and none harvested as yet.
Apples a slim crop ; pears plenty ; peaches more than usual ; no
plums ; quinces scarce ; grapes abandant. Pastures are in very
good condition. Oats have done well.

PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

Brockton (Davis Copeland). — Black squash bugs and potato
bugs are doing some damage. Corn is looking well but is late ;
three-fourths of the crop will go into the silo. The hay crop was
good both in quantity and quality. Ensilage corn is about the
only forage crop raised. Market-garden crops are hardly average

28

in yield, prices low. Grapes are looking well but other fruits are
below the average. Pasturage is in good condition. Oats and
barley are not much raised in this locality ; rye a good crop.

Marshjield (J. H. Bourne). — Potato bugs, squash bugs, canker
worms and elm leaf beetles are doing some damage. Indian corn
is in excellent condition and was never growing faster ; one-third
the crop will go into the silo. The hay crop was 20 per cent
heavier than last year and of first-rate quality. Soy beans and
Japanese millet are the principal forage crops grown, with some
oats and barley. Late potatoes are two weeks later than usual and
were much benefited by the recent rains. Pears, peaches and
grapes abundant ; no apples ; cranberries give promise of a large
crop. Pasturage is in just the right condition and will hold out
well. Rye, oats and barley are average crops.

Plympton (Winthrop Fillebrown). — Potato bugs, squash bugs
and cut worms are doing some damage. Corn was in excellent
condition, but was badly blown down by a recent shower. The
hay crop was much in excess of several years previous. Corn
fodder is being raised in about the usual amount. All garden
crops have done exceptionally well, except Hubbard squashes.
Apples, pears, peaches and quinces are not up to the usual condi-
tion ; plums, grapes and cranberries are looking very promising.
Pasturage holds out exceptionally well on account of frequent
showers.

Bridgetvater (R. Cass). — Potato bugs, squash bugs and squash
vine borers are doing some damage. Indian corn is growing rapidly
and is in good condition ; none will go into the silo. The hay crop
is not up to expectations in quantit}'', but of good quality. Japan-
ese millet, fodder corn and buckwheat are the principal forage
crops, and are in good condition though late, with about the usual
acreage. Late market-garden crops are in good condition, and
potatoes are coming on rapidly. Early apples fair, late varieties
poor ; pears and quinces good. Pasturage is above the normal for
this time of year. Rye was an average crop ; oats very light.

Lakeville (N. G. Staples). — Potato bugs are the only insects
doing damage. Indian corn is in good condition ; only a very
small proportion will go into the silo. The hay crop was large, but
has suffered in the making. Corn, Hungarian grass and Japanese
millet are the principal forage crops grown, and are in excellent
condition, with about the usual acreage. Early potatoes a light
crop ; garden crops look well. Few apples ; pears and grapes very
plenty. Pastures are in about average condition. Rye, oats and
barley are about average crops.

Maitapoisett (E. C. Stetson) . — Squash bugs and potato bugs are

29

doing some damage. Corn is late, but is growing very fast now ; no
silos in this section. The hay crop is better than for a number of
years. Oats and fodder corn are the principal forage crops ; oats
rather poor in condition, corn quite good ; about the usual acreage
of both. Potatoes are late, but are looking quite well ; peas a
good crop and brought good prices. Apples poor ; pears good ;
quinces and grapes quite good. Pastures are in very good condi-
tion. Rye good ; oats rather poor ; no barley raised.

BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

Falmouth (D. R. Wicks) . — Potato bugs are doing some damage.
Corn is late, but of good color and growing fast ; only one or two
farmers have silos. Hay was a full crop as to quantity, but the
quality was poor owing to bad weather at time of cutting. Market-
garden crops fair ; too early to judge as to potatoes. Corn is the
principal forage crop raised with some oats. No apples ; pears
plenty ; peaches about a failure ; plums also ; quinces about half a
crop ; grapes plenty ; cranberries normal crop. Pastures are in
fine condition and there will be plenty of late feed. Rye is a fair
crop, but oats have rusted.

Mashpee (W. F. Hammond). — The potato bug is doing some
damage. Indian corn is looking very well, but none will be put
into the silo. Quantity and quality of the hay crop above the
average and it was secured in good condition. Corn, rye and oats
are the forage crops grown and the acreage is less than usual.
Mai4iet-garden crops are above the average in quality, quantity
and price. Apples, pears and peaches are all a failure ; grapes
and cranberries one-third crops. Pasturage is in very good con-
dition. Rye and oats are less than average crops.

Barnstable (John Bdrslet) . — Cranberry insects are doing a
limited amount of damage and orchards not sprayed are looking
poorly. Indian corn is a little late, but is growing very fast at
present ; none raised for the silo. The hay crop was a third larger
than in 1900, but smaller than in 1898. Corn and Hungarian grass
are the principal forage crops grown and are in fair condition.
Market-garden crops are two weeks later than usual. Apples and
pears light crops ; grapes good ; cranberries blooming heavily.
Pastures are in good condition. Rye 25 per cent above an aver-
age crop ; oats a one-third crop ; very little barley grown.

Harwich (A. N. Doane). — Potato bugs and squash bugs are
doing some damage. Corn is in fair couditloij ; only one silo in
town. The hay crop was very good in quantity, but not in
quality. Yield and price of market-garden crops about the same

30

as usual. Very few apples or peaches ; quinces, grapes and cran-
berries fair crops. Pastures are in much better condition than last
year. Rye, oats and barle}' are good crops.

Eastham (J. A.Clark). — There is very little trouble from
insects. Indian corn is not much grown, but what there is looks
finely ; no silos. Hay was fully an average crop in both quality
and quantity. Oats are our principal forage crop. Market-garden
crops look well and potatoes look finely. Apples scarce ; some
pears ; grapes plenty ; no peaches. Pastures need rain. Aspara-
gus was a rather small crop, but the prices were the best for years.

Truro (D. E. Paine). — Potato bugs are doing some damage.
Indian corn is very little raised. Hay was more than an average
crop in quantity and of good quality. All garden crops are very
late. Apples will be a fair crop. Pasturage is in good condition.

DUKES COUNTY.

West Tishury (Geo. Hunt Luce). — Squash bugs and potato
beetles are doing some damage. Corn is in good condition; we
have no silos. The hay crop was above the average in quantity
and of good quality. Potatoes are late with us and other market-
garden crops are in need of rain. Pasturage is in very good con-
dition. Oats are much better than an average crop.

31

BULLETIN OF

Massachusetts Boakd of Agriculture.

SELECTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE DAIRY

HERD.

By Prof. F. S. Coolet, Professor of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Massachu-
setts Agricultural College.

That the cows of Massachusetts are producing as much as the
standard of good husbandry calls for, no well-informed agricult-
urist would be optimistic enough to assert. A glance at a few
facts in regard to milk and butter production will be suggestive to
any one interested in the matter. According to Maj. Henry E.
Alvord, chief of the dairy division of the United States Depart-
ment of Agriculture, the average cow gives about 3,000 pounds of
milk, yielding 125 to 130 pounds of butter per annum. Dr. J. B.
Lindsey's estimate, after a canvass of representative creamery dis-
tricts, of 150 pounds of butter per cow per annum, is very near to
Alvord's figures for Massachilsetts. In my own canvass during
the summer of 1899 of all the creameries in the State, 175 pounds
of butter per cow was found to be the average annual yield. This
would indicate the milk flow to be about 1,700 quarts, worth $42.50,
at 2^ cents a quart. One hundred and seventy-five pounds of
butter at 22 cents per pound would amount to $38.50, and adding
the price of 1,500 quarts of skim-milk, worth -| cent per quart, we
would have $43.50 as the value of the butter and skim-milk. It
is doubtful whether $43. 50 will pay for a year's keep of a cow at
average prices. Certain is it that such a sura cannot leave a very
wide margin of profit.

Cows are to be found that are better than the average, — pro-
ducing 400 to 500 pounds of butter and 8,000 to 12,000 pounds of
milk in a year. At the foregoing price for milk such cows return
$100 to $150 per year for feed consumed. The extra feed con-

32

sumed will hardly be in proportion to the gain in product, so that
with increased capacity comes greater profit. The greater profit
almost invariably accompanies the higher rate of production.

By these comparisons between average and extra cows is brought
out the apparent advantage of keeping the latter, and yet the differ-
ence in value between them is generally very much under-estimated.
Consider for a moment the average cow, making an annual prod-
uct of 1,700 quarts of milk, worth 842.50, the cost for her keep-
ing being $40. Another cow consumes $50 worth of feed and
produces 2,500 quarts of milk, worth $62.50. A still better cow,
at a cost of $65 for maintenance, produces 4,000 quarts of milk,
worth $100. Two dollars and fifty cents, $12.50 and $35 repre-
sent the respective profits earned by these cows. If we assume
the value of the cow in each case to be her beef value (say $30)
plus the additional sum upon which she will pay 8^ per cent inter-
est, taxes and insurance, and 25 per cent depreciation, then cow
No. 1 is worth $37.50, No. 2 is worth $67.50 and No. 3 is worth
$135. These values are real, provided the useful period of the
cow in question is four years. If the period is longer or shorter
than that, a proportionally greater or less value would obtain. If
the useful period of a cow is three years, the depreciation factor
should be 33^ per cent, or if it is five years 20 per cent. While
these values are in no sense fictitious, they are not commensurate
with the market prices. The $37.50 cow will probably cost $40,
and allow her purchaser to lose $2.50 on the trade. The $67.50
cow will cost from $50 to $55, and leave a fair margin for the
risk taken. The $135 cow will cost possibly $70 to $80, and prove
the best bargain of the three.

Carrying out these comparisons for herds of 20 cows of each
grade, each herd to be bought at the foregoing prices, kept for
four years and then sold for beef at $30 each, we have the fol-
lowing : —

Dr.

No. 1. To 20 cows at $40 each,

To keeping four years at $40 per cow per annum, . 3,200

To interest, taxes and insurance on purchase at 8 per

cent, .......... 256

$4,256
Cr.
By 136,000 quarts of milk at 2i cents, . . . $3,400

By 20 beeves at f 30 600

By loss, 256

#4,256

33

Dr.

No. 2. To 20 cows at |52.50, $1,050

To keeping four years at ^50, 4,000

To interest, taxes and insurance on jiurchase at 8 per

cent, 336

To profit, 214

$5,600
Cr.

By 200,000 quarts milk at 2h cents, .... $5,000
By 20 beeves at f 30, 600

$5,600

Dr.

No. 3. To 20 cows at $75, $1,500

To keeping four years at $65, 5,200

To interest, taxes and insurance at 8 per cent, . . 480

To profit, 1,420

$8,600
Cr.

By 320,000 quarts milk at 2d cents $8,000

By 20 beeves at $30, 600

$8,600

These balances ignore entirely credits for calves dropped, which
would be much greater with the best cows. It becomes apparent
that the advantage is decidedly with the $75 cows, so that good
husbandry demands that earnest effort be put forth to secure the
best for milking purposes.

My own herd, all of which has been bought, as occasion offered,
at an average cost of $43.50 per head, and kept for about $65 per
head per year, has produced an average annual yield of 7,576 pounds
of milk. These cows are at a disadvantage where milk alone is con-
sidered, as their milk is rich in fat, giving a relatively high butter
product. A fairer basis for comparison is the pounds of butter fat
obtained. Quarts of milk are taken in this discussion merely for
simplicity of expression.

I am acquainted with large herds producing from 300 to 400
pounds of butter per cow, and averaging from 6,000 to 8,000
quarts of milk. No progressive dairyman ought to be satisfied
with less than 400 pounds of butter as the average annual product
of his herd, nor keep a cow not capable of yielding at least 300
pounds. " Cow-boarders" should be disposed of without hesita-
tion for what they will bring.

34

How TO KNOW A Good Cow.

Judges of dairy stock differ more or less in their methods of
selection, and the relative importance they attach to the points
presented. There is a general similarity of observation and
opinion ; but I am aware that in attempting to describe those
points which 1 consider most essential I shall lay myself open to
criticism by other and perhaps better judges of milk and butter
cows. Perhaps such criticism w^ould be helpful rather than
otherwise.

The essential points in the conformation of a dairy cow are
briefly, and about in the order given : —

1. Udder capacious, with broad attachment.

2. Body large and deep.

3. Hind quarters wide and strong.

4. Fore quarters spare fleshed and rather openly jointed.

5. Milk-veins, skin, hair, temperament, etc., indicating large
milking powers.

To enlarge on these points in detail : —

1. The Udder. — Capacity is the chief requirement in a good
udder, but it is not always indicated by the size and shape of the
organ. An udder may be large and yet meaty and not capacious ;
or it may be unsymmetrical and yet elaborate a large quantity of
milk. It must be long and broad in its attachment to the body,
becoming more let down with advancing age, but not pendulous.
If it extends well up behind and well forward, and has great width,
its capacity is assured, regardless of its vertical dimension. As
a fancy point teats squarely placed and wide apart are desirable,
but this does not always assure large milking powers or a lack of
it the reverse. The placement of the teats is indicative of milk
yield, but not infallible. Even symmetry of the quarters may not
be a guarantee of good milking powers, although a tipped up udder
mars the beauty of the cow. Avoid an udder that begins too low
down in the twist and extends only moderately well forward, even
if it is large and pendulous. Size and shape of teats are matters
of convenience in milking. It must be borne in mind, however,
that anything that saves labor is a great advantage on the farm
as well as elsewhere, and a hard, slow-milking cow, requiring five
or ten minutes more than the average time for milking daily, means
an extra expenditure of from S4 to $8 per year for attendance.
She ought to be discounted from $10 to $15 in price on this
account.

2. Size of Barrel. — A long, deep, capacious body is one of the
essentials of milking power often lost sight of, yet nevertheless of

35

prime importance. Often we hear that the cow is " a hard- worked
animal," and it is true that a large expenditure of energy is in-
volved in the conversion of the coarse forage on which she subsists
into milk. This elaboration is most economically carried on in a
large and perfectly organized laboratory. A wasp-waisted cow
rarely proves particularly profitable in the dairy. IMuch more
stress ought to be laid on the length and depth of the barrel than
is now the case, whether one is selecting breeding stock or merely
purchasing milkers for present needs.

3. Hind Quarters. — That milk production is closely associated
with the maternal function is not to be disputed. The conforma-
tion generally conceded to be most desirable for breeding is,
therefore, to be also sought in a dairy cow. Wide, rather promi-
nent hips and a roomy pelvis are considered important. The rump
should be long and level, and notwithstanding the fact that many
good cows have had sloping and peaked rumps, such a conforma-
tion mars the beauty of a cow, reduces her value in the market and
adds nothing to her dairy capacity. Good depth of quarters is
also desirable, and at least moderate straightness on their back
and sides. Extremely cat-hammed animals are not so much prized
as formerly. The milch cow differs from her beef cousin in hav-
ing an open twist, with her udder filling the place where meat
ought to be in the latter.

4. Light Fore Eyid. — This is relative rather than absolute and
may be overdone. The head is longer than in the beef type ; the
neck longer and not so well filled in the neck vein. The shoulders
are not so wide and are more prominent at the withers. The
crops are slacker, and the anterior vertebrae more prominent. The
articulation of the bones is looser, with longer spinus processes.
The ribs are not so well sprung, giving a fish-backed rather than a
hooped effect. The general conformation is lighter, longer and
less compact than in beef stock, yet this lightness must not be ex-
treme, as anything that produces delicacy and lack of constitu-
tional vigor detracts from the usefulness of the animal. There
must be, therefore, no crowding of the vital organs, but reasonably
large lung capacity should be sought, measured by good heart girth.

5. Snperficial Points. — According to age, large milk veins are
indicative of large milk secretion. Good size or double extension
of the vein is desirable. Length secured either by tortuous, con-
voluted shape, or by extending far forward, as well as numerous
prominent branches on belly and udder, add to the value of the
animal. The " milk wells," or orifices through which the milk
veins enter the abdominal cavity, must be large or numerous.
The real significance of milk veins is found in their function in the

36

circulatory system of the udder. An udder well supplied with
blood vessels is more highly organized than one not so well pro-
vided. Blood is the source of milk, and its abundance in the udder
is indicated by the extent of the circulatory system, of which the
milk veins are the sensible portion.

The skin ought to be mellow and not too thick, its mellowness
again being an indication of a good circulatory system so essential
to milk secretion.

The hair ought to be fine and close lying, according to breed.
Long, mossy hair is the mark of beef stock.

The escutcheon is a point of minor importance. While some
dairymen lay much stress on a good escutcheon, and, while coupled
with other indications of excellence, it is useful, without this ac-
companiment of other dairy points it loses its significance and
importance. Many of our best authorities now pay very little at-
tention to the escutcheon. There is often danger of letting some
hobby of minor consideration obscure the real essentials in judging.

The yellow pigment on the skin is indicative of the richness of
the product rather than its amount, hence its main use is to show
the kind of milk given.

Temperament is something carefully observed by some cattle
experts, but it is rather intangible to the uninitiated. The dairy
temperament is nervous rather than lymphatic. It should give the
effect of suppressed rather than active nervousness.

How TO SECURE GoOD CoWS.

Whether one acquires his dairy stock chiefly by breeding or by
purchase, the latter method must be depended upon more or less,
and a knowledge of the foregoing dairy points is a useful aid in
making selections. Purchase of stock is attended with many dis-
advantages that do not hold in breeding. There is an uncertainty
of the capacity of purchased cows. Select as carefully as we will,
we shall often be disappointed in the product of the cows we buy.
There is often also a great shrinkage in the yield of milk from
cows of known excellence when subjected to different conditions
of food and management. Defects are often found in purchased
cows that could easily account for their sale. Cows with weak
quarters, and hard or defective milkers are very common among
sale stock. Unpleasant habits such as kicking, fence-breaking,
self-sucking, etc., may be found among one's purchases. There
is the further possibility of introducing disease into the herd by
purchase. Perhaps the most common disorders thus transferred
are abortion and tuberculosis.

One is not entirely free from such troubles in rearing his own

37

cows, but he will greatly diminish the chances of introducing them
and prevent them to a large extent. He will be able to get a better
class of cows by breeding, avoid uncertainties and pass inferior
animals on to the butcher.

The cow is not a "machine," with regularly listed speed and
capacity, but is vastly more susceptible to external conditions than
most machinery. Her capacity depends not only on her own in-
herent power of work, but also on a hundred other things, — food,
water, regularity of attendance, heat, flies, bed, exposure, worry,
etc. This is not all. The same cows, with as nearly the same
treatment as possible, on the same farm, will vary greatly from
one year to another. One cow is biennial, like an apple tree, —
giving a large product every other year, alternating with a year
of rest and recuperation, in which she does not pay her keep.
Another falls off without any apparent reason. There are also
the exigencies of retained afterbirth, milk fever, garget or accident,
which put the very best cows temporarily or permanently on the list
of boarders. Perhaps it is not too much to say that a cow rarely
does particularly well after a year in which she has made a phe-
nomenal product.

Breeding for Improvement.

In grading up a herd one must first decide upon the kind of
cattle that most nearly meet his requirements. No discussion of
breeds is here intended. Jerseys, Holsteiu-Friesiang, Guernseys,
Ayrshires, Shorthorns, Dutch Belted, Devons, Red Polls, Brown-
Swiss, etc., all have their strong points, and each is adapted to its
own peculiar place better than any of the others. Do not try to
keep Shorthorns where Ayrshires are more appropriate, nor Hol-
stein-Friesians where Devons would do better. Selection must be
made with reference to the qualities wanted and should be per-
manent. I have no patience with the continual change from one
breed to another, which so often results in a heterogeneous collec-
tion of misfits of indefinite characters. Choose the breed best
adapted to your requirements, and then select with equal care the
individuals that go to make up your herd. The individual within
a breed is of greater importance than the breed itself. There are
many scrub pure-breds, no better than common scrubs, but more
dangerous because of conjuring with pedigree. Pedigree is valu-
able as a reason for excellence, but not as an excuse for mediocrity.

Then there are different characters within a breed, and one must
not only select the general type but the particular qualities wanted.
Do not try to breed butter fat into Holstein milk by a Jersey cross,
but rather select Holsteins of a family known to be richer than the

38

general ran. Do not cross rich Jerseys deficient in quantity with
another breed hoping to remedy the defect, but find a Jersey strong
in quantity for the purpose. Remember in selecting that it is the
individual as well as the breed that determines the characters
likely to be transmitted, and seek diligently within the breed for.
those qualities needed for the purpose in view.

The Bull.

The old saying, "The bull is half the herd," is not the whole
truth. He is, or else he isn't, according to the strength with which
he transmits the qualities he possesses. I sometimes find a scrub
bull which is not half the herd because the cows with which he is
mated have the stronger inheritance and transmit their qualities
with greater intensity than he. On the other hand, as a power for
degeneration he is often more than half. In improvement it has
been said that the cows should be depended on to maintain the
standard of excellence reached, but any raising of that standard
must come through the bull. Among grade cows a pure-bred sire
ought to exert by far the greater influence over the qualities of the
progeny. For these reasons much greater care ought to be
bestowed in the selection of the male breeding animal. It would
be better in most eases to select the bull less frequently and be
more particular about his quality. Tlie practice of buying a calf
or a yearling and selling him after a few mouths' service has
worked much injury to our breeding interests. By selecting more
carefully, and after excellence is proved, keeping as long as possi-
ble, one-half the bulls might be dispensed with and the remainder
maintain a much higher standard of quality.

Many bulls are destroyed before their qualities are known. If
good, there is no chance to duplicate their good work. If bad, the
mischief has already been done. The difference in value between
good and poor bulls is much wider than is commonly believed.
P!)ven in getting bob or veal calves there may easily be a difference
of from 50 cents to S2 per head in what they are worth, amounting
to from $20 to $100 in a year's service. If, however, a bull is
destined to be the sire of heifers to replenish tlie herd, those from
a good bull are worth at maturity from $10 to S25 per head more
than those from a scrub. In four years' service this may amount
to from $400 to $1,000, even in a grade herd, and easily warrant
an outlay of from $200 to $500 for a young sire of superior merit.
Very well-bred and promising young bulls may be bought at from
$50 to $100 apiece, and it is poor husbandry to pass such chances
by to purchase scrub stock.

An acquaintance told me a short time ago that he was done

39

buying cheap bulls. He had had abortion, impotency and other
troubles enough. He had just paid $23 for a really good service
bull. It reminded me of the colored man who bought a horse for
75 cents, which died on the way home. He remarked, " I'll hab
a good hors nex' time if it costs foah dollars." It is not good
husbandry to support a low-grade bull. It will pay even an ordi-
nary grade breeder to keep an animal worth $100.

Some attention must be paid in selection to correcting the de-
fects of the other sex. Pedigree should count, but individual
merit counts more. The value of pedigree depends mainly upon
the character of the immediate ancestors. Excellence in remote
ancestors, interesting and desirable though it is, must not be
allowed to cover up deficiencies in parents or grandparents. Much
conjuring is done with the names of great ancestors which would
doubtless be ashamed to own some of the descendants now claim-
ing their ancestry. There is also a prepotency in some individuals
that clothes them with unusual power to stamp their qualities on
their get. This is partly the effect of pure breeding, but it is only
an occasional sire that manifests it strongly. When such a sire is
found he should be duly prized and retained in service as long as
possible.

Rearincj and Developing Heifers.

Some attention may well be paid to the selection of heifer calves.
Those of very small size, or weak, or seriously defective have no
place in the young herd. We are accustomed to have much regard
to the parentage and we do well ; but no less attention is due to
the young heifer itself. The next consideration is the growtli of
the calf. At no period can growth be more economically secured
than during calfhood. Only choice registered calves are reared on
whole milk in this State, and it is doubtful if it will pay to use
whole milk for common stock where a cheaper substitute is available,
A set-back during the first few weeks is hard to overcome after-
wards. Feeding a little whole milk in the ration during the first
month is one of the best ways of insuring against setbacks.

My practice of rearing calves has been to separate the calf
from its dam after the first full meal. It is taught to drink and
feed on its mother's milk for a week, in moderate feeds twice
a day. Warm separator milk is gradually substituted during the
second week, until it forms almost the entire feed. About a quart
of new milk per day is fed till the end of the first month. Two
feeds daily are given, always warm and never excessive in amount ;
but three feeds per day would be better. Calves are taught to eat
dry grain after two weeks old and given ad lihitum a mixture of
corn meal, oil meal, bran and ground oats in about equal parts.

40

Coarse forage — hay, silage or grass — is always supplied to the
extent of the calf's appetite.

The horns are removed by the use of caustic potash during the
fii'st two weeks, thus securing the benefits of dehorned cows with-
out disfigurement or trouble.

While calves grow faster in almost complete confinement, a
hardier and more rugged cow results where they have daily ex-
ercise in yard or pasture. The feed of skim milk is continued
during most of the first year if the supply does not fall short.
At all events, growth must be kept rapid by liberal feeding, until
the heifers are sent off to pasture. Here, again, it is poor economy
to keep stuff on short feed. A stunted growth is a great loss to
the breeder. During the second winter heifers receive a small
feed of the grain mixture given to the milking stock, consisting
of gluten feed, and cottonseed or other concentrate, corn meal and
bran. The main thing is to keep growth active. Size in a dairy
cow adds much to her value, either in the dairy or sale ring.

Breeding should not take place until after the heifer is eighteen
months old. Some of the best cows I have seen were allowed to
reach two years old before being bred. It is significant that some
beef breeders do not receive for registry as pure-bred calves from
pure-bred parents where the dam is under twenty-seven months
old at the time of calving. Breeding too young detracts much
from the usefulness of heifers. The season of the year for breed-
ino- is purely a matter of convenience, and need not be considered
in this paper. The interval between successive calves is commonly
one year, but it is noticeable that cows do very much better after
a lono^er interval. This is especially true in young cows. If an
interval of fifteen to eighteen months is allowed between first and
second calves the cow makes a considerable growth that enhances
her value and increases her capacity for milk.

Young cows require to be liberally fed. It must be borne in
mind that the two-year-old cow has not only^to yield milk but also
complete her growth. If concentrates are withheld at this time,
on the mistaken notion that they are injurious to young cows, not
only is her milk flow lessened, but she is hindered from reaching
her most useful development. It may not be desirable to crowd
young heifers with heavy feed, but when they milk deeply there
must be the material to supply the drain just as well as in mature
cows.

Series of 1901. Bulletin No. 4.

MASSACHUSETTS

CEOP EEPOET

Month of August, 1901.

ISSUED BY

J. W. STOCKWELL,

Secretary State Board of Agriculture.

BOSTON :
WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS,

18 Post Office Squabe.
1901.

Ceop Eeport for the Month or August, 1901.

Office of State Board of Aoricultuke,
Boston, Mass., Sept. 3, 1901.

Bulletin No. 4, Crop Report for the month of August, is
herewith presented. Particular attention is called to the
article on " Poultry keeping as a principal feature of diver-
sified farming," by John H. Robinson, editor of "Farm

Poultry."

Progress of the Season.

The August returns of the United States Department of
Agriculture (Crop Reporter for August, 1901) state that the
average condition of corn declined 27.3 points during July,
and on August 1 was 54, being 33.5 points lower than last
year, 35.9 points lower than in 1899, and 33.6 points below
the mean of the August averages for the last ten years.

The average condition of spring wheat declined 15.3 points
during July, being 80.3 on August 1, which was 23.9 points
higher than on the corresponding date last year, and but 3.3
points lower than on Aug. 1, 1899, and 1.2 points below the
mean of the August averages of the last ten years.

The averasre condition of oats was 73.6, a decline of 10.1
points during July, and 11.4 points lower than on the corre-
sponding date of last year, 17.2 points lower than in 1899,
and 10.2 points below the mean of the August averages for
the last ten years.

The average condition of barley declined 4.4 points dur-
ing July, being 86.9, which, however, was 15.3 points higher
than a year ago, but 6.7 points lower than in 1899, and 2.8
points above the mean of the August averages of the last ten
years.

The average condition of spring rye declined 9.7 points
during July, and was 83.6 on August 1, which was 7.6 points
higher than on the corresponding date last year, 5.4 points
lower than on Aug. 1, 1899, and 2.2 points below the mean
of the August averages of the last ten years.

Preliminary returns indicate an increase of 43,000 acres,
or 6.7 per cent, in the acreage of buckwheat, as compared
with last year. The condition was 91.1, being 3.2 points
higher than last year, 2.1 points lower than in 1899, and .5
point above the mean of the August averages of the last ten
years.

The average condition of potatoes declined 25.1 points
during July, to 62.3, which is 25.9 points lower than on
the corresponding date last year, 30.7 lower than on Aug. 1,
1899, and 24.8 points below the mean of the August aver-
ages of the last ten years.

Of the thirteen principal sweet-potato-producing States,
only two report an improvement during July.

Preliminary returns indicate a reduction of 2.6 per cent
in the hay acreage. The condition of timothy hay was 84.1,
which was 4.2 points higher than last year, 2.6 points lower
than in 1899, and 1.7 points below the mean of the August
averages of the last nine years.

The reports as to the production of clover are on the
whole unfavorable.

During July the changes in the condition of the tobacco
crop were wholly unfavorable.

Reports regarding the apple crop are extremely unfavor-
able. The comparatively low condition reported on July 1
heavily declined during the month. A very poor crop will
be gathered.

The condition of hops was higher on August 1 than at the
same date in 1900.

The condition of rice was on the whole favorable.

There was a marked impairment in the condition of past-
ures during July, there being but few States in which de-
clines were not reported.

The average condition of cotton on July 25 was 77.2, as
compared with 88.1 on the 25th of the preceding month, 76
on Aug. 1, 1900, 84 on Aug. 1, 1899, and a ten-year aver-
age of 84.

In Massachusetts the average condition of corn was 93 ;
the average condition of spring rye, 94 ; the average condi-
tion of oats, 82 ; the average condition of barley, 83 ; the
acreage of buckwheat, as compared with last year, 100, and

average condition 95 ; the average condition of tobacco, 92 ;
the average condition of potatoes, 68 ; the acreage of hay,
as compared with last year, 104 ; the average condition ot
timothy, 99 ; the production of clover, as compared with
last year, 98, and average quality, 100 standing for high,
95 ; the average condition of pasture, 96 ; and the average
condition of apples, 46.

Temperature and Rainfall for the Whole Country.

[From the United States Climate and Crop Bulletins.]

Week ending July 29. — Excessively high temperatures
prevailed over the greater part of the country, especially in
the central valleys. Nearly normal temperatures prevailed
over the northern portions of the middle Atlantic States, on
the south Atlantic coast, and from the lower Mississippi
River westward to the south Pacific coast. On the north
Pacific coast, in the Lake Superior region, and over the
greater part of New England, the week averaged slightly
cooler than usual. Good rains fell over a considerable por-
tion of the drought region of the Missouri and upper Missis-
sippi valleys. Abundant rains also occurred in the Dakotas,
Minnesota, over the greater portion of the Lake region and
in New England. Less than the usual amount fell on the
south Atlantic coast, in the east Gulf States and the Ohio
valley.

Weeh ending August 5. — In the upper Missouri valley,
over portions of the upper Lake region and northern New
England, the week averaged slightly cooler than usual.
Nearly normal temperature conditions prevailed in the lower
Lake region and Ohio valley and along the Gulf coast.
Elsewhere the week was generally warmer than usual. Abun-
dant rains fell during the week in north-eastern Texas, west-
ern Arkansas, over portions of Missouri, eastern Kansas and
Oklahoma. Showers occurred over a large portion of the
upper Missouri and Ohio valleys. There was less than the
usual rainfall in the central Gulf States and eastward to
the Appalachian Mountains, and no appreciable amount over
extensive areas, including the upper Mississippi and Red
River of the north valleys and upper Lake region.

Weeh ending August 12. — The week averaged slightly

6

cooler than usual in the Lake region, over the northern por-
tion of the upper Mississippi and upper Missouri valleys,
and along the immediate California coast. The week aver-
aged warmer than usual on the north Pacific coast, over the
plateau regions and eastern Rocky Mountain slope, and
generally throughout the southern States and Atlantic coast
districts, including the Ohio, central Mississippi and lower
Missouri valleys. The rainfall in the Atlantic coast and east
Gulf States was abundant. Heavy rains also occurred in
portions of the Mississippi and Missouri valleys. The rain-
fall was deficient in the west Gulf States and from the upper
Mississippi valley eastward to the upper Ohio valley and the
greater portion of the upper Lake region. Good showers
were quite general in the central and southern Rocky Moun-
tain region.

Weekending August 19. — The week averaged slightly
cooler than usual in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida,
in the southern plateau region and on the California coast.
Throughout the northern portions of the country, from the
Atlantic to the Pacific, including the south Atlantic and west
Gulf States and south-east Rocky Mountain slope, the week
averaged warmer than usual. Very heavy rains fell gen-
erally throughout the middle, south Atlantic and east Gulf
States, and over a large part of the Ohio valley, including
portions of northern Illinois and northern Indiana. More
than the usual amount also occurred over local areas in the
Missouri and central Mississippi valleys and generally over
the middle and southern plateau districts. Over much of
the Lake region and New England the precipitation was be-
low the average.

Week ending August 26. — The week was cooler than
usual in the greater portion of the south-eastern States, in
California, Oregon and Nevada. Throughout the plateau
region, the west Gulf States, the central valleys, the Lake
region, New England and the middle Atlantic States the
week was warmer than usual. More than the usual amount
of rain fell in the greater portion of the country east of the
Mississippi River and in portions of the north-western States,
Texas and Louisiana, being heavy in many sections of lUi-
Dois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, the Lake region, the

middle Atlantic and Gulf States. From central Texas north-
ward to Iowa and throughout the Rocky Mountain region the
rains were generally light and not well distributed. No rain
fell in California.

Special Telegeaphic Reports.

[Weather Bureau, Boston.]

Week ending July 29. — New England. Boston : Weather
favorable ; crops much benefited ; large crop hay practically
secured; corn good, tasselling ; potatoes unfavorable, prom-
ise light crop ; beans good ; tobacco made rapid growth,
much been topped ; apples poor ; other fruit fair.

Week ending August 5. — New England. Boston:
Weather generally fair and cool ; sunshine deficient ; rains
needed in Rhode Island and southern Connecticut ; all crops
in good condition, except potatoes, which are improved, but
below average ; tobacco excellent, cutting will begin in about
a week.

Week ending August 12. — New England. Boston :
Weather very favorable ; all crops improved ; outlook for
potatoes more encouraging than for weeks, but condition
still below average ; tobacco good, cutting in operation ;
apples poor ; other fruit good ; buckwheat promising.

Week ending August 19. — New England. Boston :
Weather moist and warm, causing rapid growth ; vegetables
excellent, except potatoes, which, however, are better than
last week ; fruits about average, need sunshine; good corn
crop assured ; tobacco being cut, satisfactory yield.

Week ending August 26. — New England. Boston :
Weather generally favorable ; second crop of grass heavy ;
potatoes and apples light crop ; peaches fair ; corn excellent,
earing well ; tobacco injured somewhat by cloudy, humid
weather ; sunshine, drying and ripening weather needed for
all crops.

The Weather of August, 1901.

The weather of the month, as a whole, has not been marked
by unusual extremes or conditions exceptional to the season.
While the temperature has averaged slightly above normal,
no very high temperatures occurred, or periods of excessive
heat. The nights were seasonably warm. During the first

8

seven days of the month the daily mean temperatures de-
parted but little from the normal. Then followed a period
of four days, from the 7th until the 11th, when the tempera-
ture ranged above the normal, with maxima during the time
ranging between 85 and 90 degrees. From the 12th to the
15th inclusive occurred another period of temperature near
the normal, followed by a warm period of three days, when
the maxima again rose to near 90 degrees. During the re-
mainder of the month the temperature was moderate and
seasonable, though ranging a few degrees above the normal
on occasional days. The average for the entire month was
about 1 degree in excess of the normal for August. The
cloudiness and sunshine were nearly equal during the first
week or ten days, followed by a period extending to the 26th
with cloudiness somewhat in excess of the sunshine. Dur-
ing the remaining portion of the month clear and very pleas-
ant weather prevailed. Showers were of frequent occur-
rence, generally at intervals of three or four days, but the
rainfall was in light to moderate amounts until the night of
the 24th, when very heavy showers occurred in the greater
part of the eastern portion of the State, many stations having
amounts between 2 and three inches. Though the rainfall
of the month was below the normal, the frequency of the
showers, combined with the absence of excessive heat or high
winds, made it sufficient to keep vegetation in a flourishing
condition. The growth of vegetation was also favored by
the somewhat humid atmosphere that prevailed during a
greater part of the month, and which on the coast caused
considerable foggy weather. With the exception of the
heavy showers on the night of the 24th in the eastern part
of the State, no severe local storms occurred, either of hail,
wind or lightning. In general, the weather conditions were
moderate and normal, and favorable for the growth and
harvesting of crops.

In the circular to correspondents returnable August 24
the following questions were asked : —

1. What is the condition of Indian corn?

2. What is the prospect for rowen, as compared with
a normal crop.

9

3. What is the prospect for late potatoes, and have you
noticed blight or rot?

4. How do the acreage and condition of tobacco compare
with former years ?

5. What is the prospect for apples, pears, peaches, grapes
and cranberries?

6. What is the condition of pasturage in your vicinity?

7. How have oats and barley compared with former years ?

8. Is the interest taken by your farmers in poultry in-
creasing, and what proportion does the income derived from
poultry products bear to that derived from the dairy ?

Returns were received from 164 correspondents, from
which the following summary has been made up : —

Indian Corn.
Indian corn made a great growth during the month in all
sections, and is generally reported as earing well. It is still
somewhat backward, and early frosts might do much dam-
age, but with an ordinary season better than an average
crop should be secured in all sections.

KOWEN.

On the whole, the crop of rowen promises to be very
good, though there are some complaints of fields burning
after mowing, and others that the late cutting of the first
crop will not give time for the maturing of a large crop of
rowen. The rains of the past month have also done much
to put mowings in good condition for another season.

Late Potatoes.
Early potatoes were a very light crop in most sections.
Later ones are reported as making a great showing of vines,
but the tubers are said not to have set well in most cases
and to be few in the hill. The prospect does not point to
more than a fair crop. Blight and rot have appeared in all
counties, but not to any alarming extent.

Tobacco.

The acreage of tobacco was again reported as slightly in-
creased throughout the tobacco-growing district. The crop

10

is generally in fine condition, of large growth and apparent
good quality. Cutting was delayed by the rains of the third
week of August, but should be practically completed by the
close of the month.

Fruit.

Apples continued to fall ofi" in condition during the month,
and the prospect is for one of the lightest crops of winter
apples ever gathered. Fall apples are somewhat better, but
still not good. A light to fair crop of pears is reported.
Peaches promise only a light crop. Grapes generally promise
well. Cranberries are a light crop, particularly in the region
of commercial production.

Pasturage.
There are but few complaints of pastures being otherwise
than in excellent condition, the frequent rains of the month
having kept the grass green and growing. Unless actual
drought prevails, they should carry out well and be in good
condition for next season.

Oats and Barley.
Both these crops are below the average for grain, and,
generally speaking, for straw also. But little barley is
raised, except for forage. As forage crops, both are doing
well.

Poultry Keeping.

The interest in poultry keeping, as in past years, is in-
creasing, though perhaps not as rapidly as a few years ago.
More attention is paid to it in the south-eastern counties
than elsewhere, the income from it in that section equalling,
and perhaps exceeding, that from the dairy. Correspond-
ents quite generally agree that poultry keeping yields greater
profit, in proportion to the capital invested, than most other
lines of farming. Attention is again called to the article on
" Poultry keeping as a principal feature of diversified farm-
ins," at the end of this bulletin, which will be of interest to
both farmers and poultry specialists.

11

NOTES OF CORRESPONDENTS.

[Returned to us August 23.]

BERKSHIRE COUNTY.

Mount Washington (H. M. Weaver). — Indian corn is above
the average in condition. Rowen promises to be better than a
normal crop. Late potatoes promise better yields than early ones ;
no blight or rot. The prospect for pears and cranberries is good ;
for apples, fair ; no grapes or peaches. Pasturage is in good con-
dition. Oats are fully an average crop. There is very little in-
terest taken in poultry, and all the poultry products are consumed
on the farm.

Otis (S. H. Norton). — Indian corn has made a fair growth of
late, and is now looking well. Rowen will be an average crop.
There is general complaint of a light crop of potatoes ; no blight
or rot as yet. There will be very few apples in this section.
Pastures are in good condition for the time of year. Oats are a
light crop. Poultry raising is on the increase.

Tyringham (E. H. Slater). — Corn is looking well and will be
a good crop, but is late. Rowen looks well and promises an aver
age crop. Late potatoes are very small ; blight has appeared on a
few fields. The acreage of tobacco is fully up to former years,
and the crop is a good one and of good quality. Apples a light
crop ; pears quite plenty. Recent rains have helped pastures, and
they are looking well. Oats are a good crop ; very little barley
raised.

Washington (E. H. Eames). — Indian corn is in good condition.
The rowen crop does not promise very well. Late potatoes are an
average crop, with no blight or rot as yet. Apples will be a very
light crop. Pastures are not in very good condition, owing to the
drought. Oats are about an average crop.

Richmond (T. B. Salmon). — Corn promises an average crop.
Rowen will be a good crop. Pears will be about an average crop ;
other fruits, half crops. Pasturage is in very good condition, the
late wet weather having kept it growing. Oats are about a three-

12

fourths crop ; some pieces of barley very good, some very poor.
The interest in poultry remains about as formerly ; taken on an
average, the income from this source is not over 20 or 25 per cent
of that from the dairy. Cabbages are looking well. Buckwheat
looks well, but there is not as great an acreage as in former years.

Windsor (W. H. Tirrell). — Indian corn is not a very good
crop. The prospect for rowen is very good. There will be but
few apples or pears. Pasturage is in good condition. Oats and
barley have compared well with former years. The interest in
poultry is increasing, but the income derived from it is small.

Netv Ashforcl (Elihu Ingraham) . - Indian corn is in good con-
dition. The prospect for rowen is better than for some years.
Late potatoes are a very good crop, with no blight as yet. The
apple crop will be very light. Oats and barley were not half crops.
The interest taken in poultry is increasing, and I should judge the
income derived from it to be about one-sixth that derived from the
dairy.

Florida (E. D. Rice). — Corn looks well, is making a good
growth, and the ears are setting well. There will be a very good
crop of rowen where the first crop was cut early. Potato tops are
green and look well, but the tubers are not numerous ; no blight as
yet. Apples will be about a one-fourth crop, and pears and grapes
look well. The wet weather has caused an abundance of feed in
the pastures. Oats were about half a crop ; not much barley
grown. The interest in poultry remains about as formerly, and
the income from it is about one-tenth that from the dairy. The
month has been very wet, and some of our farmers are not through
haying yet.

FRANKLIN COUNTY.

Colrain (A. A. Smith). — Indian corn is in good condition.
The prospect for rowen is better than usual, owing to frequent
showers. Late potatoes promise well, and no blight or rot has
appeared. The acreage of tobacco has increased, and the crop
is in fine condition. Apples scarce ; pears abundant. Pastures
are in good condition. Oats and barley compare favorably with
former years. The interest taken in poultry is increasing, and the
income from it is greater than that from the dairy, according to
the capital invested.

Shelburne (G. E. Taylor). — Corn is growing finely, but much
of it will need another month of fine weather. The rowen crop
will be better than usual. There is no blight or rot on potatoes,
but they do not grow well, and the prospect is poor. No apples ;
plenty of pears. Pasturage is in first-class condition. Poultry

13

keeping is increasing somewhat, but I could not give the per-
centage of income derived from it.

Comvay (J. C. Newhall) . — Indian corn has made a very heavy
growth. The rowen crop is much above the average. Late pota-
toes appear to be a very light crop ; have noticed neither blight
nor rot. The acreage of tobacco is somewhat increased, and the
crop is looking finely now. Apples a very light crop ; pears and
grapes more plentiful. Pastures have been in very good condition
all summer. Oats and barley are hardly up to former years.
Every farmer keeps just about enough hens to supply himself with
poultry products.

Deerfield (Chas. Jones) . — Corn is in good condition, but is
rather late. Kowen will be a short crop, as the first crop was cut
very late. Potatoes are very small and still growing, but will give
a light crop. Acreage of tobacco slightly increased and crop good,
but some of it a little late ; harvesting begun ; no damage from
hail. Very few apples, pears, peaches or grapes. Pasturage is in
fair condition. Oats have proved a light crop. There is very little
poultry kept here.

Sunderland (J. M. J. Legate). — Corn never looked better; a
heavy growth of stover, and very heavily eared. Rowen will be
far above an average crop. Late potatoes a poor crop, but with
neither blight nor rot. The apple crop is very light ; no other
fruits raised for market. There is a large increase in the acreage
of tobacco, and the crop is looking very well. Pastures were never
in better condition at this season of the year. There is very little
interest taken in poultry, although it is slightly increasing ; every
farmer keeps a few hens, but there are very few who keep them at
a profit, — perhaps none.

Leverett (W. L. Bodtwell) . — Indian corn is in very good con-
dition. Rowen will be less than half a crop. Late potatoes will
be a very poor crop, but there is neither blight nor rot. Tobacco
has a larger acreage than usual, and an extra fine growth. The
prospect for fruit is good. Pasturage is in poor condition. In
general, very little interest is taken in poultry, a small flock left to
forage for themselves appearing to be the farmer's idea of profitable
poultry keeping.

Montague (C. S. Raymond). — Indian corn is in very good con-
dition. Rowen is rather better than an average crop, and is grow-
ing finely. Potato tops are still green and appear to be growing,
but there will probably be a light crop. Acreage of tobacco in-
creased ; growth fine and quality apparently good. Pastures are
in excellent condition. Oats and barley are not much grown. The
interest in poultry is not increasing to any great extent.

u

Erving (C. F. Clark). — Indian corn is an average crop.
Rowen promises to be a good crop. The prospect for late pota-
toes is fairly good, with neither blight nor rot as yet. Apples are
very scarce ; pears, grapes and cranberries good. Pasturage is
in good condition. Oats and barley are average crops. The in-
terest in poultry is not increasing, but the income derived from it
is about half that derived from the dairy.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.

Ware (J. H. Fletcher). — Corn is looking very well at the
present time. The prospect for rowen is good, as compared with
a normal crop. The prospect for late potatoes is good, with no
blight or rot so far. The prospect for fruit is not very good, as
compared with other years. Pasturage is in fair condition. Oats
and barley are about average crops. Poultry keeping is about the
same as in former years, both as to the interest taken and the in-
come derived from it.

Pelham (J, L. Brewer). — Indian corn has made a fine growth
and has a good color. Rowen promises a full normal crop. The
prospect for late potatoes is good, with neither blight nor rot.
There will be a light crop of all kinds of fruit. Pastures are in
fair condition. Oats were a light crop, because of the hot weather
in July. The interest taken in poultry is not increasing. More
money is invested in the dairy than in poultry, hence the income
derived from the dairy is greater ; but money invested in poultry
yields greater profits than that invested in the dairy. Fall tent
caterpillars are many and troublesome.

Granhy (Geo. A. Blish). — Corn is looking well, and is as for-
ward as could be expected, considering the late planting. Rowen
promises to be more than an average crop. There will be a fair
crop of pears and peaches, but very little other fruit. Pasturage
is in very good condition. Oats were all cut for green feed, and
were about an average crop. Our farmers are not much interested
in poultry, and the income from that source would be a very small
per cent of that from the dairy.

South Hadley (H. W. Gaylord) . — Indian corn is looking well
and bids fair to be more than an average crop, but is generally a
full week later than usual. The prospect for rowen is very poor,
as the fields burned after mowing, and no amount of rain later on
can repair the damage done. The potato crop is very discourag-
ing, as, while there are potatoes enough in the hill to give a fair
crop, they do not seem to grow as they should. Apples will be a
light crop ; peaches poor ; grapes good. Pastures are looking

15

finely, and give promise of an abundance of fall feed. In many
fields oats have rusted badly, and the straw has been short. The
interest in poultry is on the wane, principally because so many
summer eggs are held in cold storage for winter use that the prices
for strictly fresh winter eggs have fallen off.

Hatfield (Thaddeus Graves) . — Indian corn was never in bet-
ter condition than now. Rowen will be a little above an average
crop. The prospect for late potatoes is not flattering, though there
is little blight or rot. The acreage of tobacco is increased 10 per
cent, with the prospect for the crop fine. Pastures are in good
condition. No barley and few oats are raised. No interest is
taken in poultry by our farmers.

Williamsburg (F. C, Richards). — Indian corn is looking finely.
The prospect for rowen is good. Late potatoes are not an average
crop, but there is no blight or rot as yet. Acreage of tobacco
nearly the same as usual, but condition uneven. Apples light ;
pears a fair crop ; no peaches. Pasturage still holds good. Oats
were a good fair average crop. The interest in poultry is not in-
creasing, and hardly enough is kept to form an estimate as to the
income derived from it.

Cummington (S. W. Clark). — Indian corn has made a good
growth, but is a little late. Rowen is rather better than an aver-
age crop. The prospect for late potatoes is good, and no rot has
appeared. There will be very few apples ; other fruit not much
grown. Pasturage is in very good condition. Oats and barley
were normal crops. The income derived from poultry is but a
small per cent of that from the dairy, and the interest taken in
poultry is not increasing.

Huntington (H. W. Stickney) . — Corn has made a great growth,
and is looking finely. The prospect for rowen is very good. Late
potatoes have commenced to rot on wet land. Fruit of all kinds
will be a very light crop. Pastures are in very good condition,
and the frequent showers have started up the feed. As a general
thing, oats and barley are not as good crops as usual. Never
knew so many chickens to be raised in one year in this town as
there have been this year.

HAMPDEN COUNTY.

Tolland (E. M. Moore) . — Indian corn is not quite up to the
average, and is ten days late. Rowen will be a light crop. Pota-
toes will give a small crop, but neither blight nor rot has appeared.
Apples are not bearing this year; grapes and cranberries are
plenty. Feed is getting short in pastures. Oats and barley will
not be quite average crops.

16

Blanclford (E. "W. Boise). — Indian corn is a good crop, but
fully two weeks late. The prospect for rowen is fairly good. Late
potatoes have improved in the past ten days, and the crop should
be fair ; neither blight nor rot has appeared. Virtually no apples ;
pears about 80 per cent of a crop ; few peaches or cranberries.
Pastures are fully up to the average, the recent rains having given
them new life. Oats and barley are about 80 per cent of a normal
crop.

Russell (E. D. Parks) . — Corn is in very good condition. Rowen
is a full average crop, and above the average on some farms. Po-
tatoes are improving, but a light crop is expected. Fruit of all
kinds will give a very small crop this season. Pastures are in
very good condition for the season of the year. Oats and barley
are up to the usual average. I think the interest in poultry is in-
creasing, and that the income derived from it is fully one-fourth
that from the dairy.

West Springfield (J. N. Bagg). — Corn is in good condition.
Rowen never looked better than at present. The potato tops are
green and the tubers are growing ; no blight or rot as yet. Acre-
age of tobacco increased, and condition of crop promising. Apples
light ; pears abundant ; other fruits scanty. Pasturage is in very
good condition. The interest in poultry is increasing among our
farmers. Weeds have been unusually rampant, and those who
have conquered them have done so at large cost. Pole beans are
a partial failure, the leaves being spotted and the pods few.

Longmeadow (W. F. Emerson). Indian corn has grown well
and is ripening slowly. The weather has been very favorable for
the rowen crop. Late potatoes promise much better than the early
ones ; no blight or rot as yet. Very little tobacco raised here, and
no change to note. The prospect is good for all kinds of fruit,
with this drawback, that large crops sometimes produce small
fruit. Pasturage continues in good condition. Oats are a very
small crop, and short straw ; evidently the weather has been too
warm. The interest in poultry is apparently increasing in every
direction in comparative ways, though not generally in the way of
large plants which are made the principal business of the farm.

Hampden (J. N. Isham). — Corn has made a rapid growth and
is earing well. A good crop of rowen is in prospect on early cut
land. Late potatoes promise well ; tops ripening a little early,
but no real blight or rot. Apples short supply, pears good and
peaches extra. Pastures are holding out green and are still grow-
ing. Oats and barley are average crops. The interest in poultry
is increasing, and the income derived from it is nearly one-tenth
that from the dairy.

17

Wales (C. F. Crawb'Ord). — Corn looks well, but I think the
stover will be better than the grain. Hay was cut late, which
makes the rowen crop short. The yield of potatoes is light; no
rot as yet. Apples are rather a light crop ; all other fruits bear
heavily. Pasturage is never worth much at this time of the year.
Oats and barley will make about average crops. There is not
much interest taken in poultry ; income derived from it perhaps
15 per cent that from the dairy. Buckwheat is quite a common
crop, and is doing well.

WORCESTER COUNTY.

Dudley (J. J. Giles). — Indian corn is growing nicely, but is
ten to fourteen days late. The rowen crop started unusually early
and it will undoubtedly exceed the normal. Late potatoes are a
fortnight late, and will give a good crop if there is no frost until
late in September ; no blight or rot as yet. Pears, grapes and
cranberries are full crops ; apples a failure. Pasturage is in good
condition. Oats are short in straw and somewhat rusty. The in-
terest in poultry is not increasing.

Broo^e?d (F. E. Prodty). Corn is in good condition. Rowen
promises a good crop. There is no blight or rot on potatoes, but
the prospect is for a light crop. Apples but few ; pears good ;
grapes good ; cranberries few. Pasturage is in quite good condi-
tion. Oats and barley are not more than half crops. The interest
in poultry is increasing, but the income is not one-tenth that from
the dairy.

West Brookfield (L. H. Chamberlain). — Indian corn is in good
condition. Rowen will be a full normal crop. Late potatoes
promise a light crop ; very little blight and no rot. Apples a very
light crop ; pears and grapes plenty ; peaches light. Pasturage is
in first-class condition. Oats for forage are a good crop. The
interest in poultry is not increasing with our farmers, and the in-
come from it is much less than that from the dairy.

Neio Braintree (C. D. Sage). — Corn is doing well. The pros-
pect is that there will be a fair crop of rowen. Have not noticed
blight or rot on potatoes, but the crop is poor. Apples very few ;
pears a fair <?rop ; no peaches ; grapes a poor crop. Pastures are
in very good condition for the time of year. Oats and barley
are fair crops, but hardly an average yield ; mostly cut for fodder.
There is rather less interest taken in poultry than formerly.

Petersham (S. B. Cook). — Indian corn is a little late, but is
making a good growth of stalk and the ears are filling well. There
will be a full normal crop of rowen. The prospect is good for late

18

potatoes, with no blight or rot as yet. Apples very few ; pears
and grapes fair crops. Pastures are in excellent condition. Oats
are lighter than usual ; barley about an average crop. The inter-
est in poultry is not increasing, but the income from it is about
one-fourth that from the dairy.

Templeton (Lucien Gove) . — Corn is uneven and somewhat
later than usual, with the later planted the best. A fair crop of
rowen is in sight, — better than for two years. Potatoes a light
crop, with few in the hill ; no blight or rot as yet. Apples are
very light ; some pears ; no peaches ; grapes fair. The condition
of pasturage is quite good for the season. Oats and barley are
light crops and very uneven. The interest in poultry is increasing
to some extent, and the income from that source is probably 30
per cent of that from the dairy.

Ashhurnham (E. D. Gibson). — Indian corn is but little behind
an average season, and is growing finely. With plenty of rain,
there will be three-fourths of a normal crop of rowen. The pros-
pect for late potatoes is much better than a month ago ; no blight
or rot. Apples very poor ; pears good ; no peaches ; grapes good ;
cranberries good. Pasturage is in fair condition, but will soon
need rain. All grain crops are much below the average. I do not
think farmers keep more poultry than they did five years ago;
could not say what proportion income from poultry bears to that
from the dairy, but it is less.

Bolton (H. E. Babcock). — Corn is looking well, and will give
a full average crop. There is prospect of a good crop of rowen.
Late potatoes promise well ; no blight or rot as yet. Very few
winter apples ; pears plenty, also grapes ; not many cranberries.
Pastures are in very good condition. Oats and barley are light
crops. The interest in poultry is not increasing, and the income
from it is very small compared to that from the dairy, though it
may be as large for the money invested.

Northhorough (J. K. Mills). — Corn is growing well, but will
be late. The prospect is that the rowen crop will be larger than
that of last year. Late potatoes promise well ; no blight or rot.
Apples will be a light crop ; other fruits good. Pastures are extra
good for the time of year. Oats and barley are rather light crops.
The interest in poultry is increasing, and the income is about .'30
per cent of that from the dairy.

Worcester (H. R. Kinney). — Indian corn has made a very rank
growth, but is late about earing. The rowen crop will be fully up
to the average. Late potatoes look finely ; some blight, but no
rot as yet. Apples are very poor ; pears and peaches good ;
grapes fair. Pasturage is in good condition for the season. The

19

acreage of oats and barley is very small, and barnyard millet is
being tried as a substitute. There has been an increase in the
poultry business this season, the use of incubators being more
popular than ever before ; and, while the hatch was not good,
there are more chickens than usual. The income derived from it
is probably more than one-fourth that from the dairy.

Millbury (Herbert McCracken). — Corn is a very good crop
in this vicinity. Rowen is better than usual. The prospect for
late potatoes is very poor, and blight has been noticed. Apples
poor ; pears good ; peaches, grapes and cranberries fair. Pastur-
age is in very good condition, the best for years. Oats and barley
are very light crops. The interest in poultry is not increasing
among our farmers.

Hopedale (Delano Patrick). — Indian corn is looking remark-
ably well, though it is rather backward. The prospect for rowen
is uncommonly good. Late potatoes are but few in the hill and
small, though the tops look well ; no blight or rot as yet. The
prospect was never so poor for apples, but grapes look well.
Pastures are in first-rate condition. The interest in poultry is
about the same as usual, and the income derived from it very much
less than that from the dairy.

Uxhridge (Augustus Story). — Corn is two weeks late, but
looks well and will yield a fair crop. Rowen is not up to a nor-
mal crop. The prospect for late potatoes is fair, and there is but
little blight or rot. No apples ; pears, peaches and grapes a good
yield. Pasturage is not up to the normal in condition. Oats and
barley are good crops. There is no increase in the interest in
poultry, and the income from the dairy is a third greater than that
from poultry. Our crops are late, and early frosts would be dis-
astrous.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

Marlborough (E. D. Howe) . — Indian corn has caught up with
the season. Rowen is 25 per cent above a normal crop. Late
potatoes look well now, and blight is not prevalent. Apples 10
per cent of a full crop ; pears, 50 per cent ; peaches, 50 per cent ;
grapes, 100 per cent. While fed close, pasturage is green and
growing. Oats and barley are both very light crops. The interest
in poultry remains as usual ; some farmers derive all their income
from poultry, others little or none ; perhaps 25 per cent of the
income from the dairy would be a fair estimate for all the farmers
in town.

Ashland (Chas. E. Adams). — Indian corn is in good condi-
tion. Not much rowen will be cut. The prospect for late potatoes

20

is poor ; no blight or rot as yet. Pears and grapes will give good
crops ; other fruits poor. Pasturage is in good condition. The
interest in poultry is not increasing, but there has always been a
good interest taken, and the income from it is probably twice that
from the dairy.

Maynard (L. H. Maynard). — Corn looks well and promises a
full crop. The rowen crop will be above the normal. Potato
vines look remarkably well, but the crop seems uncertain, although
the tubers are growing well now ; no blight or rot. Pears, peaches,
grapes and cranberries are full crops ; apples poor, and early
varieties a complete failure. Pastures are in good condition, owing
to the abundant rains. Oats for fodder were a failure in many
cases, being of small growth. Poultry raising in this section is
not increasing ; although most farmers keep a few hens, there are
no poultry raisers who make a specialty of it.

Pepperell (P. J. Kemp). — Indian corn is making a very rapid
growth, and if frost holds off there will be more than an average
crop. Most fields are covered with a heavy crop of rowen. Late
potatoes look like a light crop, there being but few in a hill.
Apples a very light crop ; pears fair ; peaches light ; grapes fair.
Frequent showers have kept the pastures in very fair condition.
Oats and barley are about average crops. The interest in poultry^
is increasing, and the profit is double that to be made in dairying.
Tewkshury (G. E. Crosby). — Indian corn is in good condition.
Rowen is looking better than for the last two years. Blight is
apparent in some fields of potatoes, with a slight tendency to rot.
Apples scarce ; pears good ; no peaches ; grapes plenty ; cran-
berries fair. Pastures are in good condition. Oats and barley
for forage are very good crops. Poultry raising seems to be
nearly a failure here this year, and the interest is certainly not
increasing ; not much profit in either the dairy or poultry.

Bedford (Henry Wood). — Corn is in very good condition.
A good crop of rowen is looked for, and it is now looking well.
No blight or rot has appeared on potatoes. There are no apples
of any amount ; a few early ones only. Pasturage is in very
good condition. Oats and barley are not as good crops as usual.
There is considerable interest in poultry, but not as much as in
the dairy.

Concord (Wm. H. Hunt). — Corn looks very well, but there is
some complaint of smut. There will be a good crop of rowen.
Potatoes will be a light crop, but have not noticed blight or rot.
Winter apples very light ; no peaches ; fair crop of pears. Pastur-
age is in very good condition. Oats and barley are fair crops.

21

There is no increase in poultry growing, and the income derived
from it is small. The set of fruit on tomatoes is very light and
the vines very rank. Squashes are doing fairly, and melons the
same.

Bxirlington (C. E. Marion). — The prospect for rowen is fair.
Late potatoes look well, but the early crop blighted somewhat.
The prospect for apples is poor ; pears light ; no peaches ; grapes
light ; cranberries light. Pastures are in good condition. Oats
are not a heavy crop, but barley looks well. There is not much
interest in poultry, except with a very few. All vegetables look
finely except squashes, which are poor compared with former
years.

Wakefield (Chas. Talbot). — Indian corn never looked better,
although it will be a little later than usual. The prospect for
rowen is better than for years. Potatoes are not as good a crop
aa for some years past. No apples or peaches ; pears, grapes and
cranberries in abundance. Pasturage was never in better condi-
tion. Oats and barley are about the usual crops, except that oats
have rusted badly. The interest in poultry is increasing, and
more money is made in it, considering the money invested, than
in any other stock.

Stoneham (J. E. Wilet). — There is not much Indian corn
raised in town, but what there is looks well. Rowen will be a
good crop. Late potatoes are a poor crop. Apples poor ; pears
fair; grapes good. Pastures are above the average in condition.
But little if any oats and barley are raised. I do not think the
interest of our farmers in poultry is increasing, and they differ
in opinion as to the profit to be derived from it.

Weston (H. L. Brown). — Corn is in good condition. There
will be a good crop of rowen on all early cut fields. There is no
blight on potatoes as yet ; the vines look well, with but few tubers.
No winter apples ; pears and peaches good crops ; no cranberries
and but few grapes grown. Pastures are in very good condition
when not overstocked. Oats and barley are not grown except as
a fodder crop. The interest in poultry is about the same from
year to year ; a few make poultry a business, but the income from
it is only a small fraction of that from the dairy.

ESSEX COUNTY.

Amesbury (F. W. Sargent) . — Acreage of corn small and con-
dition fair ; probably an average crop. Rowen is very good, and
some is being cut now. Potato tops look well, but the tubers are

22

few and small as yet. There will be very little fruit excepting
grapes, which are good. Frequent showers keep pasturage grow-
ing, and it is in very good condition. Oats and barley are not
grown except for fodder, and are fair crops. This is a good poul-
try section, and profits compare favorably with those from dairy
products.

Groveland (Abel Stickney). — Indian corn is looking finely,
but is late, and will need an open fall to ripen well. Rowen is
more than an average crop. The prospect for late potatoes is
good, with no blight or rot as yet. Apples very poor; pears
good; peaches not great; grapes average. Pasturage is not
very good, but better than an average year. Oats and barley
are all cut green. Poultry raising is not increasing very fast,
but the profit from it is 25 per cent greater than from the average
dairy herd.

Andover (M. H. Gould) . — Indian corn is looking well. Rowen
is a third more than a normal crop. The prospect for late potatoes
is very poor. Fall apples fair, no winter apples ; heavy crop of
pears ; no peaches or grapes ; cranberries good. Pasturage is in
good condition. Oats and barley are good average crops. The
interest in poultry is increasing, but the income of the majority of
our farmers is mainly from the dairy.

Topsfield (B. P. Pike). — Indian corn is looking well, and will
be a full crop. There will be some rowen, but not a full crop.
There is no blight on potatoes, and they are growing well. No
apples, peaches or cranberries, but some pears. Pastures are in
fair condition. Oats and barley are not raised for grain. The
interest in poultry is not increasing, and the income derived from
it is only about 8 per cent of that from the dairy.

Wenham (N. P. Perkins). — Corn is not much raised, but
what there is, is in fair condition. On early cut, well-manured
fields there will be a fair crop of rowen ; not much on late cut
fields, but more than last year. Potatoes are a poor crop and
there is some complaint of rot, though not much as yet. No
apples ; pears average ; but few peach trees ; not enough cran-
berries to be of any account. Pastures are in fair condition, but
milch cows are fed largely at the barn. I do not think the poultry
business is increasing any, and the income is not more than one-
fifth that from the dairy. Squashes are almost a complete failure,
the vines having died. Onions are doing well. Carrots are small
and poor, and cabbages are already showing some signs of blight.

Danvers (C. H. Preston). — Indian corn is in good condition.
Rowen will be a very good crop. Late potatoes are not promis-
ing, but there is no blight as yet. No apples ; pears a full crop ;

23

no peaches ; grapes average. Pastures are in good condition.
Oats and barley are good crops for forage. The interest in poul-
try is increasing with our farmers,

NORFOLK COUNTY.

Avon (S. F. Oliver). — Indian corn is but little raised except
for fodder. Rowen is doing well, and promises an extra good
crop. Late potatoes look well, without signs of blight or rot.
The fruit crop as a whole is unusually light. Pasturage is in good
condition, rather better than common. Nearly all our farmers
keep poultry, and more attention is paid to raising high-grade
birds for exhibition than to market poultry.

Canton (E. V. Kingsley). — Indian corn is in very good con-
dition, and, is growing very fast. Rowen will be a large crop.
Late potatoes are looking good, and are growing very fast ; some
rot has appeared recently. Apples very short ; pears, peaches,
grapes and cranberries good. Pasturage is in excellent condition.
Oats very poor; barley good. There is some increase of interest
in poultry, but the per cent of income from it is small, as dairying
is the principal occupation of our farmers.

Millis (E. F. Richardson) . — Indian corn is in good first-class
condition. Rowen will be a good big crop. Late potatoes will be
a fair crop if blight does not affect them. Pears, peaches and
grapes plenty ; apples and cranberries few. Pasturage is in excel-
lent condition. Oats and barley are fair crops. The interest in
poultry is increasing, but the income from dairy products is away
ahead of that from poultry.

Medioay (Monroe Morse). — Corn is in very good condition.
Rowen promises to be a good crop. Potatoes have made an ab-
normal growth this year, but up to the present time it is mostly
tops, and what tubers there are have a tendency to be knobby.
There are almost no apples, but pears, peaches and grapes are
good crops. Pastures are in unusually good condition. Oats and
barley are grown only for fodder.

FranMin (C. M. Allen). — Corn is backward, but is looking
very strong and healthy. Rowen will be more than an average
crop. There is some blight on potatoes, and the tubers are few to
the hill. Apples few ; pears light ; peaches good ; grapes medium ;
cranberries look well. Pastures are in the best condition for a
number of years. Oats and barley are average crops. The interest
in poultry is increasing, and the income from it is better than that
from the dairy.

Foxborough (E. A. Morse). — Indian corn never looked finer.

24

The rowen crop is above the average. Late potatoes will be a
good crop, with no blight or rot as yet. Apples a small crop ;
pears, peaches and graphs good ; also cranberries. Pasturage is
in good condition for the time of year. Oats and barley for hay
are not yielding as well as usual.

BRISTOL COUNTY.

Norton (Wm. A. Lake). — Indian corn is in good condition.
Rowen looks well, and there is the prospect of a good crop.
Potatoes are a failure in this section. There will be a light crop
of all kinds of fruit. Pasturage is in fair condition. Oats are a
failure, and there is no barley raised. I think that the interest in
poultry keeping is increasing among our farmers.

Attleborough (Isaac Alger) . — Indian corn is in full average
condition. Rowen promises to give an average crop. There are
not many potatoes, either early or late. No apples ; pears plenty ;
grapes fair ; cranberries a small crop. Oats are a poor crop. Not
much interest is taken in poultry. Dry weather and fire worms
have injured the cranberry crop very much.

Westport (A. S. Sherman). — Indian corn is in very good con-
dition. There is a large crop of rowen. Potatoes are drying up
rapidly because of blight, and some rot has appeared. Apples are
a small crop ; pears plenty ; peaches and grapes plenty ; cranberries
very few. Pastures are in very good condition. Oats have been
a failure, and barley is not much raised. The interest in poultry
is increasing, and the income from it is one-third that from the
dairy. Cabbages and turnips are doing well.

Dartmouth (L. T. Davis) . — Corn has made a very rapid growth
during the past month, and is nearly up to the normal. Rowen is
not quite as promising as in some years. The prospect for pota-
toes is very poor in this section. Apples one-fourth of a crop;
pears 80 per cent; peaches 90 per cent; grapes 100 per cent.
Pasturage is rather short, unless we use mowings. Oats and barley
are much less than average crops. Poultry keeping is rather on the
increase, and the income from it perhaps one-third that from the
dairy.

Acushnet (M. S. Douglas). — Corn is in good condition.
Rowen is just an average crop, the weather having been too dry
for its best development. Potatoes are poor and rotting badly,
with much blight also. Few apples and peaches ; plenty of pears,
grapes and cranberries. Pastures are in fairly good condition.
Poor crop of oats and barley. More people are going into poultry
raising every year, and I think there is more money received from
poultry and eggs in this town than for dairy products.

25

PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

Hingham (G. P. Low). — Indian corn looks well, but is from
seven to ten days late. Rowen promises to be a large crop. Late
potatoes are growing well ; no rot reported. No apples of any
account ; pears and plums abundant ; some peaches ; grapes good.
Pasturage unusually good in this vicinity. Oats and barley have
done poorly. Poultry products far exceed dairy products in this
locality. The farmers here are largely increasing their poultry
establishments, many making poultry their exclusive business.
Large brooder houses are being erected every season, and the busi-
ness appears to be fairly profitable.

Hanson' (Dr. E. S. Thomas). — Corn is in good condition.
The prospect for rowen is more than normal. Potatoes are small,
with the prospect of blight. Fruit of all kinds will be poor. Past-
urage is in excellent condition. Oats and barley are not much
raised. The interest in poultry is not increasing. Outlook for
pumpkins and squashes poor. Grand crop of summer garden
stuff.

Duxhury (S. P. Soule). — Corn is looking well. Rowen will
be rather better than usual. Potato tops are looking extra well,
but some fields within a few days show signs of blight ; no rot as
yet. Apples scarce ; pears, peaches and cranberries fully up to
the average ; grapes affected by mildew. Pastures are in good
condition. Oats and barley are good crops. The interest in
poultry is not increasing to any extent, but the value of the prod-
ucts is about equal to that of those of the dairy.

Kingston (Geo. L. Churchill). — Corn is in fair condition.
Rowen will be a very fair crop. The prospect for late potatoes is
fair, and there is some blight. There will be a very small crop of
apples ; pears and cranberries fair. Pastures are in very good
condition. Oats have been a good crop. The poultry business is
increasing yearly, and seems to be quite profitable for those who
make a study of it.

Bridgewater (Rowland Cass) . — Indian corn is later than usual,
but is in good condition. Owing to the lateness of cutting the first
crop, rowen will be light. Potatoes will not be as good as the
tops would indicate ; some blight and a small amount of rot.
Apples poor and pears good. Pasturage is in good condition.
Oats and barley are very light crops. The interest in poultry is
not increasing.

Lakeville (N. G. Staples). — Indian corn is in good condition.
There is a fair prospect for rowen. The prospect for late pota-
toes is poor, with no blight or rot. There are few apples ; pears

26

fair ; no peaches ; grapes plenty. Pastures are getting rather dry.
The poultry business is about the some as in years back.

BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

Bourne (D. D. Nye). — Indian corn is in very good condition.
Rowen promises to be a very good crop. The prospect for late
potatoes is poor ; no blight or rot, but some damage from white
grubs. Apple crop almost a failure ; pears quite plenty ; some
grapes ; one-fourth crop of cranberries. Pasturage looks finely.
Oats and barley are very good crops ; none raised for grain.
Poultry keeping is not increasing, but the income from it is about
equal to that of the dairy.

i^/as/ipee (W. F. Hammond). — Corn is above the average in
condition. Rowen will be about an average crop. Late potatoes
bid fair to be an average crop, with no blight or rot as yet. Ap-
ples, pears and peaches one-third crops ;. grapes and cranberries
half crops. Pastures are above the average in condition. Oats
are half a crop. The poultry business is increasing, and the in-
come from it is about one-half that from the dairy.

Barnstable (John Bdrsley) . — Corn is in good condition.
Rowen will be three-fourths of a normal crop. Blight is noticed
on some potato fields. Apples are a very light crop ; pears fair ;
peaches light ; grapes and cranberries very good. Pastures are in
good condition. Oats are nearly a failure ; no barley grown.
Poultry farming increases rather than decreases, and the income
from it is two-thirds that from the dairy.

Dennis (Joshua Crowell). — Indian corn is in good condition.
Rowen will be a full average crop. Late potatoes look well, with
no blight or rot as yet. Apples scarce ; pears average ; cranber-
ries small crop. Pasturage is in very good condition. Oats have
compared well with former years. The interest in poultry is in-
creasing, and the income from it is nearly equal to that from the
dairy.

Orleans (F. E. Snow). — Indian corn is in good condition.
Rowen will be a fairly good crop. Potatoes are looking quite well,
with no unusual amount of blight or rot. Fruit in general will be
rather a scant crop. Pastures are in quite good condition. Oats
are a poor crop. There is more poultry keeping than farming in
town, and many are doing well. I think the interest increases,
and far more money comes in from poultry products than from
dairy products.

Wellfleet (E. S. Jacobs). — Corn is in favorable condition, and
promises to be a very good crop. Rowen is more than an average

27

crop, and promises a good supply. Potatoes are below .the aver-
age ; no blight or rot as yet. The prospect for apples is very
poor ; pears more plentiful ; peaches rotting on the trees ; cran-
berries very plenty. Pasturage is very good for the time of year.
There seems to be but a slight increase in poultry, but it stands
very much in advance of the dairy as a source of income.

DUKES COUNTY.

West Tisbury (Geo. Hunt Luce). — Indian corn is in very good
condition. Rowen will be a poor crop. The prospect for late
potatoes is poor, but blight or rot have not appeared. Apples
poor ; pears and grapes average. Pasturage is in good condition.
Oats and barley are less than average crops. The interest in
poultry is not increasing, but the value of the products is about
equal to that of those from the dairy.

28

BULLETIN OF

Massachusetts Board of Agriculture.

POULTRY KEEPING AS A PRINCIPAL FEATURE OF
DIVERSIFIED FARMING.

By John H. Robinson, Editor of "■ Farni Poultry," Boston, Mass.

In the issue of the crop report for August, 1900, Dr. A. A.
Brigham very concisely and plainly presented the elementary facts
in regard to poultry keeping on the farm.

When I was asked to prepare an article for this issue on some
supplementary line, two good reasons for discussing the rela-
tions of poultry keeping and other branches of agricultural work
at once presented themselves to my mind. In the first place, the
need of such discussion — the advantage to farm poultry keepers
of a proper presentation of the facts in the case — has been very
forcibly impressed upon me by what I have seen in the course of
a series of visits to poultry farms, extending over some four years*
time, and including farms in many sections of the country, but
mostly in eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In the sec-
ond place, I had recently given a great deal of thought to this
subject, and therefore felt better able to present it at short notice.
Whether my judgment on this last point was good, or the reverse
of good, the reader must determine.

POULTRTMAN OR FARMER POULTRYMAN.

It has been a serious and too common error of poultry farmei's
in recent years that they have made themselves poultry men, and
nothing more. Many have gone even further in the wrong way,
and have tried to make of themselves specialists in a single branch
of poultry keeping. With a few notable exceptions, those who
have limited their effort to narrow special lines have not made

29

their operations with poultry financially successful. Single, sep-
arate branches of poultry culture have rarely been made profitable
as all-year-round exclusive occupations. It is worth while to note
and remember this, because some very plausible arguments in
favor of extreme specialization in poultry culture are sometimes
advanced, and their partial presentation of the facts is often so
alluring that many people are persuaded into doing what is soon
found to be unprofitable.

When a man who knows little or nothing about poultry and as
little about growing farm crops writes to ask me if it is possible
for him to stock a farm with poultry, conduct it as a poultry farm,
and at the same time produce on the farm the food for the poultry,
I answer most emphatically that it is not, — not for him. When a
good poultryman who is no farmer asks a similar question, I do not
feel warranted to encourage him to try to do more, at first, than
grow a part of the food for the fowls, preferably such things as cab-
bage, mangels, turnips, grain to be fed in the sheaf, not attempt-
ing the growing of grain crops on a large scale until he is more
sure of his ground. But the case of the farmer engaging in or
extending operations in poultry keeping is quite different. He is
generally somewhat of an expert in crop growing, and, even
though he may not have given special attention to poultry culture
before, is apt to be pretty well grounded in general methods of
caring for live stock. He, therefore, is in a position to begin at
once to combine poultry keeping with his other farming.

Methods of Poultry Keeping Compared.
It was a surprise and something of a disappointment to me,
coming from a western State, to find so many of the farmers of
New England who were giving special attention to poultry adopt-
ing the back-yard methods of the city poultry keeper, thus throw-
ing away some of the positive advantages the farm offers the
poultry keeper, and taking instead the doubtful advantages of
modern intensive methods of poultry culture. I would not be
understood as decrying these intensive methods. They are good
methods, — under some conditions they may be the best methods ;
but they are not — except when greatly modified (that is, when
less intense) — good methods for the farmer, and I do not think
they are the best methods of poultry keeping. And, while it is
true that many special poultry growers have succeeded with poul-
try, while neglecting the crop-producing possibilities of their farms
and buying practically all food for their fowls, the experience of
those who grow a part or all of their food convinces me that such
a combination is to be the favorite combination including poultry

30

keeping. I find, too, that a majority of the progressive poultry
farmers of my acquaintance are working toward this combination.

The possibilities in this combination will, perhaps, come out
more clearly if we review briefly the conditions of poultry culture
in that wjde area of the central west which produces a large sur-
plus of poultry products, and indicate some of the most striking
points of contrast between western farm methods and the inten-
sive methods which obtain in towns everywhere and on many
eastern poultry farms. There are many other eastern farms where
distinctively farm methods are in vogue, but in the west we find
them more nearly universal, and find almost nothing of the inten-
sive method outside of the towns.

The farm flock of laying hens ranges in numbers from 50 or 60
to 250 or 300, 100 to 150 being perhaps the usual numbers for
average farms. The annual crop of chickens will range from 100
to 150, up to 400 or 500, 200 to 300 being perhaps a fair average.

The points of present interest in regard to the handling of these
flocks are : That the labor of caring for them rarely interferes to
any serious extent with the other work of the farm, being per-
formed either by women, in the intervals taken from housework,
by children, or by the men as a part of the " chores." The stock
is not allowed to become so numerous that the care of it becomes
burdensome. That the fowls, both old and young, pick the greater
part of their living, subsisting mainly on food obtained by forag-
ing, and which would otherwise be wasted. What salable food is
fed them is not expensive, the actual cost of it being only the cost
of production.

Under such conditions the receipts from poultry products are
almost clear profit. In many cases, considering that the eggs and
poultry consumed by the family pay for salable food consumed by
the fowls and for labor, the total receipts are profit. In few cases
is there any cash outlay worth mentioning on account of the
poultry ; so that, even with a low rate of production of eggs and
with heavy losses of chicks, there is not a loss which the poultry
keeper feels, — a loss which drains his pocket-book.

Compare and contrast such conditions with those which obtain
under intensive methods, where as many as 400 hens may be kept
on an acre of land, and where five to ten acres is considered ample
room for several thousand head of young stock. In the case sup-
posed the poultryman buys all food. The consumption of food by
the laying hen goes right on, whether she is producing eggs or
not. A few thousand head of young stock may consume hundreds
of dollars worth of food before any of them are ready for market.
Under such circumstances the poultryman must either have capital

31

sufficient to carry his stock through unproductive periods, or must
work and plan to secure in some way sufficient income to pay cur-
rent expenses. Failing at these points, he must ultimately go out
of the business. If he has stock enough to take all his time, that
prevents his making a few dollars elsewhere when the dollars from
poultry are not coming in, thus making him wholly dependent
upon his poultry for an income and a living. His crowded stock
requires, proportionately, far more labor to keep it healthy and
productive than does stock kept under the half-natural conditions
on the general farm. It must produce better to pay for the food
he buys for it and for his labor, and he must strain every nerve
to avoid losses, for every chick or fowl lost must directly or in-
directly be paid for in cash. No exclusive poultry business could
stand such a percentage of loss as occurs on the average farm.

With sufficient capital and ability, many persons have made a
success of poultry keeping by intensive methods. No doubt some
succeed this way who would not succeed if they attempted to com-
bine poultry keeping with farming. But that does not prove that
it is the best way or the most profitable for the greatest number
of poultry keepers ; and the present evident reaction from in-
tensive methods furnishes good evidence that those who have
tested them have often found them wanting. Poultry keeping
readily enters into combination with almost every branch of
agriculture, and the attempt to keep it entirely separate generally
does violence to its development along natural lines.

Leaks in Exclusive Poultry Keeping.

It has been said that poultry keeping is readily combined with
almost any branch of agriculture. It may also be said that
poultry keeping naturally combines with several branches of
agriculture. When one undertakes to limit his effort to an ex-
clusive poultry business, he is likely to find that there are some
very practical objections to that course, and that circumstances
combine to force him to engage in several side lines of work.

Fowls must have shade. Fruit trees and vines planted in the
yards will furnish shade, and will grow and bear better than under
almost any other conditions. So, almost without thinking about
it, many poultry men drift into fruit growing on a small scale.

A large stock of fowls makes in the course of a year a great
deal of very valuable manure, the greater part of which is lost to
the poultry keeper, unless applied to crop-producing land on the
same farm. The night droppings, which can easily be collected
and kept in condition to sell, constitute but a small part of the
manure made. The most of it falls either on the earth floor of

32

the poultry house, there to be mixed with the sand or earth of the
floor, or with this and the broken leaves, straw or other material
used for litter, or is deposited on the ground on which the fowls
run outside. None of this manure is salable, but every bit of it
can be utilized. Moreover, if it is not utilized, it will sooner or
later poison the land wherever, deposits of it are very abundant,
making it unfit for poultry and often causing disease and loss to
such an extent that the poultry ceases to be profitable. Whether
a poultry keeper makes use of the manure or not, he must take
care that it shall not remain in such places or in such condition
that it is a danger and a menace to the health of the fowls. The
rough of the droppings on the floor of the poultry house must be
removed at frequent intervals, and once a year, at least, the earth
floor must be removed to a depth of four or five inches, and re-
newed. Labor is required to thus renew the floors of the houses
yearly ; and if the soil taken out is not utilized, or is used simply
as so much rubbish to fill a hole or ditch, the cost of this labor
must be paid for directly out of the cash receipts. If this soil,
saturated and thoroughly mixed as it is with hen manure, can be
applied as a top-dressing to grass land, its value for this purpose
will more than compensate, in the increase of the next year's hay
crop, for all the labor of renovating the floors. Of course this
soil is useful for many other crops, but I have mentioned this one
as that to which it is most generally applied. I have seen on
farms in this State pieces of mowing land heavily dressed year
after year with hen manure and soil from the poultry houses and
yards, when the annual cut was sometimes as high as four and
five tons per acre.

The droppings deposited outdoors are to be considered next.
When hens are kept in small yards, these have to be treated much
as the floors of the houses are. Even with much larger yards,
something must be done to purify the soil. If the yard, though
not very small, is not large enough to be kept permanently in
grass, frequent spadings are necessary to keep it in habitable con-
dition ; and these mere spadings or stirrings of the soil, while they
improve it, do not put it in perfect condition. Nothing will do
that like growing a crop on it. If the yard is large enough to be
kept in permanent sod, but still so small or so heavily stocked
that every part of it is trampled over by the fowls many times a
day, the condition is not much better ; the sod, undisturbed from
year to year, becomes poisoned as the bare earth would, and the
common result is a slow poisoning and slow but sure deterioration
of the poultry stock, even when conditions are not bad enough to
produce malignant disease.

33

In the localities in this State where soft roasters are grown ex-
tensively for the Boston market, intensive methods are necessarily
pursued ; but the strictest care is taken to prevent poisoning of
the ground over which the chickens run each year. After a crop
of chickens is all sold, — the last of them generally going to
market in July, — the fences are all removed and the whole plot
of ground occupied by the yards is plowed deep and sowed to
winter rye. Thus the ground is thoroughly cleansed each year,
and at the same time the work of purifying it is paid for by the
crop of green rye, which furnishes green food to the next crop of
chickens.

So far we have not considered the manure from the young stock
grown for laying and breeding purposes. A considerable part of
this, deposited in coops, brooders and brooder runs, must be han-
dled like that of the general stock collected from the houses or de-
posited in the yards. But, to secure the best possible development
of the growing chicks, they must be given good, clean range from
the weaning age until maturity. It is possible to give them such
range on ground that is not productive. They will do well on
light sandy or gravelly soil that is washed clean of their droppings
by every heavy rain. They will do well on a field so full of
boulders that it can neither be tilled nor mowed. But the loss of
manure under such conditions is considerable, and it is an absolute
loss. Besides, while chicks do well on such land as has been de-
scribed, they do as well or better on good grass land ; and, as
chickens grown for stock or laying purposes are rarely large
enough to be distributed over a range in roosting coops until about
haying time, it is possible to use the same land to grow a crop of
grass, and after that as a range for chicks, and thus utilize on
this land every bit of the manure they make during the season, it
being spread thinly and quite evenly on the land as the chickens
range over it. Running chickens on this land prevents cutting a
second crop of grass the same season ; but as cows and chickens
combine nicely, and as, if the chickens are as well spread out as
they should be, they do not spoil the grass for pasture for the
cows, to use the mowing land for pasture for cows and chickens
after the first crop is off pays better than to attempt to secure a
second cutting. Such, at any rate, is the testimony of many who
have tried both ways.

There are many farms where a few acres of mowing land heav-
ily manured with hen manure give a very abundant crop of hay
each year ; but I want to mention one in particular, where, largely
through the use of hen manure (though it is a combined dairy and
poultry farm), applied both by the fowls themselves and in bulk

34

by the farmers, the cut of grass has been enormously increased in
a few years. When the present owner took this farm, of about
100 acres, some seven years ago, it would not cut one ton of hay.
It had been a very much neglected if not literally an abandoned
farm. Last year it cut forty tons of hay, and within a year or
two, as additional portions of it are brought into a high state of
productiveness, the farm will cut a hundred tons of hay per annum.

Combination almost Inevitable.

But grass, though a profitable crop, and made more profitable
through the agency of the hens, is not a crop that can be used to
any great extent as poultry food. Some clover rowen, cut in good
season and nicely cured, the hens can use to good advantage ; but
it is hardly worth while to attempt to use for poultry food any but
clover or alfalfa hay, and a small piece of ground will furnish
enough of either of these for quite a large stock of poultry. So it
becomes a question, to be decided by each farmer according to his
circumstances, whether it will be more profitable for him to have
as much as possible of the farm in grass, sell hay and buy grain,
or to endeavor to grow as much as possible of the grain needed.
Or, to put the question the opposite way and from a farmer's rather
than from a poultry keeper's standpoint : supposing a farm a con-
siderable part of which is suitable for grain growing, will it pay
better to sell the grain, or to feed it to stock on the farm?

I think that it is to-day a commonly accepted principle in farm-
ing, that, to maintain or increase the crop-producing capacity of a
farm, as much as possible of the produce must be fed on the farm,
the nutritious portions converted into produce of small bulk and
easily handled, and the residue returned as manure to feed the
land. Assuming that a certain farm is to be conducted on this
principle, the next question to be decided is : what kind or kinds
of live stock shall be used in converting the bulky produce of the
land into more condensed forms, of greater value and more easily
handled ?

There have been many farmers in this section who, when they
became interested in poultry, and found it, perhaps, more profitable
than anything else they had tried on their farms, gave all their
attention to the poultry, to the neglect, if not to the entire abandon-
ment, of every other branch of farm work. So far as my observa-
tion goes, such men have generally found it necessary to retrace
their steps, and gradually get back to a combination in which some
other branches of farm work were quite equally important with poul-
try. The reasons which bring them back to more diversified farm-
ing have already been stated. They are the same as those which

35

suggest to a poultryman who is not a farmer, after he has had
experience in watching some of the leaks in an exclusive poultry
business, the advisability of extending operations into side lines
which will take care of those leakages, even if to do so requires
some curtailment of the principal, or poultry, business. The
farmer, because of his previous training, is likely to see and act
more quickly in such cases than another man would.

When one branch of the work on a farm is proving more profitable
than others, there is a temptation to develop it at the expense of
the others. This, to be sure, is in the line of natural development,
but even naturally things overdevelop sometimes ; and in such
cases we have to be careful to avoid developing a favored line of
work so fast and so far that the change of conditions thus created
reacts on the profits from this line of work. For such over-
development not only means failure of income from the lines of
work abandoned, but it means that there will soon be a reduction
of profit, as compared with cost and labor, in the overdone branch
itself. By overdoing one branch, that balance of interests, the
proper adjustment of which means the maximum of profit from the
minimum of investment and labor, is disturbed.

Two Illustrations.

Returning to the question of the poultry farmer's growing his
grain, or the grain-growing farmer feeding his grain to poultry,
I want to tell a little about two farms which I have visited within
a few months, visiting them within a few days of each other, which
furnish excellent illustrations of the matter under consideration,
one from the farmer's, the other from the poultryman's, point of
view.

The first is a farm of 200 acres, in New York State. For a
number of years this farm was run by its present owner and a
brother as a grain and grass farm, and was run at a loss. In the
effort to make the farm pay, they took up Holstein cattle, and
after a few years began to find the balances on the ledger going to
the right side. At some time during the early experience in mak-
ing a stock farm the other brother withdrew, leaving the one who
still owns it in full control. Becoming interested in poultry and
finding it profitable, this man built up a large poultry plant, and
increased the poultry stock until last winter he had at the begin-
ning of the season about 3,000 laying hens. The poultry plant
has been some six years or more in developing, and in that time
the stock of cattle has been very much reduced; it has, indeed,
been reduced too much ; and the owner of the farm told me that,
while he considered it more profitable to feed his grain to the

36

fowls than to sell it or use it in any other way, he had found that
to use his farm and all its produce to best advantage he would have
to carry a larger herd of cattle and some sheep, which, with the
horses needed for the farm work, would use a part of the grain,
and what hay, straw and pasturage could not otherwise be used to
full advantage. It may interest those who read this to know that,
though this man paid for his farm with Holsteins, he is now going
into Guernseys.

The other farm alluded to is located in New Jersey, and con-
tains about 100 acres of good land, practically all under cultivation.
This farm has for many years been owned by a city business man,
and until last year was occupied by a tenant farmer. A son of
the owner of the farm has within a few years built up on the farm
quite a large and profitable poultry plant, following at first the
intensive method a little more closely than is advisable on a farm,
and using but a small portion of the land for poultry. But as the
poultry business grew, the need of abundance of room for the
growing stock and the advantages of combining poultry keeping
and the growing of crops which could be used for poultry food be-
came so apparent that when recently the tenant's lease expired, it
was not renewed, and the owners are now operating the entire
farm themselves, hiring competent farm hands to attend to the
crops, the poultry being still the special charge of the young man
who built up the poultry plant.

These two farms (I wish every reader of this bulletin could see
them both) furnish the most noteworthy illustrations of combined
poultry keeping and crop growing I can at present call to mind,
though I could cite scores of cases where similar combinations are
made on a smaller scale.

The point is to strike the proper balance between the different
kinds of work and make them fit well together.

The Labor Question.
The most difficult matter to regulate, when poultry keeping is
combined with other farm lines of work, is the labor. When the
pressure of work in two or three different lines is greatest at one
season of the year, something is likely to be neglected. As a rule,
the branch of work neglected is that which seems of least impor-
tance, or in which the worker feels less certain of his ability to get
the results desired. Thus, an expert poultryman, trying to do
some farming, who finds that he cannot handle all the work he has
undertaken, usually neglects the farming; while a farmer is more
apt to make sure of the crops, to the neglect of the poultry. Now,
I do not feel that I am at all competent to tell any one who gets into

37

such a predicament how to handle the crops to get as much as pos-
sible out of them with the least possible expenditure of labor ; but I
can point out some ways for lightening the burden of poultry work.
"What I have to say will not, perhaps, be of much immediate value
to one involved in a tangle of overwork. It is more in the way of
telling how to keep out than how to get out of such difficulties.
The key to the problem is found in the right combination of com-
mon farm methods and intensive methods of poultry keeping. By
the farm method, the hens come very near taking care of them-
selves ; by the intensive method, the hens do almost nothing for
themselves, — all depends upon the keeper. By striking the golden
mean between the two extreme methods, a farmer is able to handle
a flock of poultry large enough to consume and profitably convert
into eggs and meat a considerable part of his farm produce, and
to handle such a flock without allowing that work and farming
proper to interfere. Three things will be found of prime impor-
tance in bringing about this result : the hens must be kept in
larger flocks than is usual with the intensive method, they must
be given more yard room, and the system of feeding must be such
that feeding will take as little time as possible.

It has long been taught by authorities on intensive methods of
poultry culture that the best results in eggs were obtained from
small flocks, and that, for some unknown reason, hens would not
lay well when kept together in large numbers. As a result of this
kind of teaching, it has been and still is the practice, almost general
among those who make special efforts to make poultry profitable,
to divide the stock into small lots, containing from 12 to 25 or 30
hens each, the smaller number being regarded as more desirable
for actual results, though, because of the increased cost of housing
and yarding, a little larger flock is said to be, on the whole, more
profitable. I cannot, within the limits allowed this article, present
a mass of facts bearing on this subject, which facts would show
positively, by the experience of many different poultry keepers,
that the keeping of hens in large flocks is not necessarily a bar to
good egg production. A little further on I will mention two cases
in point. For the rest of the evidence I must ask the reader to
take my word for it that laying hens can be kept in large flocks
and yet lay as well, so far as can be ascertained, as they would lay
under any circumstances. There are particular reasons for not
keeping breeding stock in large flocks, but these have nothing to
do with the number of eggs produced. It is true that the greater
number of poultry keepers get better egg yields from small flocks
than from larger ones ; it is also true that some poultrymen get as
good egg yields from large flocks as are obtained from small ones,

38

except in very exceptional cases. What investigations and obser-
vations I have been able to make have convinced me that the
general reason for poor results from large flocks is underfeeding.
Certain it is that all those I know (altogether there are a good
many of them) who get good results from large flocks are liberal
feeders, — almost extravagantly liberal, quite a number of them
keeping food by the hens all the time.

Much less time is required to care for 200 hens in two flocks of
100 each than to care for the same number in flocks of 12 to 30
each. One of the most successful small poultry farmers I know
keeps 600 to 700 hens in flocks of about 100 each, each lot occu-
pying its own house, but all running in the same field. One
of the men who is most successful in getting winter eggs keeps
as high as 500 hens in a single flock, and in the same house.
Such facts as these effectually disprove the theory that there is
something in the nature of the hen which prevents good egg pro-
duction from large flocks, and puts the responsibility where it
belongs, — with the keeper. He must learn to get eggs from the
large flocks if he wishes to work to best advantage. It is simply
a question of feeding the large flock right, — of seeing that they
get enough to eat.

Close confinement is irksome to most fowls.. They fret under
it, because their movements are too restricted. Hence fowls in
close confinement, in small yards, require a great deal of attention,
with special provision to keep them occupied and busy. Give the
same fowls room enough, so that the restraints placed on them are
not oppressive, and they are contented, keep healthy, and produce
well without so much attention from the keeper.

An objection often made to large yards is the cost of fencing.
This objection loses much of its force when applied to large
flocks and large yards, for the larger the yard the lower the fence
needed, and thus the relative cost of fencing is much less for
hens in large than for hens in small flocks.

When hens have abundant room, feeding is a much easier mat-
ter than when they are closely confined. "Little and often" is
the feeding rule of most intensive poultry keepers. Hens that
have room in which to be contented, — room to roam about with-
out coming to a fence every few steps, and perhaps opportunity to
pick a small part of their living, can be fed, and fed right, by
giving food only twice a day ; and if it is necessary to do so, it is
possible in such cases to arrange so that all the feeding can be
done at one time, the soft food to be eaten at once and the grain
through the day as the hens want it.

In feeding young chickens the same thing is true. With abun-

39

dance of room they require far less care. The best arrangements
I have ever seen for growing young chicks have been on farms of
breeders of choice exhibition fowls, who want to give their chicks
the best possible chance to grow into fine specimens, and endeavor
to aid nature in every possible way. I visited such a farm not
long since, where the broods of chicks were distributed at good
intervals along the edges of the mowing fields. The coops were
placed out this way quite early in the spring, as fast as the chickens
were hatched. The fences were lined with vines and shrubbery,
making a fine shade for the chicks. Before the grass was ready
to cut a narrow strip was mowed with a scythe along the edge near
the coops, giving ample room for the chicks while small. Then
after the hay crop was taken off the growing chickens had all the
land to themselves. Such an arrangement as this is possible any-
where, and for ordinary stock it is possible to care for chicks in
this way with very little work. Food and water can be by them
all the time, and with opportunity and the disposition to exercise,
with plenty of green stuff and bugs and worms to be had, I have
seen chicks thus grown on cracked corn alone and with little labor.

Partnership Arrangements.

So far we have considered our subject on the supposition that
one man has to do all the various tasks. When a man can have
help from some members of his family, or when his business justi-
fies the employment of another man, or when two or more men
work together as partners, the problem is very much simplified,
because it is easier for two or more persons to divide certain labors
than for one person to divide his time for a variety of tasks or
occupations. The ideal condition of diversified farming which in-
cludes poultry keeping is a partnership, in which each member of
the firm or of the family looks after a particular branch of the
work, and each helps out others in emergencies. It is not neces-
sary to attempt an enumeration or specification of the possibilities
of arrangements of this kind. Poultry keeping is an employment
in which both women and children can engage to advantage, and
at the same time it is one which, if conducted on a large scale, is
worth a man's time and strength and resources.

Rightly managed, it will always, as far as we can now see, be a
profitable specialty for most farmers in the area contiguous to our
great sea-board cities. We can conceive of conditions under
which the western farmers, with their facilities for producing
poultry products abundantly and cheaply, might make poultry
growing in the eastern States unprofitable ; but we cannot find
reasons for supposing that those conditions will ever materialize,

40

and if the eastern farmer will make good use of his opportunities
and advantages, he need not fear western competition in poultry
and eggs. The bulk of the best trade in the lines in which he can
operate to best advantage will always be his own. The principal
consideration with him should be to keep the cost down as low as
is consistent with good quality, and to avoid leakages and losses
of all kinds. The selling price takes care of itself. The cost price
is more under control of the producer ; and hundreds of producers
to-day are finding that the best profit from poultry is derived from
poultry keeping as a leading feature in diversified farming.

Series of 1901. Bulletin No. 5.

MASSACHUSETTS

CEOP EEPOET

Month of September, 1901.

ISSUED BY

J. W. STOCKWELL,
Secretary State Board of Agriculture.

BOSTON :

WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS,

18 Post Office Square.

1901.

Ceop Eeport for the Month of September, 190L

Office of State Board of Agriculture,
Boston, Mass., Oct. 1, 1901.

Bulletin No. 5, Crop Report for the month of September,
is herewith presented. We desire to call the particular at-
tention of our readers to the article on " Irrigation in Humid
Climates," by Prof. C. S. Phelps, agriculturist at the Storrs
(Connecticut) Agricultural Experiment Station, which is
printed at the close of the bulletin.

Progress of the Season.

The September report of the statistician of the United
States Department of Agriculture (Crop Reporter for Sep-
tember, 1901) gives the condition of corn on September 1
as 51.7. There was a decline durino; August amountino; to
2.3 points, and the condition on the first of the month was
28.9 points lower than last year, 33.5 points lower than in
1899, 31 points below the mean of the September averages
of the last ten years, and 8.3 points below the lowest Sep-
tember average ever before recorded.

The average condition at harvest of winter and spring
wheat combined was 82.8, against Q9.6 last year, 70.9 in
1899, and a ten-year average of 80.3.

The average condition of oats when harvested was 72.1,
against 82.9 last year, 87.2 in 1899, and a ten-year average
of 81.6.

The average condition of barley when harvested was 83.8,
against 70.7 last year, 86.7 in 1899, and 83.1, the mean of
the September averages of the last ten years.

The condition at harvest of winter and spring rye combined
was 84.9, against 84.2 last year, and 86.4, the mean of the
averages of the last ten years.

The average condition of buckwheat on September 1 was
90.9, as compared with 91.1 a month ago, 80.5, on September

1 oflast year, 75.2 in 1899, and 85.3 the mean of the September
averages of the last ten years.

Since August 1 the improvement in the condition of tobacco
was general. Virginia, Tennessee, Maryland and Pennsyl-
vania report conditions 1, 3, 9 and 10 points above their
respective ten-year averages ; in Kentucky the present con-
dition and the ten-year average are equal, and in North
Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin and Missouri the conditions are,
respectively, 12, 13, 23 and 49 points below such aver-
ages.

The average condition of potatoes on September 1 was
52.2 against 62,3 a month earlier, 80 on September 1 oflast
year, 86.3 in 1899, and 78.8, the mean of the September
averages of the last ten years.

There was a general decline in the condition of sweet pota-
toes during the month.

The acreage of clover seed has been reduced considerably
since last year and the condition is generally below the ten-
year averages in the several States.

Of the five principal sugar-cane States Missouri alone re-
ports an improvement in condition during August.

An improvement in the condition of rice during the month
of August is reported in but two of the rice-growing States

— Florida and Texas.

Five of the principal apple-growing States report an im-
provement in condition during August, but only three States

— Indiana, Virginia and Kansas — report conditions above
their ten-year averages.

In all but two of the principal peach-growing States a pro-
duction exceeding the ten-year average is probable.

In all the States where the production of grapes is of more
than local importance, except California, the condition is
below that of last year, and below the ten-year averages.

There is a decrease in the number of stock hogs now being
fattened, as compared with the number a year ago, in every
State except Arizona.

The average condition of cotton on August 24 was 71.4,
as compared with 77.2 on the 25th of the preceding month,
68.2 on Sept. 1, 1900, 68.5 in 1899, and a ten-year aver-
age of 74.9.

In Massachusetts the average condition of corn September
1 was given as 98 ; the average condition of rye when har-
vested as 92 ; tlie average condition of oats when harvested
as 82 ; the average condition of barley when harvested as
83 ; the average, condition of buckwheat September 1, as 97 ;
the average condition of potatoes as 6Q ; the average condi-
tion of apples as 39 ; the product of peaches compared with
a full crop as 53 ; the average condition of grapes as 90 ; the
average condition of tobacco as 100 ; the number of stock
hogs compared with last year as 95, and their average con-
dition as to size and weight as 99 ; the acreage of clover seed
compared with last year as 103, and the condition of the
crop as 97.

Temperatuee and Rainfall for the whole Country.

[From the United States Climate and Crop Bulletins.]

Week ending September 2. — The week was slightly cooler
than usual in portions of Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky and
in Florida. It was also cooler than usual in California and
western Oregon. Elsewhere throughout the country the week
was warmer than usual, the excess being greatest in the
Rocky Mountain region, the lower Missouri valley, the lower
Lake region and New England. Rain during the week was
excessive in the greater portion of Virginia and the south
Atlantic States. There was also heavy rain in the Lake
Erie region. There was a deficiency in the Missouri and
upper Mississippi valleys and New England, generally
throughout the Rocky Mountain region and California.

Week ending September 9. — The week was slightly cooler
than usual in the south Atlantic States and in portions of
Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. It was
also cooler than usual in the Pacific Coast States and over
the greater portion of the Plateau regions. The week aver-
aged warmer than usual from Texas northward to the Dakotas
and thence eastward to New England. There was an excess
of rain in eastern Washington, Montana, southern portions
of North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, all of South
Dakota and Nebraska, northern Iowa, western Kansas and
Oklahoma. From the central portion of the great valleys
eastward to the Atlantic coast there was very little rain.

6

Week ending September' 16. — The week averaged warmer
than usual over the greater part of the middle Pacific coast
region, the south-eastern Rocky Mountain slope, West Gulf
States, and generally in the districts to the east of the Mis-
sissippi River. From the Missouri and upper Mississippi
valleys westward to the Pacific coast the week averaged
cooler than usual. Very heavy rains fell during the week in
the west Gulf States and generally throughout the central
valleys and the Lake region, including the northern portion
of the middle Atlantic States and New England. Along the
Atlantic coast and over portions of the east Gulf States there
was less than the average rainfall.

Week ending September 23. — The week was abnormally
cool to the eastward of the Rocky Mountains, except in the
immediate Atlantic coast districts. The week was also
■cooler than usual along the California coast and over portions
of the central Plateau regions. On the north Pacific coast
^and in southern California the week averaged slightly warmer
than usual. The weekly rainfall in the Gulf States, Ten-
nessee, Carolinas, southern Virginia, and at some stations
along; the middle Atlantic and New Enorhind coasts exceeded
the average. There was also more than the usual rainfall
over portions of the central Missouri valley. In the west
Gulf States, Ohio, the upper Missouri valleys, over the
greater part of the Lake region and middle Atlantic States
and in Florida the weekly rainfall was less than the average.

Special Telegraphic Reports.

[Weather Bureau, Boston.]

Week ending September ^. ^-New England. Boston:
Weather favorable ; corn excellent, field corn being shocked,
canning sweet corn commenced ; potatoes in Aroostook
County, Me., good, elsewhere light; second crop of grass
iheavy and well secured ; peaches rotting badly in Connecti-
cut; tobacco excellent, cutting commenced

Week ending September 9. — New England. Boston :
Weather favorable for harvesting ; heavy crop rowen ; Hun-
garian grass secured in excellent condition ; corn excellent,
cutting, canning and filling silos general ; potatoes light, dig-

ging begun ; apples poor, light crop ; tobacco cutting gen-
eral, good crop.

Week ending September 16. — New England. Boston:
Weather seasonable ; copious showers, beneficial to fields
and pastures ; harvesting general ; corn good, excellent
quality ; apples poor, continue to drop ; potatoes light to
fair crop ; tobacco nearly cut, good crop ; fall feed good.

Week ending September 23. — New England. Boston:
Weather, generally unfavorable for harvesting but favorable
for pastures and fall feed ; frosts in northern sections, little
damage; potatoes yielding better than expected, some com-
plaint of rot ; cranberries in good condition, fair yield ;
tobacco maturing under favorable conditions.

The Weather of September, 1901.

The weather of the month was uneventful, and, generally
speaking, characteristic of the season. The first decade of
the period was marked by fiiir weather, and mostly with
abundant sunshine. Showers fell in many sections on the
11th and 12th, and these were succeeded by several pleasant
days. A season of well-distributed showers prevailed from
the 16th to the 21st, during which the major portion of the
precipitation of the month occurred. Little rain fell during
the remainder of the month, and there was an entire absence
of rainfall from the 22d to the 28th inclusive. Owing to the
seasonal condition of the soil there was, however, little com-
plaint of the dry weather or unfavorable effects of the same
on crops, and the conditions were most favorable to harvest-
ing, to fall seeding, and out-door work. The temperature
during the month was almost uniformly high, ranging from
one to two degrees above the normal. The first cool weather
occurred on the 20th and 21st, when light to moderate Irosts
were noted, which were the first of the season. Frosts also
occurred on the 25th, but, with slight exceptions, they were
too light to greatly damage vegetation. In coast sections
and on high lands the frost was very light, and for the larger
portion of the territory of this description none occurred.
The winds of the month were mostly westerly, without
special features or destructive force. Viewing the month as

8

a whole the weather was very pleasant, and it will go on
record as one of the most agreeable of its name.

In the circular to correspondents returnable to us Septem-
ber 23 the following questions were asked : —

1. How does the crop of Indian corn compare with an
average crop ?

2. Are rowen and fall feed up to the usual average?

3. Has the usual amount of fall seeding been done, and
what is its present condition ?

4. How does the onion crop compare with a normal crop?

5. Are potatoes a normal crop in yield and quality?

6. What is the prospect for root crops, celery and other
late market-garden crops ?

7. How have the apple, pear, peach, grape and cranberry
crops turned out ?

Returns were received from 150 correspondents, from
which the following summary has been made : —

Indian Corn.
The warm weather of early September ripened Indian corn
in excellent condition, and the crop is one of the best ever
secured. It is reported as well eared, and with a good
growth of stover, which was secured in good, bright condi-
tion, and which should be of good nutritive value.

Rowen and Fall Feed.
An unusually good crop of rowen is reported in all sec-
tions. The rains of the second and third weeks of the month
interfered with securing the crop and damaged that cut and
in the field to a considerable extent, but otherwise the crop
appears to be of good quality. Fall feed is also in excellent
condition, and pastures and mowings should start another
season in good condition.

Fall Seeding.
Less than the usual amount of fall seeding has been done,
as the rains made it diflBcult to prepare the land in many in-
stances and also owing to the fact that farm work was gener-
ally somewhat behind at the beginning of the month. Many

correspondents state that much more will be done. That
which is up is generally reported as looking well and giving
good promise.

Onions.

Onions are reported as less than an average crop, espe-
cially in the chief onion-growing sections. Blight is not re-
ported and they appear to i)e curing well. Prices are the
highest for several years, and the net profits from the crop
promise to be even greater than in some years of heavy
yields.

Potatoes.

While potatoes are somewhat uneven the crop as a whole
is considerably below the normal in yield. Rot is reported
from almost all sections and in some cases is evidently mak-
ing severe inroads on the crop. The tubers are also reported
to be small and scabby, and the quality in general is not of
the best.

Root Crops, Celery, etc.

Root crops are generally reported to be in excellent condi-
tion and to promise well. Celery is also a good crop as far
as reported on. Other late market-garden crops promise
well in most instances.

Fruits.
The yield of apples will be very light indeed, in fact not
much, if any, over one-fourth of the average, and what few
there are ore certainly not of extra quality. Pears are gen-
erally a fair crop of good quality. While peaches are not by
any means a full crop over the State they are perhaps very
nearly up to the average of years. Grapes are generally a
good crop and have ripened well. Fuller reports from the
cranberry-growing sections than we have previously received
lead us to believe that the crop is fully an average one. It
is now mainly secured in good condition without damage
from frosts.

10

NOTES OF CORRESPONDENTS.

[Returned to us September 23.]

BERKSHIRE COUNTY.

Alford (L. T. Osborne). — Indian corn is 10 per cent above
the usual average. Rowen and fall feed are much better than the
average, and the good condition of fall feed has been a great saving
for fodder corn. Some fields of potatoes are very good and some
very poor. Root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops
promise average yields. Apples are not over 25 per cent of an
average crop.

West Stockbridge (W. C. Spaulding). — Indian corn is excel-
lent both as to grain and fodder. Rowen and fall feed are very
good indeed. Onions are not raised here. Potatoes are a fair
crop, but rot is appearing to some extent. Apples scarce ; pears
good ; peaches not much raised ; grapes good ; no cranberries.

Becket ( Wm. H. Snow) . — Corn will be an average crop. Rowen
and fall feed are fully an average. Not quite the usual amount of
fall seeding has been done but it looks well. Not many onions
raised here. Some fields of potatoes give a light yield and other
fields a good yield, but rot has appeared on all fields. Root crops,
celery and other late market-garden crops promise a good yield.
Apples and cranberries very light crops ; pears a large crop ; few
peaches raised. There has been difficulty in getting rowen and
harvesting oats because of the wet weather.

Washington (E. H. Eames). — The corn crop is better than for
three or four years past. Rowen and fall feed are better than in
former years. The usual amount of fall seeding has been done
and it is in good condition. The potato crop is the largest for a
number of years, but they are rotting very badly. Root crops,
celery and other late market-garden crops are not much raised.
There is about a one-third crop of apples, pears, peaches, grapes
and cranberries.

Dalton ( W. B. Barton) . — Indian corn is a full average crop.
Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average. Not much fall
seeding has been done but what is in looks well. Potatoes are not

11

a normal crop in yield, are rotting badly and are scabby. The
prospect for root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops
is excellent. Apples few, pears good and peaches fair.

Hancock (C. H. Wells). — Corn is a very good average crop.
Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average. No onions
raised. Potatoes are a short crop in yield, with many small tubers
and some rot. Root crops, celery and other late market-garden
crops are little raised. Pears and grapes abundant ; very light
crop of apples ; no peaches.

Cheshire (L. J. Northup). — Indian corn compares favorably
with an average crop. Rowen and fall feed are up to the average.
Fall seeding is being done to quite an extent, but it is too early to
judge as to its condition. Onions are a fair crop though little
raised. Late potatoes would have been an average crop but for
the rot. The prospect looks to be good for most root crops. Ap-
ples are very scarce, probably 90 per cent off from last year ; some
pears ; grapes a good crop but none raised for market ; cranber-
ries not grown in this locality.

Savoy ( W. W. Burnett) . — Corn is a full average crop. Rowen
and fall feed are more than average crops. The usual amount of
fall seeding has not been done, but more will be done later. Onions
are not much raised. Potatoes are a fair crop but some fields are
rotting badly. The prospect for root crops is fair ; celery and
other late market-garden crops are not much grown. Few apples ;
peaches scurfy ; grapes not much grown.

Wtlliamstown (S. A. Hickox). — Frost has held off so that
corn has matured and is a good average crop. Rowen was never
better and fall feed is in good condition. Not as much fall seed-
ing done as usual. Onions are a normal crop. Potatoes 60 per
cent of a crop. Apples, 40 per cent; pears and peaches 60 per
cent. The prospect for root crops, celery and other late market-
garden crops is good.

FRANKLIN COUNTY.

Monroe (D. H. Sherman). — Indian corn is in very good con-
dition. Rowen and fall feed are fully up to the average. But very
little fall seeding has been done in this section. Potatoes are per-
haps a three-fourths crop of fair quality, but are rotting very badly,
some fields being half rotten. Turnips average ; squashes are late
and the very heavy frost of the 20th hit them hard. Very few
apples and pears ; some grapes ; cranberries good as far as raised.

Rowe (J. F. Brown). — Corn is fully an average crop. Rowen
and fall feed are above the average. Fall seeding is about the

12

same as usual in amount, and is in fine, No. 1 condition. Pota-
toes are about an average crop, of nice quality. Root crops promise
to be above the average. The apple crop is a failure, being less
than one-fifth of the normal ; pears, peaches, grapes and cranber-
ries are not raised to any extent.

Bernarclston (R. H. Cdshman). — There is a full average crop
of Indian corn. The rowen crop is unusually large and pasture
feed is prime. Much seeding is done in the corn crop and it is at
present in fine condition. Potatoes are a light crop, of good
quality. Vine crops have been very light. Cabbages are not
heading well. There are very light crops of all kinds of fruit.

Gill (F. F. Stoughton). — Indian corn is better than an aver-
age crop. Rowen and fall feed are better than the usual average,
but farmers do not pasture their mowings as much as they used to.
Potatoes will be a poor crop. Root crops, celery and other late
market-garden crops are not much raised for market. Apples
few ; pears good ; grapes few.

Ashfield (Chas. Howes). — Corn is fully an average crop.
There is a heavy growth of rowen and much of it has not been
cut. About the usual amount of fall seeding has been done and it
is looking finely. Potatoes are a light crop and are rotting badly,
quality otherwise very good. The prospect for root crops, celei'y
and other late market-garden crops is good. Pears have been
plenty ; apples and other fruits very light. The month of Septem-
ber has been good for growing crops but bad for harvesting.

Whately (Frank Dickinson). — Indian corn is not over three-
fourths of an average crop. Rowen and fall feed are up to the
usual average. Less than the usual amount of fall seeding has
been done but it is in fair condition. Onions are less than a nor-
mal crop and there are many small ones. Early potatoes were a
poor crop ; late varieties a fair yield, some rot. No apples ; pears
fair ; peaches good ; few grapes.

Sunderland (J. M. J. Legate). — Indian corn is above the
average and is generally very heavily eared. Rowen and fall feed
are above the average, in fact I never saw them in better condition.
The usual amount of fall seeding has been done and it is looking
finely. Onions are below the average in size, but the total yield
for the town is probably fully up to the average as the acreage has
been increased this year. Not enough root crops, celery and other
late market-garden crops are raised to make any account of. Ap-
ples, pears and grapes light ; peaches are said to be a good crop.

Montague (C. S. Raymond). — Indian corn is just about an
average crop. Rowen and fall feed are a little better than an
average, though a little later than usual. About the usual amount

13

of fall seeding has been done and is in good condition. Onions
are rather less than an average crop. • Potatoes are not over 60
per cent of a full crop, quality fair. Root crops, celery and other
late market-garden crops promise about average yields. Apples
are a very light crop ; pears heavy ; grapes a light crop ; no cran-
berries grown.

Wendell (N. D. Plumb). — Indian corn is about a normal crop.
Rowen and fall feed are the best for years. But very little fall
seeding has been done as yet. Potatoes are about a one-fourth
crop of good quality. Root crops, celery and other late market-
garden crops are but very little raised. Apples are about a failure ;
pears good, but the peach crop is a failure, and cranberries are
about a normal crop.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.

Prescott (W. F. Wendermuth) . — Corn is a full average crop.
Rowen is a full crop and fall feed is 10 per cent above the average
in condition. No onions grown for market. Potatoes are about
25 per cent off in yield and are rotting badly. Cattle beets and
turnips are good crops ; no market-garden crops or celery grown.
Apples are about 20 per cent of a full crop ; pears a full crop ;
peaches very few ; grapes good, full crop ; no cranberries grown.

Greenwich (Wm. S. Douglas). — Indian corn is a very good
crop. Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average. The
usual amount of fall seeding has been done. Potatoes are less
than a normal crop in yield and are decaying. The prospect for
root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops is very good.
There are very few apples.

Belchertown (H. C. West). — Indian corn is 25 per cent above
an average crop, the best crop for years. There is a full average
rowen crop and fall feed is in good condition. The usual amount
of fall seeding has been done, but there is much complaint that it
has not come up well. Potatoes are a light crop and are rotting
in many places. The prospect for root crops, celei'y and other
late market-garden crops is very fair. Apples are half a crop or
less ; pears good ; peaches fair. Much rain and cloudy weather is
good for the growth of roots and grasses, but bad for harvesting
late rowen, millet, Hungarian grass, etc.

Hadley (H. C. Russell). — Corn is better than an average crop.
Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average. Onions are a
three-fourths crop, but are bringing extra good prices. Potatoes
are a light yield with some rot. The prospect for root crops,
celery and late market-garden crops is fair. The apple crop will

14

not be sufficient to supply the home demand, but there is a fair
crop of peaches.

Southampton (C. B. Lyman). — The corn crop is fully up to the
average. Rowen is very good and fall feed is better than the
average. Some fall seeding has been done, but much remains to
be done. Onions are not as good a crop as usual and have not
ripened well. Potatoes are very uneven, a few good fields and
many light ones, with many complaints of rot. Late market-
garden crops are not up to the average. Apples very few ; pears,
peaches and grapes very good crops.

Westhampton (H. A. Parsons). — Indian corn is a full crop.
Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average. The usual
amount of fall seeding has been done and it is in good condition.
Onions are not raised. Half the potatoes have rotted. The pros-
pect is good for root crops, celery and other late market-garden
crops. Apples are a one-third crop ; some grapes.

Chesterfield (Horatio Bisbee). — Corn is a good crop, fully up
to the average. Frequent rains have kept feed good and produced
a good rowen crop. I have not noticed as much seeding as usual,
perhaps on account of farmers being a little behind with their work.
The potato crop is very uneven, some having a good crop while
other fields are almost a failure, and much rot is reported after
harvesting. Apples are a very light crop ; other fruits not much
raised.

Goshen (Alvan Barrus). — Indian corn is late and rather below
the average. Rowen and fall feed are fully up to the average.
The usual amount of fall seeding has been done. Very few pota-
toes were raised and those few are hardly up to the average.
Root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops promise to
be about average. Apples very light and poor; pears good; no
peaches ; grapes medium but late ; cranberries good. The season
has been very wet for harvesting and help is scarce.

HAMPDEN COUNTY.

Tolland (E. M. Moore). — Indian corn will be a good average
crop. Rowen and fall feed are more than average crops. Potatoes
are yielding fairly well but are mostly decayed, so that the yield
is of little use. Root crops, such as turnips, will be average crops.
Apples are a failure ; there are some pears ; grapes and cranberries
are plenty.

Granville (Joseph Welch). — Corn is a very good crop but
rather late. The rowen crop is the best we have ever had. Onions
are not raised as a market crop. Potatoes are the poorest crop in

15

years and not over 25 per cent of normal yield. We do not raise
root crops to any extent, except potatoes and turnips. The apple
crop is a failure, but there are very good crops of pears, peaches,
grapes and cranberries.

Russell (E. D. Parks). — Indian corn is up to the usual average.
Rowen is a very good crop, above an average in this vicinity. The
usual amount of fall seeding has been done. Onions are but little
raised. Potatoes are a small crop and many report rot. The
prospect for root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops
is very good. Pears good, all other fruits very poor.

West Springfield (T. A. Rogers) . — Indian corn is a three-
fourths crop. Rowen and fall feed are above the usual average.
There is hardly the average amount of fall seeding done and much
remains to be done. Onions are a three-fourths crop. Potatoes
are below the normal in yield and are rotting badly. Root crops
are below the average ; cabbage below the average ; celery looking
well by virtue of continual spraying. No apples to speak of ;
pears plenty; peaches a full average; some grapes. The weather
has been so rainy that it has hurt nearly all crops and delayed the
cutting of rowen.

Ludlow (C. B. Bennett). — Indian corn is better than an aver-
age crop. Rowen and fall feed are above the usual average.
About the usual amount of fall seeding has been done and it is in
first class condition. Potatoes are not over half a crop. Apples
are very light ; pears fair ; grapes light. Stock looks well and the
flow of milk has kept up with very little grain feed.

Longmeadow ( W. F. Emerson) . — Corn fodder is well grown and
well eared, but not always in as sound or good condition as usual.
There is much summer grass, but it is bulk without body. The
usual amount of fall seeding has been done and it is in fine condi-
tion. Onions are little raised. Potatoes are less than a normal
crop with some rot. Root crops, celery and other late market-
garden crops are not much raised. Apples are few, small, poor
and knurly ; pears good ; peaches never so plenty ; grapes few.

Wilbraham (F. E. Clark) . — Indian corn is a full average crop
although about two weeks later than usual. Rowen and fall feed
are fully up to the average, as we have had an extraordinarily wet
season. Potatoes are a very light crop, although very late planted
fields are much better. Cabbages have done well. Apples are a
small crop ; pears a fair crop ; peaches a full crop, but owing to a
very damp ripening season have rotted very badly.

Palmer (0. P. Allen). — Indian corn compares favorably with
an average crop. Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average.
Onions are less than an average crop. The quality of the potato

16

crop is good but the yield is far less than usual. The prospect for
root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops is fair. The
crop of pears and peaches is good, but apples, grapes and cran-
berries are far below the average.

Holland (Francis Wight) . — Indian corn is more than an
average crop about here. The rowen crop and fall feed are above
the average. The usual amount of fall seeding has been done and
it is in good condition. Onions are not more than an average
crop. Potatoes are not over a two-thirds crop and of poor quality.
Root crops are fair ; celery, not much raised. Apples poor ; pears
good ; peaches light and grapes and cranberries fair.

WORCESTER COUNTY.

Warren (W. E. Patrick). — Indian corn is a full average crop.
Rowen and fall feed are rather above the usual average. On
account of the recent rains there has not been as much fall seeding
as usual, but it is in good condition. There is less than a normal
yield of potatoes of fair quality, but with considerable rot in many
fields. The prospect for late market-garden crops is good. There
are no apples of any account ; a fair crop of pears, peaches and
grapes.

Spencer (H. H. Kingsbory). — We have a magnificent corn
crop ; ten per cent above the average. Rowen and fall feed are
very abundant, but it has been a difficult task to cure rowen or
millet. There has been no fall seeding done this season in this
vicinity. There is general complaint of a scant yield of merchant-
able potatoes, but the quality is very good. The present condition
of root crops is such that it is safe to predict a good crop of tur-
nips, cabbages and celery. There has been a large crop of pears,
an average crop of cranberries, a light crop of apples.

Rutland (L. S. Dudley). — Indian corn is about an average
crop. Rowen and fall feed are above the average. Less than the
usual amount of fall seeding has been done, but it is in good con-
dition. Potatoes are a light crop and are rotting somewhat. The
prospect for root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops
is good. No apples ; plenty of pears and grapes.

Oakham (Jesse Allen). — Indian corn is a full average crop.
Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average. The usual
amount of fall seeding has been done and it is in excellent con-
dition. Potatoes are about half a crop of inferior quality. Onions
are not raised. The prospect for root crops, celery and other late
market-garden crops is fair. No apples or cranberries ; pears and
grapes abundant ; very few peaches.

17

Barre (J. L. Smith). — Corn is more than an average crop.
Rowen and fall feed are very much above the average. The u^ual
amount of fall seeding has been done and it is in fine condition.
Onions are not raised. Potatoes are a light yield and are rotting
considerably. No apples to speak of ; other fruits not raised to
any extent.

Dana (E. A. Albee). — Indian corn is a full average crop.
Rowen and fall feed are fully up to the usual average. Onions are
not raised here. Potatoes are about three-fourths of a normal
crop. Root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops
promise good average yields. No apples ; pears average ; no
peaches; grapes normal ; not many cranberries.

Gardner (A. F. Johnson). — Indian corn is more than an
average crop. Rowen and fall feed are better than usual. Pota-
toes are about an average crop of fair quality, but some rot has
appeared. Root crops are doing well. There will be no apples to
speak of in this vicinity.

Westminster (G. A. Stockw^ell) . — Indian corn is not up to the
standard. There will be a good crop of rowen and fall feed is in
fair condition. Potatoes are not a normal crop. Root crops are
doing fairly well. Fruit of all kinds is a light crop with the ex-
ception of pears.

Princeton (A. O. Tyler). — Indian corn is in very good con-
dition. Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average. About
the usual amount of fall seeding has been done and it is in good
condition. Onions are a good crop. • Potatoes are not a normal
crop in either yield or quality. Root crops, celery and other late
market-garden crops are raised very little in this vicinity. There
are hardly any apples; pears good; peaches, grapes, and cran-
berries small crops.

Lancaster (S. C. Damon). — Indian corn is an average crop.
Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average and better. Some
fall seeding has been done and there is still more to do. Onions
are not over three-fourths of an average crop. Potatoes are much
less than a normal crop in yield and are rotting on some fields.
Root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops are in good
condition. Apples are 10 per cent'of a normal yield ; pears 75 per
cent ; peaches 50 per cent ; grapes and cranberries 100 per cent.

Holden (G. S. Graham) . — Corn is a good average crop. Rowen
and fall feed are more than average crops. Fall seeding looks
finely and the usual amount has been done. Potatoes are about
an average crop in yield but are rotting badly. Most root crops
are looking well. Very few apples, the least for years ; pears,
grapes and cranberries fair but not large.

18

Worcester (H- R. Kinney). — Indian corn seems to be fully up
to the average. Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average.
Onions seem late and rather light. The potato crop is very uneven,
some fields heavy and others light ; quality medium. Root crops
are late as a rule and carrots have blighted badly. There are very
few apples and those of poor quality; pears good and plenty;
peaches much better than the average ; grapes a very light yield ;
cranberries not grown here ; plums set for a full crop, but the wet
weather has rotted many of them ; all fruit seems to sell readily.

Oxford (D. M. Howe). — Corn is an average crop. Rowen and
fall feed are fully up to the usual average. Potatoes are not an
average crop and are bringing a dollar a bushel. The prospect for
root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops is good.
Apples are a light crop ; pears a full crop ; peaches poor ; grapes
and cranberries plenty. Everything is growing in this section and
looks beautifully, as we have had plenty of rain.

Douglas (,J. M. Rawson) . — More corn was planted than usual
and the crop is an extra good one. The rowen crop and fall feed
are better than for several years past. About the usual amount of
fall seeding has been done but it is not far enough advanced to
determine its condition. Onions are a medium crop. There is
complaint that potatoes are rotting and are scabby ; some fields
are very light and will not pay for digging while others give good
crops. No apples ; pears few ; no peaches ; grapes few and cran-
berries very light.

Blackstone (O. F. Fuller). — There will be an average crop of
Indian corn. More rowen is being cut this season than for two or
three years past. Fall seeding is in good condition on account of
the large amount of rain. Onions are not much raised. Potatoes
are of good quality and a fair yield, but are rotting badly. The
prospect for late root and market-garden crops is good. Very few
apples ; a fair crop of peaches and pears ; a good crop of grapes ;
and an extra large yield of cranberries.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

Hopkinton ("W. V. Thompson). — Indian corn is more than an
average crop. Rowen and fall feed are more than up to the usual
average. The usual amount of fall seeding has been done and it
is in good condition. Potatoes are not a normal crop in yield and
quality. Turnips and cabbages are looking well. Apples are a
failure ; pears a fair crop ; peaches a poor crop ; grapes a light
crop ; cranberries good.

Sherhorn (N. B. Douglas). — Corn is much better than an

19

average crop. Rowen is fairly good and fall feed beats the record
in condition. Fall seeding is only partly completed and most of
it is not up yet. Potatoes are not a good crop in either yield or
quality. Apples a one-fourth crop ; pears half a crop ; peaches and
grapes three-fourths crops.

Framingham (J. S. Williams). — Notwithstanding its rapid
growth corn will not compare favorably with an average crop in
this section. The rowen crop is above the average. Onions
generally blighted and ripened off under size. The quality of the
potato crop is very good and the yield an average one. Celery is
not much grown, but parsnips, carrots, beets, turnips, cabbages
and peppers are looking well. No apples to mention ; pears,
peaches and grapes good paying crops. Squashes are a very light
crop. Tomatoes have been a profitable crop in this section.

Stow (G. W. Bradley). — Indian corn is about the same as in
former years. Rowen and fall feed are better than for a number
of years. About the usual amount of fall seeding has been done
and most of it is looking well. Not as many onions were raised
as usual, but they are of good quality. The yield of potatoes was
not as heavy as usual and there is considerable complaint of scab
and rot. Root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops
are not raised to any extent. Apples are of poor quality and
dropping badly ; other fruits quite plenty and good.

Townsend (G. A. Wilder). — Indian corn is about the same as
usual. Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average. The
usual amount of fall seeding has been done and it is in normal con-
dition. Onions are 25 per cent less than a normal crop. Potatoes
are a normal crop with the quality above the average. The pros-
pect for root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops is
above the average. Apples, peaches and cranberries are less than
average crops ; pears average ; grapes above average.

Dunstable (A. J. Gilson). — Indian corn is better than an aver-
age crop. Rowen and fall feed are above the usual average. But
little fall seeding has been done, but that which is in is in good con-
dition. The onion crop is very light. The potato crop is very un-
even and as a whole below a normal crop ; in quality they are very
good. The root crop is very good ; not enough celery and other
late market-garden crops to make mention of. Apples are a light
crop ; pears light ; no peaches ; grapes a normal crop ; cranberries
very light.

Chelmsford {V. P. Perham). — Indian corn is a good average
crop. The rowen crop is a very large one and fall feed is above
the average. The onion crop is better than normal both in quantity
and quality. Potatoes are much below an average crop and of very

20

poor quality and late ones are rotting badly. The prospect for
root crops is good ; celery and other late market-garden crops a
good average. The apple crop is a total failure ; pears plenty ;
grapes and cranberries an average crop.

Carlisle (E. J. Carr). — Corn is a little less than an average
crop. Rowen and fall feed are above the average. Onions arc
below a normal crop. Potatoes are a light crop with some rot.
The prospect for root crops, celery and other late market-garden
crops is good. There is a small crop of all kinds of fruit.

Lincoln (C. S. Wheeler). — Indian corn is an average crop.
Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average. Onions very
little raised. Potatoes are a three-fourths crop of fair quality.
The prospect for root crops, celery and other late market-garden
crops is fair. Apples and peaches are very short crops ; pears
and grapes fair ; not many cranberries.

Wohuryi (W. H. Bartlett). — What little Indian corn is raised
is a very good crop. Rowen and fall feed are above the usual
average and rowen has been put into the barn in good condition.
About the usual amount of fall seeding has been done and it is
in good condition. Onions are a very fair but not an extra crop.
Potatoes are under sized and somewhat scabby and not a full yield.
The prospect for root crops, celery and other late market-garden
crops is very good except for squashes and cucumbers.

Stoneham (J. E. Wilet) . — Corn is a fair average crop. Rowen
and fall feed are up to the usual average. Very few onions are
raised. Potatoes are a normal crop in both yield and quality.
The prospect for root crops, celery and other late mai-ket-garden
crops is good. Apples are a poor crop ; pears, peaches and grapes
good.

Newton (Otis Pettee). — Indian corn is rather better than an
average crop. There is a full crop of rowen and fall feed is
plenty. Onions have yielded fairly well. The potato crop is
about the same as in other years. Pears are plenty ; but few
peaches grown, quality good.

ESSEX COUNTY.
Salisbury (Wesley Pettengill). — Corn is better than an aver-
age crop. Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average.
About the usual amount of fall seeding has been done and is look-
ing well. Onions are not much raised but arc about an average
crop. Potatoes are rather a light crop of good quality, but with
some rot. What root crops, celery and other late market-garden
crops there are are looking well. Apples are very light ; pears
fair ; peaches rather light ; grapes good ; cranberries fair. Cab-

21

bages look well but are quite wormy. Squashes are a light crop,
the vines dying badly in the summer.

Amesbury (F. W. Sargent). — Indian corn is an average crop.
There has been an unusual amount of rowen harvested. Onions
are a three-fourths crop. Potatoes are a light crop of poor quality,
and rotted on some fields. Roots promise fairly well but celery is
a poor crop. There are scarcely any winter apples ; pears plenty
and grapes the same.

Haverhill (Eben Webster). — Corn is rather more than an
average crop. Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average.
The usual amount of fall seeding has been done. Onions are less
than a normal crop. Potatoes have made a fair yield, but there is
some rot on late fields. Apples light ; pears medium ; no peaches ;
grapes fair.

Groveland (Abel Stickney). — Corn is more than an average
crop. There is a large crop of rowen and fall feed is plentiful.
The usual amount of fall seeding has been done and more will be
done, that which was in early is looking finely. Potatoes are a
normal crop of fine quality. The prospect is generally good for
root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops. Apples
very few ; pears plenty ; some peaches ; grapes a fair crop.

Ipsivich (O. C. Smith). — Indian corn is more than an average
crop. Rowen and fall feed are generally above the average. Not
as much fall seeding as usual has been done, but what new fields
have been laid down are doing well. Onions are not as good a
crop as usual. Potato vines grew large, but the crop is 40 per
cent below the average. Late market -garden crops are not much
raised for sale but gardens are generally giving good crops of all
vegetables. Apples very poor ; pears small ; grapes normal ; cran-
berries good.

Wenham (N. P. Perkins). — Not much corn is raised except
for fodder and the silo. There is a good crop of rowen on well
manured land and a fair amount of fall feed. Fall seeding is
rather backward and there is some yet to be done. The onion
crop varies, some fields yield fairly well and others are quite light.
Potatoes are rather a light yield of fair quality. Not much celery
raised ; carrots hardly up to the average ; cabbages and parsnips
quite good. Apples very short; pears good ; no peaches ; grapes
and cranberries not much of a crop. Tomatoes have been a good
crop, but prices are quite low. Squashes are nearly a failure.

NORFOLK COUNTY.
Canton (E. V. Kinsley). — Indian corn is a good average crop.
Rowen and fall feed are above average crops. Fall seeding is

22

backward, but what has been done looks well. No onions raised.
Potatoes are a good average crop, but are rotting generally. The
prospect for root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops
is good. There are almost no apples, but other fruits mentioned
are very good.

Norwood (F. A. Fales). — Corn is about a three-fourths crop,
having suffered from excessive rains. There is more rowen here
than for a number of years and pastures are in good condition.
Onions are about 80 per cent of a normal yield, but are of poor
quality. Potatoes are not more than half a crop ; they blighted
badly, are rotting some and wire worms are eating many. Root
crops, celery and other late market-garden crops are poor and will
not be over half crops. Very few apples, pears and peaches ; fair
crop of grapes, and about 40 per cent of a crop of cranberries.

Mediuay (Monroe Morse) . — Indian corn is a fair average crop.
Rowen and fall feed are somewhat above the usual average. About
the usual amount of fall seeding has been done and it is in good
condition. The yield per acre of potatoes is generally light and
the tubers very irregular in shape. Apples not more than' 5 per
cent of a full crop ; pears, peaches and grapes full crops.

Franklin (C. M. Allen). — Indian corn is more than an average
crop. Rowen and fall feed are the best for 3'ears. But very few
onions are raised. Potatoes are a three-fourths yield of good
quality. Root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops
promise to be more than average crops. Apples few; pears poor;
peaches good ; grapes light and cranberries half a crop.

Norfolk (G. E. Holbrook). — Indian corn is a full average crop
and ensilage corn a heavy crop. There is more than an average
crop of rowen, but the weather has been very poor for curing it.
A large area of fall seeding has been put in and it is in very good
condition. Onions are not up to an average crop. Only a small
amount of root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops
are raised here. Apples poor ; other fruits good crops.

BRISTOL COUNTY.

Mansfield (Wm. C. Winter). — Indian corn is 10 or 15 percent
above an average crop. Rowen and fall feed are both above the
average in condition. Onions are little grown. Potatoes are a
normal crop of good quality. Root crops, celery and other late
market-garden crops, with perhaps the exception of squashes, are
in excellent condition. Apples poor; pears fair; no peaches;
grapes poor.

Attlehorough (Isaac Alger). — Indian corn is a full average
crop. Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average. The

23

usual amount of fall seeding has been done and it is in good con-
dition. Potatoes are not a normal crop in yield or quality. Root
crops, celery and other late market-garden crops promise very
well. There are no apples which are good for anything. Cran-
berries are below the average in quantity, but above the average
in quality.

Raynham (N. W. Shaw). — Corn is fully equal to an average
crop. Rowen and fall feed are above the usual average. Less
than the usual amount of fall seeding has been done. Potatoes
are not a normal crop in either yield or quality. Root crops, cel-
ery and other late market-garden crops are in good condition ; no
apples ; pears good ; no peaches ; grapes and cranberries average.

Dighton (J. N. Paul). — Indian corn is more than an average
crop. Rowen and fall feed are not up to the usual average. The
usual amount of fall seeding has been done and it is in good con-
dition. Onions are less than a full crop but are of good quality.
Potatoes are not a normal crop in yield or quality. The prospect
is good for root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops.
Apples, pears, peaches and grapes poor; cranberries not grown.
Strawberry plants look well but the acreage for another year is
smaller than usual.

Westport (A. S. Sherman). — Corn is not up to the average.
Rowen and fall feed are fully up to the usual average. Onions
are an average crop. Potatoes are not a normal crop in yield or
quality. Turnips and cabbages promise very well. Apples and
cranberries are less than average crops ; pears, peaches and grapes
very plenty.

Acushnet (M. S. Douglas). — Corn is an average crop. Rowen
and fall feed are up to the usual average. The usual amount of
fall seeding has been done, but it is not up to expectations on
account of drought. Onions are not an average crop. Potatoes
are about half a crop of good quality. The prospect for root
crops, celery and other late market-garden crops is good. Few
apples and peaches ; pears and grapes plenty ; cranberries a fair
crop.

PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

i?awover (H. L. House). — Indian corn is above an average
crop. Rowen and fall feed are above the usual average. The
usual amount of fall seeding has been done and it is in good con-
dition. Onions are fully an average crop. Potatoes are of large
size and good quality. Root crops, celery and other late market-
garden crops promise well. Apples are a short crop ; pears,
peaches, grapes and cranberries good.

24

Marshjield (J. H. Bourne). — Corn is a little better than an
average crop. Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average.
The usual amount of fall seeding has been done, but it has not
grown well owing to recent dry weather. Onions are less than an
average crop. A few fields of potatoes yield well, others not half
a crop. The prospect for root crops, celery and other late market-
garden crops is good if rain comes abundantly. Cranberries,
grapes, pears and peaches are good crops ; no apples.

Pembroke (Nathaniel Morton). — Indian corn is an average
crop. Rowen and fall feed are far in excess of the usual average.
Onions are a normal crop. Potatoes are not a normal crop in
yield or quality. The prospect for root crops, celery and other
late market-garden crops is good. No apples ; pears fair ; no
peaches ; grapes fair; cranberries a two-thirds crop.

Halifax (G. W. Hayward). — Corn has been late but we shall
have a good crop. There is more rowen and fall feed than for
many years. About the usual amount of fall seeding has been
done and it looks fairly well. Onions are not more than half a
crop. Turnips are a fair crop and other root crops are in good
condition. There is not much fruit except pears and cranberries,
which are quite plenty.

Wareham (A. B. Savary). — There is an average crop of corn.
Rowen and fall feed are above the usual average. Very little fall
seeding has been done. Onions are a good crop. The yield of
potatoes is small but the quality is good. The prospect for root
crops, celery and other late market-garden crops is good. No
apples ; other fruits fair crops.

Mattapoisett (E. C. Stetson). — Indian corn is a little better
than an average crop. Rowen and fall feed are a little better than
the usual average. About the usual amount of fall seeding has
been done and it is looking well. Onions are not much raised but
are looking well. Potatoes are a very poor crop, both in yield and
quality. Root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops
are in quite good condition. No apples to speak of, pears and
grapes very good ; a large crop of cranberries.

BARNSTABLE COUNTY.
Bourne (D. D. Nye). — Indian corn is a good average crop.
Rowen and fall feed are not up to the usual average. The usual
amount of fall seeding has been done and it is in fair condition.
Onions are not raised. Potatoes are about half a normal crop.
Beets, turnips and cabbages look well. No apples ; pears very
good ; no peaches ; a few grapes. The cranberry crop is very
good, in some localities better than last year, in others not as good.

25

Mashpee ( W. F. Hammond) . — Indian corn is more than an
average crop. Rowen and fall feed are about average crops. The
onion crop is below the average. Potatoes are below the average
in yield and are inclined to rot. Late market-garden crops
promise to be above the average. Apples, pears, peaches, grapes
and cranberries half crops.

Barnstable (John Bursley). — Corn is 10 per cent off in condi-
tion. Rowen and fall feed are up to the usual average. The usual
amount of fall seeding has been done, but that put in late suffered
for rain. Onions are an average crop. Potatoes are an average
crop in yield and quality. French turnips suffered during Septem-
ber for rain ; few other root crops grown. Apples very light ;
pears heavy ; peaches and grapes fine. Tlie cranberry crop is very
heavy and two-thirds of the crop has been harvested in very good
order.

Chatham (E. Z. Ryder.) — Corn is less than an average crop.
The rowen crop is almost worthless and fall feed is in very poor
condition. Less than the usual amount of fall seeding has been
done and it is in poor condition. Onions are a small crop of small
size. Late potatoes were less than an average crop. Root crops,
celery and other late market-garden crops are not up to the average
owing to lack of rain. Apples a medium crop; pears about aver-
age •, grapes a little below average ; cranberries a little less than
an average crop.

Easthavi (J. A. Clakk) . — Rowen and fall feed are in very good
condition. Potatoes are a good crop in both yield and quality.
Root crops, celery and other late market-garden crops are looking
well. Cranberries are a fair crop ; no apples.

WeUjleet (E. S. Jacobs). — Indian corn compares favorably
with an average crop. Rowen and fall feed were damaged some-
what by rain as they are mostlj'on low land. Fall seeding is good
and promises to continue so for some time. There are very few
onions raised. Late potatoes are very good and above the average
in quality. The prospect is good for all root crops, and especially
good for celery. Apples are a failure, none of any amount ; grapes
are plentiful and cranberries far above the average.

NANTUCKET COUNTY.

Nantucket (Wallace Gardner). — Indian corn is quite up to
the usual average. Rowen and fall feed are better by one-half
than the usual average. Onions are not at all a good crop. Pota-
toes are generally a short crop. Turnips and mangolds are good
crops, and celery and other late market-garden crops i)romise well.
The cranberry crop is very good.

26

BULLETIN OF

Massachusetts Board of Agriculture.

IRRIGATION IN HUMID CLIMATES.

By Prof. C. S. Phelps, Storrs {Connecticut) Agricultural Experiment Station.

While irrigation is not a new subject, its importance in those
parts of the United States where the climate is naturally humid
has not been fully appreciated. In European countries, even
where the rainfall is quite large, the advantages of irrigation are
better known. In the older countries of the world, where the
population is relatively dense and' the value of lands is conse-
quently high, every possible means that will aid in assuring full
crops must be adopted. For one hundred years or more irrigation
has been practised in the naturally moist climates of Italy, Scotland
and England. The methods of artificial watering used in the old
world gradually found a place in New England, and to-day many
traces of old irrigation ditches may be found, especially where
small streams could be easily diverted and a natural flowage be
obtained. Several plain evidences of such irrigation systems, on
old farms in Connecticut, have come under the observation of the
writer. Most of these systems have been abandoned ; in many
cases because the farms were abandoned and in others because the
streams did not continue to give sufficient flow when irrigation was
most needed. Within the last ten years there has been a new
interest in irrigation and a lively agitation of the subject through
the agricultural press of the east, and small fruit and vegetable
growers are beginning to appreciate the value of artificial watering
to a greater extent than ever before. Its high value has been
demonstrated in a few striking instances by some of our leading
fruit growers, and these instances, together with the general inter-
est manifested in the subject, have led to much inquiry regarding
methods of irrigation adapted to the east.

27

In a limited discussion of so large a subject it may be best at
the outset to state briefly the reasons why irrigation is important
to the New England farmer and then to enlarge upon the different
points in their order. These reasons are as follows: (1) The
uneven distribution of the rainfall and the occurrence of frequent,
severe droughts during the growing season ; (2) the large amount
of water used by all crops, and especially by most crops of high
market value ; (3) the large amount of water lost to the plant by
leaching and by evaporation from the soil ; (4) the high value per
acre of many of the crops best adapted to New England ; (5) the
high price of lands and the changed conditions of agriculture ;
(6) the many small streams and ponds by means of which irriga-
tion may be made practicable at small expense.

Probably the first reason why farmers do not as a rule appreci-
ate that irrigation has any place in New England agriculture is
on account of our heavy rainfall. The average yearly rainfall
(including melted snow) for Massachusetts is about 45 inches.
This amount of water is ample for the needs of nearly all crops
when it is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. But the
precipitation is very unevenly distributed ; much of it falls as snow
in winter or as rain during the spring and fall months. Short,
severe, summer droughts are a characteristic of this climate. A
high temperature, accompanied by drying winds, will, in a week's
time, frequently cause our crops to wilt, and in less than three
weeks the crop prospects may be nearly ruined as a result of the
absence of the water needed to keep up a vigorous growth.

In order to make a good growth most crops need, during the
three summer months, a rainfall of from 3 to 4 inches, and this
needs to be fairly evenly distributed throughout these months.
During the past thirteen years the Storrs Experiment Station has
had rainfall records taken in about a dozen different places in
Connecticut, and these, with others made under the direction of
the New England Meteorological Society, show pretty accurately
the average amount of rainfall for the summer months.

Rainfall in Connecticut during the Summer Months, 1888-1900.

Year.

June.

July.

August.

No. of
Stations.

Inches.

Inches.

Inches.

1888, ....

1.69

2.05

5.30

18

1889, ....

3.83

11.35*

3.92

20

1890

2.96

4.29

4.29

17

* Omitted in averaging.

28

Rainfall in Connecticut during the Summer Months^ 1888-1900
— Concluded.

Yeah.

June.

July.

August.

No. of '
Stations.

Inches.

Inches.

Inches.

1891, ....

2.47

4.24

3.81

20

1892,

2.65

3.80

4.35

26

1893,

2.65

2.12

4.69

22

1894,

.75

1.55

1.81

23

1895,

2.74

4.36

4.54

21

1896,

1.78

3.22

2.71

20

1897,

2.79

12.24*

5.23

21

1898,

2.48

6.24

5.87

21

1899,

3.72

5.65

3.27

21

1900,

,

4.32

2.76

2.03

23

Average,

2.68

3.65

3.99

—

* Omitted in averaging.

From these records it will be seen that the average rainfall dur-
ing thirteen seasons for June is only 2.68 inches, for July (omit-
ting two years of excessive rainfall) it is 3.65 inches, and for
August practically 4 inches. The interesting point to be con-
sidered is that the month of June, during which most of the small
fruits and many vegetables make a large part of their growth, is
generall}' deficient in rainfall.

There are very few seasons during some part of which a drought
of more or less severity does not occur. With crops like straw-
berries, raspberries, early potatoes and onions a lack of rain for
two or three weeks may lessen the crop one-half or more. A strik-
ing illustration of the injury caused by short droughts was seen in
the' season of 1895, on one of the farms in Connecticut, where
irrigation was being put into operation for the first time. A field
of strawberries that had been set out in the spring of 1894 was on
too high ground to be reached by water conducted from the storage
pond. A field of the same size on another part of the farm was
sprinkled from pipes laid on the surface. The irrigated area,
with only three applications of water, gave a yield two and two-
thirds times greater than that obtained on the area which could not
be irrigated. As a more recent illustration, which nearly every
farmer will recall, we would point to the light hay crop occasioned
by the spring and early summer drought of 1899, and again in
1900. In contrast to this, we can note the large hay crop of the
present season, occasioned mainly by the heavy rainfall of May
and the early part of June.

In reference to the second reason it may be well to point out,

29

first, that all growing plants are made up largely of water. Green
grass or clover contains from 80 to 90 per cent of water. Many
of our common fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, peaches
and pears contain from 80 to 92 per cent of water. The impor-
tance of this to the farmer is seen in the fact that when he sells
such crops he is mainly disposing of water and a small amount of
mineral salts. As one prominent fruit grower puts it, he sells in
his fruit barrels of water with a little flavoring extract in it. The
water held in the tissues of the plant, however, represents but a
small part of the total amount needed by the plant ; a very large
amount is evaporated or transpired through the foliage during the
period of growth.

It has been estimated that a crop of hay at two tons per acre, or
about six and one-half tons of fresh grass, will evaporate during
its season of growth about 525 tons of water ; that an average
crop of wheat, of 720 pounds of grain and 1,500 pounds of straw
to the acre, will evaporate about 260 tons of water, or, in other
words, according to these estimates, every ton of green grass
evaporates through its foliage during the period of growth about 81
tons of water, and in drying this ton of grass loses about two-
thirds of its weight, so that one-third of a ton of hay (667 pounds)
utilizes in its growth about 81 tons of water. An inch of rainfall
is equal to 113 tons of water per acre. The above figures indicate
that the water evaporated by an acre of grass (6^ tons) would equal
about 4.6 inches. In some cases this amount of water is more than
the total rainfall during the period of time in which the crop makes
its growth. These figures, of course, only represent averages. In
very moist times evaporation would be checked and in dry times
it would be increased. In other words, at times when the plant
uses water most rapidly there is the least available amount from
the rainfall.

Professor King of Wisconsin has shown that the amount of
water transpired through the foliage and evaporated from the soil
by some of our common crops is as follows, when estimated on the
basis of dry matter in the crop : —

Dent corn per ton of dry matter, 2.64 inches of water.
Flint corn per ton of dry matter, 2.14 inches of water.
Red clover per ton of dry matter, 4.03 inches of water.
Oats per ton of dry matter, 4.76 inches of water.
Potatoes per ton of dry matter, 4.73 inches of water.

If we assume a fair yield of red clover to be 10 tons per acre
(green) with 25 per cent of dry matter (equal to 2^ tons per acre),
the clover crop would use about 10 inches of water in its growth.

30

An acre of dent corn yielding 15 tons green, with 25 per cent dry
matter (equal to 3| tons), would use during its period of growth
10.6 inches of water. As shown in the table of rainfall previously
given the average rainfall for the past fourteen years from about
twenty localities in Connecticut for the months of June, July and
August is only 11.3 inches.

Of course, no account is made here of water lost by leaching.
The one important lesson that these results do point out is the large
amount of water used in the growth of plants and the need of con-
serving the stores in the soil, or of adding an artificial supply
when the rainfall is below the average. We know of no extensive
experimentr showing the amount of water used by small fruits, but
all crops which produce a heavy growth of foliage transpire moist-
ure rapidly. A crop like strawberries, which makes a heavy growth
of both foliage and fruit in about two months, must use immense
quantities of water.

The discussion of the large amounts of water used by plants
naturally leads to the consideration of the losses of moisture from
the soil. Only a part of the water which falls becomes avail-
able to growing crops. A considerable part flows off on the sur-
face of the ground and finds its way into streams, while in the
case of heavy rains quite a portion is leached away and carried
beyond the roots of plants. However, in soils that are not too
porous much of the water which is leached into the lower strata
may find its way back to the surface soil by capillary attraction.
One of the most important matters to be considered in the culture
of crops is that a large and variable quantity of water is evapo-
rated directly from the soil. The amount of this depends upon
several conditions, the chief of which are the state of the weather,
the kind of crop on the soil, the amount of cultivation, and whether
or not the soil is mulched. In times when rainfall is insufficient
for the best growth of crops the atmospheric conditions are usually
such as to favor the evaporation of moisture from the soil. The
amount of evaporation that takes place depends upon the amount
of wind that may be blowing over the soil and the degree of satura-
tion of the air. Meteorological data showing the relative humidity
of the air indicate that on hot, dry days the air may contain as low
as from 20 to 50 per cent of its water-holding capacit}'. Under
such conditions, especially in connection with winds, the moisture
evaporates from the soil very rapidly. The shade aiJorded by
crops like grass and small grains tends to lessen the amount of
evaporation from the soil, while crops which do not shade the
ground as much furnish conditions more fav'orable for the escape
of moisture.

31

It is a well-known fact that mulch, in the form of coarse hay,
strayv, etc., tends to prevent the escape of moisture. This, to-
gether with the cleaner fruit that is thus obtained, is one of the
reasons for using such materials on strawberry fields. Frequent
stirring of the surface soil by cultivation has much the same effect
in preventing the escape of moisture as the direct use of mulch.
In the experiments by the writer, on the evaporation of moisture
from heavy loam and from light loam soils, the soils in a part of
each series were frequently stirred at the surface, while the others
were not stirred. The average loss of moisture from the light loam
soil, not stirred, was equal to IJ inches, while the average loss
from the stirred soil was f of an inch. This means that, in a given
time, nearly twice as much water was evaporated from the soil left
in a naturally compact condition as where the surface was mulched
by frequent stirring.

A strong argument in favor of irrigation in Connecticut is found
in the high value per acre of many farm and garden crops. The
following table shows the range of value per acre for some small
fruits and market-garden crops, as given by practical farmers,
when these crops have not been irrigated : —

Strawberries, f200 to $450

Raspberries, 200 to 400

Asparagus . 100 to 200

Cauliflower, 200 to 400

Celery 200 to 300 ^

Onions, 150 to 300

It will readily be seen that a loss of one-half on the value of
some of these crops, when five or six acres are grown, would cover
quite an outlay for water. Two men in Connecticut who have
made extensive use of irrigation state that the cost of their irriga-
tion plants was returned the first season by the increased crops
obtained where water was applied.

With crops like strawberries and raspberries the benefits derived
from irrigation represent only a few weeks' labor and a small ex-
penditure of money. So great is the gain derived from having an
abundance of water for these crops, at the right time, that good
profits have been obtained by the use of a road engine and force
pump. In many places this form of power could be hired for a
few days and large profits be obtained from its use.

Before farming products were shipped by rail long distances the
prices obtained for the crop in any locality depended largely upon
the supply in that immediate vicinity. If the season was not a
favorable one for any particular crop, and the yields were light,

32

the increased prices obtained often counterbalanced the deficiency
in the yield. To-day, however, if there is a shortage in any crop in
one locality the market, except in the case of perishable products,
may be stocked from long distances away, where the weather condi-
tions were perhaps favorable for large yields. The profits obtained
by local growers are thus lai-gely dependent on the season, and it
frequently happens that the season of poor crops, resulting from
lack of rainfall, nearly or quite uses up the profits of favorable
seasons.

The high price of lands in New England, especially in the vicinity
of cities and towns, makes it important that relatively large profits
be obtained from crops in order to cover taxes and interest. The
high price of lauds together with the changed demands of our mar-
kets have caused a complete transformation in the methods and in
the leading branches of farming. The intensive system of cultiva-
tion, where market-garden crops and fruits take the lead, has
almost entirely replaced the older or extensive system, where the
staple crops, like the cereals, were in the lead. The high value of
lands where truck and fruit crops are grown, together with the high
value of such crops when grow n, points out the need of some form
of protection against drought. Many fruit growers have adopted
spraying as an insurance against damage by fungus diseases and
insects, and in the same way irrigation may be considered as an
insurance against drought which often pays good dividends.

The sixth reason why irrigation should be more generally used
in New England is the natural condition of the country which
favors its adoption. New England is an area of uneven surface,
cut by many small rivez's which are bordered by fertile valleys.
Into these valleys flow numerous small streams which make a rapid
descent. In many instances these streams can be diverted and
carried along the sides of the valley in such a way as to flood
several acres at very little cost. In other cases natural ponds can
be tapped or small dams can be constructed and the water from the
ponds thus formed be used. In cases where it becomes necessary
to lift the water large-sized rams may be used if sufficient fall for
forcing the ram can be obtained.

Some Instances of Successful Irrigation.
In the year 1895 the writer made a special study of irrigation in
Connecticut and will give a brief description of some of the most
successful plants found in operation. The oldest irrigation plant in
Connecticut, which is still in operation, is probably located on the
farm of Joseph Albiston at South Manchester. The privilege was
granted in 1796, the water being taken from a small stream at a

33

point about 60 rods above the limits of the farm. There are two
small irrigation plants now in use on this farm. In the older one
the water is conveyed in an open ditch and about five acres are
watered from it. This plant was for many years used in irrigating
grass, and fine crops of hay were obtained. During the past twenty
years Mr. Albiston has used it mainly for watering small fruits and
vegetables. Of the area watered from this canal about three acres
are nearly level, having a fall of less than 5 feet in 400 feet. The
water can be conveyed by means of a branch ditch along one end
of this area and then, as needed, turned down between the rows of
small fruits and vegetables. About one acre, on quite a steep
slope just below the main ditch, is thoroughly watered by seepage,
the water percolating through the soil a few feet below the surface
for a distance of about 4 rods from the main ditch. A second
plan of irrigation on this farm was put in operation a few years
ago. Near where the brook enters the farm a small dam was con-
structed and a pond formed. The water from this pond was used
in watering about two acres of bottom land on the opposite side
of the brook from the area watered from the main ditch. Most of
the irrigated area consists of a gravelly loam, but the two acres of
bottom land are a compact loam with a hard-pan subsoil. This
area has been underdrained, and the surplus water used in irrigating
is conveyed off in these drains.

Mr. Albiston has found the use of irrigation especially profitable
on strawberries. Since he has irrigated this crop he rarely fails
to obtain large yields, while before irrigation was employed he says
partial failures from drought were common. In 1894, 32 square
rods of land planted with Crescent strawberries produced at the
rate of 10,400 quarts per acre. In 1895, with a very severe
drought in strawberry time, Mr. Albiston claims that his crop was
the best he ever produced. The Black-cap raspberries and black-
berries have each year produced exceptionally fine crops by the aid
of irrigation. Potatoes have been irrigated during seasons of
drought. In 1894, which was a very unfavorable season for pota-
toes, the crop obtained by the aid of irrigation yielded at the rate
of 300 bushels to the acre. Mr. Albiston is especially fortunate
in being able to irrigate on quite an extended scale at a very small
cost. Under conditions of this kind irrigation must pay a very
fine profit.

The Hale Brothers of South Glastonbury, extensive growers of
fruits and of nursery stock, have adopted one of the most exten-
sive systems of irrigation to be found in New England. It differs
from the system just described by having the water conveyed in
iron pipes for a distance of nearly one mile. A small brook, which

34

has never been known to go dry, was dammed and a reservoir thus
formed. The source of the water is about 100 feet above the fields
to be irrigated. Heavy iron pipes, 6 inches in diameter, were used
for 360 feet from the reservoir, then a 4-inch pipe for 1,900 feet,
until a fall of 50 feet was obtained, after which the pipe used was
only three inches in diameter. The line of pipe was carried along
the tops of the ridges of the farm, and at points about 200 feet
apart hydrants were placed, so that water can be taken from the
main pipe and be used for surface flowage or for sprinkling. It
has been estimated that there is sufficient water to irrigate forty to
fifty acres, mainly by surface flowage. The contour of the land
and the character of the soil are such that the water can be dis-
tributed between the rows of plants so as to give a very even dis-
tribution. Mr. Hale has used the water mainly on nursery plants
and trees, upon small fruits, and, to a limited extent, upon peach
trees which were producing fruit. Mr. Hale is of the opinion that
the use of water on peach trees will prove profitable, during the
fruiting time, in seasons of severe drought.

Another typical system where pipe for conducting the water is
used is found on the farm of W. A. Leigh of Thomaston, Conn.
This system is described because of the peculiar method used in
distributing the water on the irrigated area. The farm is located
in a narrow valley at the base of a cliff, which rises, quite abruptly,
some 300 feet above the fields which are irrigated. Over this cliff
pours a small stream which is fed by springs near the top. By
building a dam across a narrow ravine a storage pond covering
several acres was formed. The water is conducted through a 3-inch
pipe laid on the surface of the ground, and is used for furnishing
power for a small granite works as well as for irrigating. The
pressure is so great — about 125 pounds to the square inch — that
a small stream runs a water-wheel furnishing seven horse-power.
The water is used for irrigating purposes at night. Branch lines
of pipe of IJ and of 1 inch in diameter are laid on the surface of
the gi'ound some 50 feet apart. Short pieces of hose are attached
to these lines of pipe once in about 50 feet, and the water is ap-
plied by spraying through |-inch nozzles. The pressure is so great
that three or four of these |-inch streams may be kept " playing"
from a single line of pipe at the same time. The water is forced
to a great height and spreads over quite an area, like a heavy
shower of rain. While Mr. Leigh has about eighteen acres upon
which irrigation might be applied, its use has been confined to a
few acres of strawberries. Beginning in 1887, he has irrigated
this crop every year since. In 1895 about three acres were
under irrigation. The water is applied about the time the plants

bloom, and is continued till near the end of the fruiting season if
needed.

J. C. Eddy of Simsbury, Conn., is making a specialty of small
fruits and vegetables, and severe droughts, which have been quite
frequent, have caused much damage to his crops. The farm is
located near the western limits of the Connecticut valley, and is
composed mainly of a light, porous, rather sandy soil, that requires
large quantities of water to grow crops successfully. A small
stream, within a narrow valley, passes through the farm, and the
tillage lands lie mainly upon the slopes outside this valley. As
the brook was below most of the cultivated fields some form of
pumping appliance seemed to be the only feasible means of making
the water available, and a ram was adopted as the most practical.
For the first two or three years only one large ram was used, but
the advantages of irrigation became so apparent that another of
equal capacity was added. In order to get the necessary fall for
forcing the ram a canal about 40 rods in length was dug along the
outer edge of the valley. From the lower end of this canal the
water makes a fall of about 7 feet, through 6-inch drive pipes, and
thus operates the two large rams located near the centre of the
valley.

At quite an elevation above the cultivated fields, on a heavy,
clayey soil, was a small pond that usually became dry in sum-
mer. This pond was enlarged by dredging and by building an
earth dam on two sides. A storage pond was thus formed with an
area of about one-half acre and with an average depth of about 4
feet. This pond is located about 80 rods from the ram and at a
height of 70 feet above it, and there is a good fall from the pond
to most of the cultivated areas. Connections can be made with
the pipe leading from the ram, at various points between the ram
and the storage pond, and the direct flow of water can thus be
used for irrigating certain areas.

Most of the irrigated fields on this farm are watered from lines
of pipe extending from the storage pond. The fall from the pond
is sufficient so that strawberries have been watered by sprinkling
from 2-inch condemned fire hose, a flow of about 30 gallons per
minute being obtained in this way. A more common method of
distributing the water has been to use a series of troughs along
one end of the rows of crops. The water was conducted into
these by means of gates, and was allowed to flow down between
the rows in little rills.

Mr. Eddy has made a specialty of strawberries, generally grow-
ing from four to six acres. The first year after his irrigation plant

36

was installed he had two areas on high ground which he could not
irrigate and two acres on lower ground to which pipes were laid
for conducting the water. Early in June a drought began, which
seriously injured the strawberry crop all over the State. At the
end of the season it was found that the two acres which were not
irrigated had yielded 150 crates (32 quarts each), while the two
acres which were irrigated yielded 415 crates. After the first few
days picking the fruit on the non-irrigated fields was much smaller
and dai'ker colored and soon after shrivelled. The quality of this
fruit was so much poorer than that on the irrigated area that it
had to be sold for several cents per quart less.

Until within a few years, since the blight became so destructive,
Mr. Eddy has been very successful in growing muskmelons by aid
of irrigation. This crop has frequently been sold as high as $350
to $400 per acre. Asparagus and onions have also been grown
with great success where water was applied. Cauliflower of ex-
cellent quality has been grown on this farm. This crop is one
which responds readily to the use of water, and Mr. Eddy has
irrigated it as often as once in five or six days when the rainfall
was deficient. The crop has generally been grown on a medium
heavy loam soil where the surface fall was only about 4 feet in 100
lengthwise of the rows. The water was allowed to flow down
between the rows from a series of troughs at one end. With so
slight a fall the flow was very gradual and the water would gradu-
ally soak laterally underneath the rows. The cauliflower headed
earlier than usual where irrigation was practised, and the crop has
generally sold for about $400 per acre.

Experiments with Irrigation on Strawberries.
In June, 1895, the Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station began
some experiments on the farm of Mr. Eddy, for the purpose of
studying the effects of irrigation on the quantity and quality of
strawberries, and to ascertain some facts regarding the profits
to be obtained from the use of irrigation. A section of about
two acres was chosen from a field of strawberries. The soil
appeared to be nearly uniform, and the conditions were favorable
for applying the water. The field had been set to strawberries in
the spring of 1894. The Haverland was the variety used, with
every fourth plant in the row a Jessie, the latter being used for
fertilizing. The plots were laid out 115 feet long and 12 feet
wide, three rows to a plot, two plots being irrigated and two not.
Two rows were left between plots, which were not included in the
experiment, in order to thoroughly separate the irrigated from the

37

non-irrigated sections. The plots were to be irrigated as often as
seemed necessary to get good commercial results.

Comparative Yields in Quarts on Irrigated and Non-irrigated Plots
of Strawberries, 1895.

Plot 1, Irrigated.

Plot 2, Non-Irrigated.

Plot 3, Irrigated.

Plot 4, Non Irrigated.

The yield on the two irrigated plots was at the rate of .5,318
quarts per acre, and on the two non-irrigated, at the rate of 2,083
quarts.

Water was used on the irrigated plots on June 10, 15, 18 and
20. The water was applied by means of 2-inch hose from a 2.^-inch
iron pipe laid on the surface of the ground. The size of the stream
and the force of the water was sufficient to give thirty gallons
(about one barrel) per minute. At this rate of flow one man
could sprinkle about one acre per day. The ground was given a
thorough wetting each time.

On June 24 the writer visited the fields and made the following
notes: "Plants on non-irrigated plots are drying badly. Leaves
shrivelled, and many dry and dead. Fruit small, dark colored
when ripe, and shrivelled and seedy. Fruit looks over-ripe when
picked. The darker color is probably due to the increased sun-
light that the fruit gets, owing to the shrivelled condition of the
plants.

"Plants on the irrigated plots look fresh and vigorous; fruit
large and abundant ; much green fruit continuing to develop. Size
of berries large, color bright. Fruit not quite as sweet as on the
non-irrigated plots. Should judge the fruit from irrigated plots
would sell for two to three cents per quart more than that from
non-irrigated."

Mr. Eddy found that the fruit from the non-irrigated plots had
to be sold for an average of nine cents per quart, while that from
the irrigated areas brought eleven cents. At these rates per quart
the fruit on the irrigated plots sold at the rate of $584.76 per acre
and that on the non-irrigated at the rate of $187.47 per acre, a dif-
ference of $397.29 per acre in favor of irrigation.

38

It will be readily seen that even with two acres of strawberries
the increased returns obtained by the use of water would furnish
quite a sum towards covering the expense of an irrigation plant.

Suggestions regarding Irrigation.

The contour of most of the land of New England is such as to
readily admit of the conveyance and application of water for irriga-
tion. Streams, ponds and springs are common, and, except in
cases of severe droughts, furnish an adequate supply of water.
Many crops, like strawberries, raspberries and early vegetables,
need irrigating, if at all, early in the season, when the supply of
water is often sufficient, while, perhaps, later in the season it would
not be. Much of the land that would be improved by irrigation is
in valleys, near to streams and ponds, which in many cases are
high enough to give a moderate flow on the areas below, so the
cost of getting the water would be merely nominal. The soils used
for many of our most profitable crops are generally light and
porous and leach water readily, but are just the kind of soils that
most need irrigating ; while our best money crops, such as small
fruits and vegetables, are heavy users of water. There is no need
of drainage, in connection with irrigation, on soils of this class, as
is often the case where the surface soil is compact.

Means of making Water Available. — The sources of water for
irrigation in New England are natural or artificial ponds, streams
and springs, and in some cases wells. In many cases ponds are
so located that water can be conveyed from them to fields on lower
ground by means of open ditches, the expense depending upon the
distance and the character of the ground to be passed through.
This often is the cheapest method for securing water. When the
supply is large the loss of water occasioned by soakage from the
ditch or evaporation is not of serious consequence. The fall of
many of our small streams is so great that by building a small dam
the water may be turned from its natural course and conveyed in
ditches along the outer edge of the valley and then allowed to flow
over the surface of the fields back to the natural stream.

Mams. — In many places the source of supply is below the fields
to be irrigated and the water can only be made available by some
pumping device. The cheapest sources of power are water and
wind, although steam or electricity may be profitably used where
the water is wanted only for a short period of time. A ram, under
many conditions, is the best power. As only a small part of the
water that is needed to operate the ram can be pumped, the supply
must be quite large and the ram of heavy capacity. If the water
is lifted over 40 or 50 feet high the strain on the ram is quite

39

severe and all the parts must be securely and strongly made. But
few styles of rams manufactured in this country are powerful
enough to supply water for anything but small areas (four to eight
acres).

Winclmills. — If wind is the form of power to be used the mill
should be constructed of the best materials, and be strong and
secure in all its parts. Cheap forms of mills should be avoided in
all cases. The best steel mills are the cheapest in the end. The
mill should be located on high ground, so it will " catch" the wind
from all directions and so that the place of storage may be suffi-
ciently above the fields to be irrigated to give a good fall. The
average velocity of the wind in New England is about twelve miles
per hour. A 14-foot wheel will do good work with a wind of ten
to fifteen miles per hour. Of course the movement of the wind is
very irregular, but there is usually sufficient to furnish power for
pumping water for three to six acres, by having a large storage
tank. Wheels of lai'ge diameter are to be preferred in order to
utilize light breezes.

Steam Power. — When water is wanted for a short time on one
or two crops which generall}^ give good profits, some form of engine
and pump may be economically used. The Wisconsin Experiment
Station has watered a variety of crops in this way aud has shown
this method of irrigation to be a profitable one. For crops like
strawberries, raspberries and some vegetables which give large
returns per acre and require water only for short periods of time,
steam may be advantageously used as a source of power for pump-
ing. On many farms a portable engine might be profitably rented
for a few weeks during the strawberry season. This is a time
when farm engines are seldom wanted for other purposes. Naph-
tha or gasoline engines of five to six horse-power are economical
of fuel, can be easily operated, are of lighter weight than coal
engines, and as a source of power they are worthy of careful con-
sideration.

Application of Water. — The oldest method of distributing the
water over the fields to be irrigated is by means of small ditches.
These can be made by turning a furrow with a plow along the
highest part of the field to be watered. By having a number of
lines of these ditches parallel to each other along the slopes of the
land the water may be let out on the lower side of the highest ditch
and distributed over the land between this and the next ditch,
while the second ditch will catch the surplus water. A man with
a hoe removes obstructions and directs the water by opening small
water courses. With a little attention the water can be made to
touch nearly all parts of the field.

40

For crops like strawberries, when the water must be run between
the rows, these should extend up and down the slope. Only a
slight slope is needed to give free movement to the water ; from 3
to 6 feet for every 100 feet is better than a greater fall. With a
heavy fall, and especially if the soil is sandy, serious washing will
often result. In case mulch is used on strawberries it is found to
interfere badly with the flow when the water is applied by surface
flowage. If mulch is thought to be necessarj' to keep the fruit
clean, water should be applied freely just before the picking season
begins, and then the mulch be applied. Wooden troughs may be
used for distributing the water. These are made of rough boards
10 and 12 inches wide, nailed together v-shaped, and are supported
on stakes across the upper ends of the rows in such a way as to
give a slight fall across the field. By means of small auger holes
the water can be made to flow out between the rows. With small
strips of tin, gates are made over these holes so that the amount of
flow can be regulated.

If the water supply is limited, iron pipes may advantageously
be used in distributing the water to the points where needed. The
water may either be allowed to flow from these over the surface or
be applied by sprinkling. Unless the fall is very great (100 feet
.or more) these pipes should be at least 2 inches in diameter. Con-
demned fire hose 2 to 3 inches in diameter can be bought in most
of our large cities, and if the fall from the reservoir or tank is 50
feet or more a heavy spray can be obtained by their use. A flow
of twenty-five to forty gallons per minute seems to be necessary
in using iron pipes and hose, in order to apply the water as rapidly
as is desirable for strawberries.

In case a fall of 200 to 300 feet can be obtained, and the water
can be conducted in pipes, it may be applied by means of lines of
perfoi-ated pipes laid on wires over the fields. Or if the pipe is
laid beneath the ground a series of small nozzles may be placed at
intervals along the lines of pipe and the water be applied in the
form of a spray.

Series of 1901. Bulletin No. 6.

MASSACHUSETTS

CHOP KEPOKT

Month op October, 1901.

ISSUED BY

J. W. STOCKWELL,
Secretary State Board of Agriculture.

BOSTON :

WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS,

18 Post Office Square.

1901.

Ceop Eeport for the Month of October, 1901.

Office of State Board of Agriculture,
Boston, Mass , Nov. 1, 1901.

Bulletin No. 6, Crop Report 'for the month of October, is
herewith presented as the final issue of the season. We wish
to again thank our correspondents for the assistance they have
so freely and faithfully given us, and to solicit the continu-
ance of their assistance another spring, if this work is con-
tinued, as we have every reason to believe it will be.

The special articles printed this season have been : Bulle-
tin No. 1, " Three common orchard scales," by Prof. H. T.
Fernald ; Bulletin No. 2, " A lesson in economics ; what the
agriculture of the twentieth century demands," by Dr. G. M.
Twitchell ; Bulletin No. 3, " Selection and improvement of
dairy herd," by Prof. F. S. Cooley ; Bulletin No. 4, " Poul-
try keeping as a principal feature of diversified farming," by
John H. Robinson ; and Bulletin No. 5, " Irrigation in humid
climates," by Prof. C. S. Phelps. Particular attention is
called to the article on "Cranberry culture in south-eastern
Massachusetts," by John Bursley, member of the State Board
of Agriculture, representing the Barnstable County Agricultu-
ral Society, which will be found printed at the close of the
bulletin.

Progress of the Season.

The October report of the statistician of the United States
Department of Agriculture (Crop Reporter for October,
1901) gives the average condition of corn on October 1 as
52.1, as compared with 51.7 a month earlier, 78.2 on the
corresponding date last year, 82.7 in 1899, and 81.8, the
mean of the October averages of the last ten years. This is
the lowest October average ever recorded, the lowest here-
tofore being 64.2, on Oct. 1, 1894.

The preliminary estimate of the yield per acre of oats was
25.1 bushels, as compared with 29.6 bushels last year, 30.7

bushels in 1899, and 27.2 bushels, the mean of the October
estimates of the last ten years. The average for quality was
83.7, against 89.2 last year and 89.5 in 1899.

Of the principal oat-producing States, only Ohio and
Minnesota report a yield per acre in excess of their ten-year
averages.

The preliminary estimate of the yield per acre of barley
was 24.7 bushels, as compared with 20.4 bushels last year,
27 bushels in 1899, and 23.4, bushels, the mean of the Octo-
ber estimates of the last ten years. The average for quality
was 89.2, against 82.1 last year and 88.4 in 1899.

The preliminary estimate of the yield per acre of rye was
15.1 bushels, as compared with 15.1 bushels last year, 14.4
bushels in 1899, and 14.3 bushels, the mean of the October
averages of the last ten years. The average for quality was
89.4, against 92 last year and 90 in 1899.

The average condition of buckwheat was 90.5 as com-
pared with 90.9 a month earlier, 72.8 last year, 70.2 in
1899, and 80.5, the mean of the October averages of the last
ten years.

The average condition of potatoes was 54, as compared
with 52.2 a month previous, 74.4 last year, 81.7 in 1899,
and 75.4, the mean of the October averages of the last ten
years. This is the lowest October condition on record.

Sweet potatoes are on the whole somewhat below the ten-
year average in condition.

The condition of sugar cane approximates very near the
ten-year average in the producing States, with the exception
of Texas, where it is 15 points below.

Rice is generally somewhat above the ten-year average in
the producing States.

As to the condition of apples, Indiana reports 2, Virginia
7, North Carolina 4, and Kansas 18 points above, and New
York 37, Ohio 11, Pennsylvania 30, Michigan 23, Missouri
1, Illinois 27, Tennessee 2, Maine 11, and Iowa 32 points
below the means of their October averages for the last six
years.

The average condition of cotton on September 25 was re-
ported to have been 61.4, as compared with 71.4 on August
24, 67 on Oct. 1, 1900, 62.4 at the corresponding date in

1899, and 70.3, the mean of the October averages of the last
ten years.

In Massachusetts the average condition of corn October 1
was given as 99; the average yield of oats as 31, and the
average quality as 85 ; the average' yield of barley as 23.5,
and the average quality as 94 ; the average yield of rye as
15.9, and the average quality as 93 ; the average condition
of buckwheat as 93 ; the average condition of tobacco as 102 ;
the average condition of potatoes as 67 ; and the average
condition of apples as 31.

Massachusetts Weather, 1901.

[Compiled peom Data furnished bt the New England Weather Service.]

During January there was about the usual amount of
cloudiness and sunshine, and the number of stormy days was
about the usual average. The average precipitation, 2.02
inches, was about an inch below the average, but, as it was
well distributed throughout the month and over the territory,
the deficiency was unimportant. There were no severe or
destructive storms. The monthly temperature was about
normal and quite even through the month. The snowfall
was less than average, but the ground was generally covered
through the month.

February was exceptionally pleasant. During 15 days of
the month the skies were cloudless, and there was an averase
of only 6 cloudy days. The precipitation of the month was
remarkably light, being but .88 of an inch. The snowfall
was light, averaging about 10 inches, but much of it re-
mained on the ground until the close of the month. The
temperature formed a conspicuous feature of the month, it
being uniformly low, with the monthly average about 3°
below the normal. Notwithstanding the low monthly mean,
there were no unusual ranges in the maxima and minima of
the month.

March was also unusually pleasant, as compared with the
average New England March. While the weather was
marked by much cloudiness and the monthly precipitation
was in excess of the average, there were but 12 stormy days.
The precipitation was mostly in the form of rain, and was
well distributed. The temperature was near the seasonal

6

average, the slight departure being above the normal. There
were no severe or protracted storms.

April was cloudy, wet and cold. The skies were wholly
overcast on an average of 19 days and rain fell on 15 days.
The precipitation was excessive in all sections, and averaged
nearly double the normal amount. To add to the uncom-
fortable conditions of the weather was much fog in coast
sections and almost continuous easterly winds throughout
the State. The mean temperature averaged about 1° below
the normal for the month.

The rainfall for May was in excess of the normal, so much
so that at the end of the month low lands were still too wet
to be worked. There were copious showers on the 1st and
2d, followed by nearly a week of clear weather. Cloudy and
rainy weather was nearly continuous from the 9th to the
14th. From that date clear and seasonable weather pre-
vailed until the 18th. From the 18th to the 2()th heavy
rains occurred in nearly all parts of the State. The high-
est temperatures of the month were on the 22d and 23d, the
mercury reaching to 80° or slightly above, but during the
24th the temperature fell from 20° to 30°. The last week
of the month showed cloudy weather with low tempera-
tures. The temperature of the month did not vary greatly
from the normal, but it was without the warm days usually
experienced in May, making the growth of vegetation slow
and backward.

June opened with a week of generally cloudy, cool
weather. From the 10th to the 20th the weather was partly
cloudy to clear, with almost an entire absence of rain, fol-
lowed by a season of showers from the 21st to the 25th.
The last 4 days of the month were excessively warm.
Viewing the month as a whole, the precipitation was largely
deficient, being little more than half the normal. The aver-
age temperature was several degrees above the normal.
There was less than the usual number of thunderstorms, and
they were generally less violent than usual. The winds
were southerly to westerly. Considered as a whole for the
entire State, June was a very pleasant month.

The first three days of July showed the same excessive
heat that prevailed in the last days of June. The tempera-

ture ruled high throughout the month, and was the most
conspicuous feature of the month. From the 14th to the
24th the daily excesses ranged from 6° to 13° above the
normal. There was a drop in the temperature on the 25th,
and at the close of the month conditions were nearly seasonal.
Taken as a whole, the daily mean temperature was about 2°
in excess of the average for July. Showers occurred quite
frequently, and were generally well distributed over the
State. For the larger portion of the district the monthly
precipitation was somewhat in excess of the normal, but in
some eastern sections there was some complaint of drought.

The weather of August, as a whole, was not marked by
unusual extremes or conditions exceptional to the season.
While the temperature averaged slightly above the normal,
no very high temperatures occurred, or periods of excessive
heat. The nights were seasonably warm. The average
temperature for the entire month was about 1° in excess of
the normal for August. The cloudiness and sunshine were
nearly equal during the first 10 days, followed by a period
extending to the 26th with cloudiness somewhat in excess of
sunshine. Showers were of frequent occurrence, generally
at intervals of three or four days ; but the rainfall was in
light to moderate amounts until the night of the 24th, when
very heavy showers occurred in the greater part of the
eastern portion of the State. Though the rainfall of the
month was below the normal, the frequency of the showers
made it sufficient to keep vegetation in flourishing condition.

The weather of September was uneventful, and character-
istic of the season. The first decade was marked by fair
weather, mostly with abundant sunshine. Showers on the
11th and 12th were \succeeded by several pleasant days.
Well-distributed showers fell from the 16th to the 21st, dur-
ing which period most of the precipitation of the month
occurred. There was little complaint of dry weather, and
the conditions were most favorable to harvesting and fall
seeding. The temperature during the month was almost
uniformly high, ranging from 1° to 2° above the normal.
The first cool weather occurred on the 20th and 21st, with
light to moderate frosts. Frosts also occurred on the 25th,
but they were generally too light to greatly damage vege-

8

tation. Viewing the month as a whole, the weather was
very pleasant.

The Weather of October, 1901.
The weather of the month was exceptionally pleasant,
with a preponderance of warm sunny days. The precipita-
tion was deficient, the monthly amounts being from 1.25
inches to 1.50 inches below the normal for October. The
rainfall of the month occurred chiefly during the storm of
the 14th and 15th. No rain of any consequence fell after
this storm. At the close of the month there is urgent need
of rain in some sections, and especially in those of the east-
ern portion of the State. The temperature has ranged above
the normal for nearly the entire month, and the average ex-
cess amounted to about two degrees per day. Like Septem-
ber, it was, however, well distributed and there were no
unusual maxima readings. Frosts, moderate to heavy, oc-
curred through the month in about all sections, except those
of the immediate coast, where the first occurrence was the
morning of the 26th, when it was sufficiently severe to kill
vegetation, except in protected places. The mild weather
and abundant sunshine have been very favorable to grass
lands, to pasturage for stock, to fall ploughing, seeding, and
to all farm operations and out-door work. No severe or
destructive wind storms passed over the State during the
month. Brisk to high winds occurred on the 19th and 28th,
but caused little if any damage. Local disturbances, thunder-
storms and hail, were reported from some localities, but they
were of slight importance and only worthy of passing notice.
Viewed as a whole, the weather of October was remarkably
fine and such as is not likely to be often paralleled.

Crops of the Year.
The excessive rains and cool weather of May made the
season from one to two weeks late at the close of the month,
with farm work still further behind the normal. Pastures
and mowings were generally in good condition, and prom-
ised well for the future. Fall seeding generally wintered
well. The fruit bloom occurred at about the usual time in
western sections and a few days later in eastern, and was

9

good for all kinds of fruit except apples, which were light.
Insects were doing practically no damage. Spraying was
reported as increasing, but not as rapidly as it should.
There was, generally speaking, a fair supply of fairly good
farm help. Wages average about $18 per month with board
and $1.25 per day without board. Indications were that the
acreage of corn and tobacco would be slightly increased, with
perhaps a slight decrease in that of potatoes.

Not for many years has there been as little complaint of
injury from insects as in June. Corn was very small and
backward, but with a good stand and average acreage.
Haying was generally beginning, and a good crop was gen-
erally expected. The acreage of early potatoes showed a
slight decrease, and they were backward because of late
planting, but looking well. Early market garden crops were
about average as to yield and price, though somewhat back-
ward. The quantity and price of dairy products was about
as the previous year, with the supply of dairy cows less than
the demand. Pasturage was much benefited by the early
rains, and was generally in first-class condition. Strawberry
picking had begun, with the prospect of an average crop with
good prices. Apples gave indications of a light crop, espe-
cially of winter varieties ; peaches light ; plums and cherries
good ; pears average.

In July potato bugs and squash bugs appeared to be rather
more numerous than usual, but other insects were doing no
particular damage. Indian corn came forward very rapidly,
and was generally in good condition and growing fast.
Silos gain in favor constantly but slowly. Haying was prac-
tically completed, with a larger crop than for the last two
years, probably a full average crop ; quality good, though
there was some injury from showers. Returns indicated an
increased acreage of forage crops, and they were generally
in good condition. Market garden crops sufiered from the
hot weather, but later ones promised well ; prices rather
higher than usual. Very few potatoes were dug at time of
making returns, so that no idea could be formed as to yield
or prices of the early crop. Apples dropped badly, still
further reducing the crop ; pears and peaches promised light
crops ; plums reported as dropping badly ; quinces good ;

10

grapes promised well. Pasturage came through the dry
weather surprisingly well, and was in good condition. Rye
was an average crop ; oats off in condition ; barley promised
well as a forage crop.

Indian corn, although still somewhat backward, made a
great growth during August, and was generally reported as
earing well. Rowen generally promised very well. Early
potatoes were a very light crop ; later ones made a great
showing of vines, but did not set well, and the prospect was
for not more than a fair crop at best. The acreage of tobacco
was increased and the crop in excellent condition, with cut-
ting practically completed at the end of the month. Apples
promised to be one of the lightest crops on record ; pears
light to fair ; peaches light ; grapes promised well, as did
also cranberries. Pastures were almost everywhere in ex-
cellent condition. Oats and barley were below the average
for grain and straw. Poultry keeping was generally reported
as profitable, but the attention paid to it was not as great as
the profit from it warrants.

The warm weather of September ripened Indian corn in
excellent condition, and the crop was one of the best ever
secured. An unusually good crop of rowen was reported in
all sections. Fall feed was also in excellent condition, and
pastures and mowings should start another season in excel-
lent condition. Less than the usual amount of fall seeding
had been done, owing to the rains and the backward condi-
tion of farm work, but that which was up promised well.
Onions were less than an average crop. Potatoes, while
somewhat uneven, were considerably below the normal in
yield, with many reports of rot. Root crops were generally
in excellent condition. Celery was also a good crop. Ap-
ples did not promise much over one-fourth crop ; pears fair;
peaches nearly up to the average, though not a full crop ;
grapes generally good ; cranberries fully an average crop,
and mainly secured in good condition.

In the circular to correspondents returnable to us October
23 the following questions were asked : —

1. Have root crops proved to be average crops?

2. What is the condition of farm stock?

11

3. What is the condition of fall seeding?

4. How have prices for crops raised for market compared
with former years ?

5. Which of the leading crops in your locality do you
think have been most profitable?

6. Which of the leading crops in your locality do you
think have been least profitable ?

7. Considered as a whole, has the season been a profit-
able one for your farmers ?

8. Are torches or smoke used to any extent to prevent
frost, and, if so, with what success?

Returns were received from 157 correspondents, from
which the following summary has been made : —

Root Crops.
Root crops have generally proved to be good average
crops, the great majority of correspondents so reporting.
Of those reporting them to be in other than average condi-
tion a majority speak of them as not up to the average, but
the number is so small as not to materially affect the esti-
mate as to the crop. Potatoes are a light crop in almost all
sections, with a great deal of rot reported, but prices re-
ceived have been higher than for some years. Celery ap-
pears to be a good crop.

Farm Stock.
Farm stock is almost universally reported to be in good
condition, and many correspondents speak of it as "very
good" or " excellent." Feed in pastures has been good all
the season and still continues to be so, the mild weather and
frequent rains having been very favorable to it. Stock
should therefore go to the barns in first-class condition.

Fall Seeding.
Less than the usual amount of fall seeding was done, as
the rains of September made it diiEcult to prepare the ground
in some cases, and farm work was also behind at that time.
That which was sown early is in excellent condition and the
late seeded made a good catch, the only difficulty with it

12

being that it is not as forward as is usually thought desirable
at this time. The weather has been and still continues
peculiarly favorable to late seeding.

Pkices.
Of the 152 correspondents answering the question as to
prices received for crops raised for market, 102 speak of
them as higher than usual, and 50 as average, not 1 refer-
ring to them as lower than in former years. This is quite
likely due in a large measure to the shortage of particular
crops, notably potatoes and apples, and the natural trend of
prices with normal yields is impossible to determine.

Most Profitable Crops.
There is much diversity of opinion among correspondents
as to the crops which have proved most profitable, but 74, a
bare majority, unite in placing hay among them. Fifty-
eight, a large number to unite on a second crop, consider
corn to have been among the most profitable crops. Wher-
ever rot was not destructive the high price of potatoes more
than made up for the shortage in yield, and 29 correspond-
ents mention this crop. Nine consider tobacco to have been
among the most profitable crops ; 9, cranberries ; 7, onions ;
5, asparagus; 5, tomatoes; 4, apples; 4, sweet corn; 4,
cabbages ; 3, ensilage corn ; 3, celery ; 3, strawberries ; 3,
rye; 2, milk; 2, squashes; 2, pears; 2, oats; 1, raspber-
ries; 1, small fruits; 1, market-garden crops; 1, beans; 1,
peaches; 1, grapes; 1 , forage crops ; 1, vegetables ; 1, root
crops; and 1, lettuce.

Least Profitable Crops.
Seventy-nine correspondents, an unusually large number
to unite on any one crop as among the least profitable, speak
of potatoes as among the least profitable crops; 38, apples;
15, squashes; 6, oats ; 6, cabbages ; 6, corn; 5, fruit; 5,
milk; 4, onions; 3, peas; 8, beans; 3, cucumbers; 3, tur-
nips ; 2, peaches ; 2, strawberries ; 2, melons ; 2, asparagus ;
2, carrots; 2, cranberries ; 1, tomatoes; 1, root crops; 1,
sweet corn ; 1 , raspberries ; 1 , blackberries ; 1 , buckwheat ;
and 1, beets.

13

Profits or the Season.
Judging from the returns the season just closing has been
rather more profitable than usual for our farmers. Potatoes
and apples are the only principal crops showing a general
shortage, and the unusually high prices received for these
crops have made up in a measure, though probably not
entirely, for this shortage. The heavy hay crop has
been particularly to the advantage of our dairy farmers,
and the good corn crop comes in well with the present
shortage elsewhere and the prevailing high prices of grain.
Of 151 correspondents answering the question as to the
profits of the season, 86 regard the season as profitable, 17
as an average one for profit and 19 as fairly profitable,
while 29 think that it has not been a profitable one.

Use of Smoke to prevent Frost.
The special inquiry as to the use of smoke to prevent in-
jury from frost did not develop much of interest. About a
dozen correspondents report that smoke has been used in
their vicinity to protect cranberries, strawberries, peach buds
or vegetables, with varying success, the majority holding
that the success achieved has not been such as to particularly
commend the practice.

u

NOTES OF CORRESPONDENTS.

[Returned to us October 23.]

BERKSHIRE COUNTY.

Sheffield (Dwight Andrews). — Root crops are about average
crops. Farm stock is in very good condition. Fall seeding is in
good condition, but little was done. Prices for crops raised for
market have been about average. Hay has been our most profit-
able crop and potatoes our least profitable one. Considered as a
"whole the season has been a profitable one for our farmers.
Torches or smoke have not been used to any extent to prevent
frost.

Tyringham (E. H. Slater). — Root crops have proved to be
average crops. Farm stock is in better condition at this time than
last year. Crops raised for market have all brought good prices.
Tobacco and potatoes have been our most profitable crops. It has
been a profitable season for our farmers. Torches or smoke have
not been used to any extent to prevent frost.

iee (A. Bradley). — Farm stock is in first class condition.
Fall seeding is in excellent condition. Prices for crops raised for
market have been fully up to former years. Hay has been our
most profitable crop and oats our least profitable one. Considered
as a whole the season has been a profitable one for our farmers.
Neither torches nor smoke are used to prevent frost.

Richmond (T. B. Salmon). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in about average condition. Very little
fall seeding has been done. Prices for crops raised for market are
up to the average. Hay has been our most profitable crop and
potatoes our least profitable one. Considered as a whole the
season has been a profitable one for our farmers. Neither torches
nor smoke are used to prevent frost.

Peru (J. P. Sennett). — Root crops are up to the usual average.
Cattle have taken on flesh readily and are in good condition. Not
much fall seeding is done in this locality. Prices for farm crops
have been about the same as usual, except for apples and potatoes,"
which are higher. Hay has been our most profitable crop and

15

apples our least profitable one. The season has been, ou the
whole, above the average for profit.

Daltoii (Wesley B. Barton). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in fair condition. Fall seeding is in good
condition. Prices for crops raised for market have been better
than in former years. Corn has been our most profitable crop and
potatoes our least profitable one. Considered as a whole the
season has been a profitable one for our farmers. Torches or
smoke are not used in this section to prevent frost. The fall rains
have put the pastures and mowings in excellent condition while
fall feed has been very good.

TFmcZsor (W. H. Tirrell). — Root crops have proved to be
average crops. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is
in good condition. Prices for crops raised for market have main-
tained a good average. Potatoes have been our most profitable
crop. I think that the season has been a profitable one for our
farmers considered as a whole. Torches or smoke are not used to
prevent frost.

Hancock (C. H. Wells). — Root crops are up to the usual aver-
age. Farm stock is in good condition. No fall seeding has been
done. Prices for crops raised for market have ruled higher than
in former years. Hay has been our most profitable crop, with
potatoes second, although they have developed considerable rot.
Considered as a whole the season has been a profitable one for our
farmers. Torches or smoke are not used to ward off frost.

Clarksburg (E. W. Gleason). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is in very
good condition. Prices for farm produce are somewhat higher than
usual. Corn has been our most profitable crop and potatoes our
least profitable one. Potatoes are not more than half a crop and
there are almost no apples at all, but with good hay and corn crops,
plenty of rowen and fall feed, beef, poultry, milk and eggs selling
well, the farmers in this vicinity have had rather better than an
average season for profit.

FRANKLIN COUNTY.

Monroe (D. H. Sherman). — Root crops have mostly proved to
be average crops. Farm stock is in fair condition. No fall seed-
ing was done here. Prices for crops raised for market have been
about average. Hay has been our most profitable crop and apples
our least profitable one. Considered as a whole the season has
been a medium one for profit. Torches or smoke are not used to
ward off frost.

16

Gill (F, F. Stoughton). — Root crops are not much raised.
Farm stock is in good condition. Some crops have brought higher
prices than usual. Hay has been our most profitable crop and
potatoes our least profitable one. I think that the season has been
a profitable one for our farmers. Neither torches nor smoke are
used to prevent frost.

Shelburne (G. E. Taylor). — All farm stock is in fine condition.
Fall seeding is in good condition. The prices for crops raised for
market are somewhat higher than usual. Hay has been our most
profitable crop and potatoes our least profitable one. The season
has been favorable, but its results are still largely in the future.
Dairy products are not in proportion to the cost of feed. Torches
or smoke have not been used to prevent frost.

Deerjield (Chas. Jones). — Root crops are nearly average crops.
Farm stock is looking well with plenty of feed in pastures. Fall
seeding is looking finely. Tobacco is curing well with the prospect
of selling for a good price. Onions are a light crop, but are selling
for a good price. Indian corn is a good crop and nearly all har-
vested. Potatoes are very uneven, some fields yielding well and
others very lightly. Considered as a whole the season has been a
profitable one for our farmers.

Sunderland (J. M. Legate). — Root crops have not proved to
be average crops. Farm stock is looking well. Fall seeding is in
fine shape. Prices for crops raised for market have been above
the average. Onions have been our most profitable crop. It is
hard to say what crop has been least profitable, but I think corn.
The season has probably been a profitable one for our farmers and
it surely will be if they get a good price for their tobacco.

Wendell (N. D. Plumb). — Root crops are normal crop. Farm
stock is looking well. But very little fall seeding has been done
as yet. The best prices for ten years have been obtained for crops
raised for market. Potatoes and hay have been our most profit-
able crops and apples and root crops our least profitable ones.
Considered as a whole the season has not been a profitable one.
Torches or smoke are not used to prevent frost.

Northfield (T. R. Callender). — Root crops are fully up to the
average. All farm stock is looking well, pasturage having been
better than for many years. New seeded land is in particularly
good condition. Prices for crops raised for market have advanced
all along the line. Tobacco has been our most profitable crop and
cucumbers for pickling our least profitable one. The season has
been a profitable one generally speaking. Farmers are still mow-
ing rowen. Fall work is well along, all potatoes being dug and

17

husking well advanced. Some, with full barns, are husking stand-
ing corn, and leaving the fodder to be ploughed in in the spring.

New Salem (Daniel Ballard). — Root crops have made about
average yields. Farm stock is looking well. Farm seeding is in
good condition. Crops raised for market have brought full aver-
age prices. Grass and corn have been our most profitable crops
and apples our least profitable one. Potatoes were profitable to
those who secured good crops. I think the season has been fairly
profitable. Dairy products have brought good prices through the
season and pork has not been as high for many years as now, but
meal and feed being higher will diminish the profit of feeding
considerably.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.

Ware (J. H. Fletcher). — Root crops have proved to be aver-
age crops. Farm stock is in very good condition. Not much fall
seeding was done this year. Prices of crops raised for market
have compared well with other years. Potatoes and corn have
been our most profitable crops and apples and peaches our least
profitable ones. I think that the season has been a profitable one,
considered as a whole. None of our farmers have used torches or
smoke to prevent frost.

Enfield (D. O. Chickering). — Root crops are not up to the
average. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is in
good condition. Prices for crops raised for market are somewhat
better than in former years. Hay and corn have been our most
profitable crops and potatoes and fruit our least profitable ones.
Considered as a whole the season has been a profitable one for our
farmers. Torches or smoke are not used to prevent frost.

Pelham (J. L. Brewer). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Fall seeding is in fair condition. Farm stock is in excel-
lent condition. Prices for crops raised for market are fully as
high as in former years. Corn has been our most profitable crop
and potatoes our least profitable one. Considered as a whole the
season has been a profitable one for our farmers. Neither torches
nor smoke are used to prevent frost.

Amherst (Wm. P. Brooks). — Root crops are considerably
above the usual average in condition. Farm stock is in excellent
condition. Fall seeding is in excellent condition. Prices have
been above the average for most crops. Tobacco, onions, pota-
toes, corn and hay have been our most profitable crops and apples,
dairy products and squashes our least profitable ones. Con-
sidered as a whole the season has been an unusually profitable
one. Neither torches nor smoke are used to prevent frost.

18

Granby (G. A, Blish). — Root crops are up to the usual aver-
age. Farni stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is in good
condition where put in early. Grass has been our most profitable
crop with potatoes second. Cabbages have been our least profit-
able crop. Considered as a whole the season has been a profitable
one for our farmers. Torches or smoke are not used to prevent
frost.

South Hadley (H. W. Gaylord). — Root crops have not been
up to the average as a whole. Farm stock is looking finely, and
the pastures are still furnishing a good amount of feed. Fall seed-
ing is looking well. Grass has been our most profitable crop.
Considering the cost of production potatoes have been our least
profitable crop, although the per cent of a full crop will be smaller
in the case of apples. The season has not generally been a
profitable one to our farmers, although where they have run to
specialties, as tobacco, it has been profitable.

Southampton (C. B. Lyman). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in very good condition. Fall seeding is
in fair condition, though rather later than common. Prices for
farm crops are rather better than common but farmers have less
to sell. Hay, corn and tobacco have been our most profitable
crops and potatoes and apples our least profitable ones. The
general opinion among our farmers appears to be that the season
has not been as profitable as in average years.

Westhampton (H. A. Parsons). — Root crops are not up to the
usual average. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is
in good condition. Prices for crops raised for market are higher
than in former years. Corn for ensilage has been our most profit-
able crop and potatoes our least profitable one on account of the
rot. Considered as a whole the season has been a profitable one
for our farmers. Torches or smoke are not used to prevent frost.

Chesterfield (Horatio Bisbee). — Root crops are not up to the
usual average. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is
in fairly good condition. Prices for crops raised for market, in-
cluding hay, are fairly good. Hay and corn have been our most
profitable crops and potatoes and apples our least profitable ones.
The season has not been more than an average one for profit with
our farmers. Torches or smoke have not been tried here to pre-
vent frost.

HAMPDEN COUNTY.

Blandford (E. W. Boise). —All root crops have done extra
well. On account of fall rains pastures have been good and
stock will come to barns in extra good condition. Fall seeding is

19

in about average condition. Prices for farm crops are fully up to
the average, perhaps somewhat above. Corn has been our most
profitable crop and potatoes our least profitable one. The season
has not been an average one for profit as there are no apples to
sell and few, if any, potatoes. Torches or smoke are not used to
prevent frost.

Southioick (L. A. Fowler). — Root crops have not proved to
be average crops. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding
is looking well. Prices for crops raised for market have been
slightly higher than usual. Tobacco has been our most profitable
crop and corn and potatoes our least profitable ones. The season
has not been a profitable one for our farmers unless they have
raised tobacco.

Westjield (C. F. Fowler). — Root crops are not up to the usual
average. Farm stock is reported to be in very good shape. Most
fall seeding is late, but the early seeding is looking finely. Crops
raised for market have so far brought a full average price or
above. Tobacco, onions, hay and corn, in the order named, have
been our most profitable crops, and potatoes our least profitable
one. Considered as a whole the season has been a fairly profitable
one for our farmers. Weeds have made extraordinary growth,
particularly in potato fields.

West Springfield (T. A. Rogers). — Root crops are not up to
the usual average. Farm stock is generally in good condition.
Fall seeding is looking well but is late. Prices for crops raised
for market are good but crops small. Hay and rye have been our
most profitable crops and potatoes and fruit our least profitable
ones. The season has been a hard one for farmers in this vicinity.
I do not know of either torches or smoke being used to prevent
frost.

Chicopee (R. W. Bemis). — Root crops are a little above the
average. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is in
good condition. Prices for crops raised for market have been up
to the usual average. Corn, rye and oats have been our most prof-
itable crops and potatoes our least profitable one. Considered as
a whole the season has been a profitable one. Neither torches nor
smoke are used to prevent frost.

Hampden (J. N. Isham). — Root crops have been much below
the average, turnips a short crop with but few good fields. Stock
is coming towards winter in good condition. Fall seeding is look-
ing finely. Prices for our market crops are better than for a few
years past. Hay and potatoes have been our most profitable crops
and apples and squashes our least profitable ones, the latter being
an entire failure. Farmers have generally reason to be satisfied

20

with the money returns of the season, though the higher price of
grain has somewhat reduced the net profit.

Wilbraham (H. M. Bliss). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in good condition. Early fall seeding is
in good condition. Prices for crops raised for market have been
fully up to the average. Grass and potatoes have been our most
profitable crops and apples our least profitable one. Considered
as a whole the season has been a fairly profitable one. Torches
or smoke are not used to prevent frost.

Monson (A. H. White). — Root crops are not up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in fair condition. Fall seeding is in good
condition. Prices for crops raised for market have been rather
better than usual. Hay, apples and corn have been our most
profitable crops and potatoes our least profitable one. Considered
as a whole the season has been fairly profitable with our farmers.
Neither torches nor smoke are used to prevent frost.

Brimfield (C. S. Tarbell). — Root crops have been up to the
usual average. Farm stock is looking well. Fall seeding is in
good condition. Prices for crops raised for market have averaged
a little better than usual. Owing to the high prices of western
grain corn has been our most profitable crop. Considered as a
whole the season has been a profitable one for our farmer. Torches
or smoke are not used to prevent frost.

WORCESTER COUNTY.

Southbridge (G. L. Clemence). — Potatoes are a short crop and
ai'e rotting to some extent. Farm stock is looking well. Fall
seeding is above the average in condition. Taking the average of
all crops raised for market they have sold for a little better prices
than in former years. Hay has been our most profitable crop and
potatoes our least profitable one. Considered as a whole the sea-
son has been a profitable one.

West Brookfield (L. H. Chamberlain). — Root crops are up to
the usual average. Farm stock is in good condition. But little
fall seeding was done, but that put in is looking finely. Prices of
crops raised for market have been better than in former years.
Corn has been our most profitable crop and oats our least profitable
one. Considered as a whole the season has been a profitable one.
One individual has used smoke to prevent frost with good success.

New Braintree (C. D. Sage). — Farm stock is in good condi-
tion and cows are holding out well. Very little fall seeding was
done. Very little is raised for market except milk and a few pota-
toes. Corn is a fine crop, while the hay crop is perhaps the most

21

profitable. Potatoes are a very light crop and there are no apples.
The season has been fairly profitable, though many will miss the
proceeds of the apple crop. Cows have done well and though
milk is low it pays better than anything else a farmer can raise
on these hill farms.

Oakham (Jesse Allen) . — Root crops have proved to be good
average crops. Farm stock is in excellent condition. Fall seeding
is in excellent condition. The prices for crops raised for market
have been fully average. Milk has been our most profitable product
as grass and fall feed have been abundant. Fruit has been our
least profitable product. Considered as a whole the season has
been a profitable one. Neither torches nor smoke are used to pre-
vent frost.

Hubbardston (C. C. .Colby). — Root crops have been far below
the average in yield. Stock is looking well and prices hold high.
P'all seeding is looking excellently. All produce has been bringing
good prices, generally above the average. Corn has been our most
profitable crop. Potatoes have been below the average in yield,
but above in price. Considered as a whole the season has been
an unusually good one for our farmers. Torches or smoke are not
used to prevent frost.

Templeton (Lucien Gove). — Root crops are uneven and hardly
average crops. Farm stock is in quite good condition. The
weather conditions have been favorable to fall seeding, but little
has been done. The range of prices for crops raised for market
has been higher than for some time. Hay, corn, cabbages, forage
crops and roots have been our most profitable crops and apples and
other fruits, potatoes, peas and squashes our least profitable ones.
The season has been less profitable than usual, for although prices
were good salable crops were light.

Royalston (C. A. Stimson). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in fine condition. Fall seeding is in fair
condition. Prices for crops raised for market have been higher
than in former years. Corn has been our most profitable crop and
potatoes our least profitable one. Considered as a whole the sea-
son has been a profitable one for our farmers. Neither torches
nor smoke are used in this locality to prevent frost.

Ashburnham (E. D. Gibson). — Carrots are a light crop and
beets and turnips hardly average. Farm stock will go into the
barns in fine condition. Fall seeding put in in August and early
September looks well. Prices for crops raised for market have
been better than in former years. Indian corn has been our most
profitable crop. Squashes have been a dead failure. The season
has been a fairly profitable one, better than in 1900. Hardly

22

any fall ploughing has been done, but the soil is now just right
for it.

Fitchhurg (Jabez Fisher). — Root crops, except potatoes, are
good average crops. Fall seeding is in promising condition.
Prices for crops raised for market have been fully as good as in
former years. Among fruits pears and grapes have been most
profitable and peaches, blackberries and raspberries least profit-
able. Smoke was tried some years ago as a preventative of frost,
but never gave much satisfaction. There has been only a trifling
frost to date (the 23d) which is a record for many years.

Harvard (J. S. Preston). — Root crops are good average crops.
Farm stock is looking well and pastures and fall feed are holding
out well. Fall seeding is looking well and the average amount
has been done. Prices for crops raised for market are a little
higher than usual. Hay and corn have been our most profitable
crops and potatoes our least profitable one. The season has not
been very profitable, as all crops except hay and corn are short.

Shrewsburi/ (T. F. Marston) . — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is in
extra good condition. The prices for crops raised for market are
somewhat higher than usual, but most crops did not give a full
yield. Corn has been our most profitable crop and potatoes our
least profitable one. Considered as a whole the season has been a
profitable one for our farmers. Neither torches nor smoke are
used to prevent frost.

Worcester (S. A. Burgess) . — Root crops are more than average.
Farm stock is looking well and pastures have been good. Fall
seeding is looking well. Crops of all kinds have sold well. Corn
has been our most profitable crop and apples our least profitable
one, being nearly a failure. The season has been a profitable one,
as most crops have been good.

Upton (B. A. Jourdan). — Root crops are good average crops.
Farm stock is in fine condition. Fall seeding is in very good con-
dition. Crops raised for market have brought fair average prices.
Grass has been our most profitable crop and potatoes and apples
our least profitable ones. Considered as a whole the season has
been a fairly profitable one for our farmers. Neither torches nor
smoke are used to prevent frost.

Milford (J. J. Nutter). — Root crops are about average crops.
Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is in very good
condition. There has been a slight increase in the prices received
for crops raised for market. Hay and peaches have been our
most profitable crops and potatoes and apples our least profitable
ones. Considered as a whole the season has been a little below

23

the average for profit. Torches or smoke are not used to prevent
frost.

Sutton (C. P. King). — Root crops are about average crops.
Farm stock is all in fine condition. Fall seeding is in good condi-
tion and the late sown is coming up well. Prices for crops raised
for market are higher than in former years. Hay and cabbages
have been our most profitable crops and potatoes our least profit-
able one. Considered as a whole the season has been a profitable
one for our. farmers.

Douglas (J. M. Rawson). — Root crops are not up to the aver-
age in this section. Farm stock is looking finely. Fall seeding is
all right. Better prices have obtained for crops raised for market
than in former years. Hay has been our most profitable crop and
potatoes our least profitable one. Considered as a whole the sea-
son has been by no means a profitable one. I do not know of
torches or smoke having been used to prevent frost.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

Framingham (J. S. Williams). — All root crops are up to the
average. Young stock and cows out for the season are returning
from the pastures in good condition. The majority of farmers are
seeding late this season. Almost every market crop has sold much
higher than usual. Tomatoes, potatoes and onions have been our
most profitable crops, and carrots, beets, turnips and beans our
least profitable ones. The season has been the most profitable for
years. We resort to smoke to protect the strawberry beds in May,
also for tomatoes and squashes in early fall.

Marlborough (E. D. Howe). — Root crops are good average
crops. Farm stock is in good condition with plenty of fall feed.
Fall seeding looks well. Prices for farm crops have been slightly
higher than usual. Potatoes have been the most profitable crop
for those who had them. Considered as a whole the season has
been fairly profitable. With most of our farmers milk is the
specialty and not nearly enough vegetables are raised to supply
the local demand. Owing to the high price of feed less is being
fed than formerly and the supply of milk is barely equal to the
demand.

Sudbury (E. W. Goodnow) . — Root crops of all kinds are
below the average. Farm stock is looking fairly well. Fall seed-
ing is looking well. Crops have sold well compared with previous
years. Apples, squash and celery have been our most profitable
crops and cabbages and potatoes our least profitable ones. Con-
sidered as a whole the season has been a profitable one for most

24

farmers, as while crops have been short prices have been far above
the average. Torches or smoke are not used to any extent to pre-
vent frost.

Stow (G. W. Bradley) . — Root crops are about the same as in
former years. Farm stock is looking well. Fall seeding looks
better than for some years. Prices for crops raised for market
have averaged better than for some years. Potatoes have been
our most profitable crop and sweet corn our least profitable one.
Considered as a whole the season has been a more profitable one
than for some years. Torches or smoke are not used at all to pre-
vent frost.

Maynard (L. H. Maynard). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is look-
ing well. Prices of market crops have ruled higher than for
several years. All crops have done well. Considered as a whole
the season has been a profitable one. I have known smoke to be
used to save strawberries and asparagus in the spring with good
success, the only difficulty being to make the smoke go where it is
wanted.

Littleton (Geo. W. Sanderson). — Root crops are up to the
usual average. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is
in excellent condition. Prices for crops raised for market have
compared favorably with other years. Hay has been our most
profitable crop and apples our least profitable one. Considered as
a whole the season has been a profitable one for our farmers.
Torches or smoke are but very little used to prevent frost.

Tyngsborough (O. L. Wright) . — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is looking well. Fall seeding is looking
well. Prices for crops raised for market have been a little higher
than in former years. Potatoes have been our most profitable crop
and cranberries our least profitable one. Considered as a whole
the season has been an average one for profit. Smoke has not
been used in any way to prevent frost in this section.

Pepjyerell (P. J. Kemp). — Root crops have proved to be more
than average crops. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seed-
ing is looking finely. Prices for crops raised for market are better
than for several years. Hay has been our most profitable crop and
potatoes our least profitable one. The season has been as profit-
able as any year, but there is not much profit for the common
farmer. Torches or smoke are not used to prevent frost.

Concord (Wm. H. Hunt). — Root crops are up to the usual aver-
age. Farm stock is in fair average condition. Fall seeding is
looking well. Prices for crops raised for market have been a little
above the average. Asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes and sweet

25

corn have been our most profitable crops and potatoes and melons
our least profitable ones. Considered as a whole the season has
been a profitable one for our farmers.

Bedford (Henry Wood). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in very good condition. Fall seeding is
rather late. Prices for crops raised for market have been very
good. Strawberries have been our most profitable crop and
asparagus our least profitable one. The season has been a very
fair one for profit considered as a whole. Torches or smoke are
not used to prevent frost.

Wohurn ("VV. H. Bartlett). — Root crops have generally been
good. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is in good
average condition. Prices for crops raised for market have been
a little better than usual. Tomatoes and lettuce have been our
most profitable crops. Cucumbers have been almost a failure and
potatoes are a poor crop. The season has been fully an average
one for profit. Winter squashes are about half a crop, but are
selling for double the usual price. Celery is a good crop.

Winchester (Marshall Symmes). — Root crops are rather above
the average. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is
in good condition. Prices for crops raised for market have been
as high as for several years. String beans have been our most
profitable crop and potatoes our least profitable one. Considered
as a whole the season has been a profitable one for our farmers.
There is not half a crop of squashes and almost no winter apples.
Grain is a little more than double the price it sold for in 1897, while
milk and eggs are just the same price.

Arlington (W. W. Rawson). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Prices for crops raised for market have been better than
for the last two years. All crops have paid fairly well, but there
has been no great profit in out-door crops. Considered as a whole
the season has been a profitable one.

ESSEX COUNTY.

Haverhill (Eben Webster). — Root crops are not quite up tO
the average. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding
looks well. Prices for crops raised for market are rather higher
than average. Hay has been our most profitable crop. Con-
sidered as a whole the season has been rather better than an
average one for profit. Torches or smoke are not used to prevent
frost.

Groveland (Abel Stickney) . — Root crops are up to the usual
average, or nearly so. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall

26

seeding looks first-class. Prices for crops raised for market have
been more than average. Hay and corn are our most profitable
crops while those least profitable are too numerous to enumerate.
"With some the season has been a profitable one and with others it
has not. Torches or smoke are not used to prevent frost.

Newhury (G. W. Adams). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in very good condition. Fall seeding is
in fair to average condition. As a rule prices for crops raised for
market have been rather higher than usual. Hay and potatoes
have been our most profitable crops and onions our least profitable
one. I should consider the season an average one for profit,
although the total failure of the apple crop must be taken into
account. Scarcity of decent farm help prevents development of
profitable acreage in some of our leading crops.

Andover (M. H. Gould). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in fairly good condition. Fall seeding is
in good condition. Prices for crops raised for marlcet have been
higher than in former years. Sweet corn, cranberries and hay
have been our most profitable crops and potatoes, cucumbers for
pickling and onions our least profitable ones. Considered as a
whole I do not think the season has been a profitable one for our
farmers. Smoke has never been used about here to prevent frost.

Topsfield (B. P. Pike) . Root crops are good crops. Farm stock
is in very good condition. Fall seeding is all right. Potatoes
bring a little higher price than usual. Hay has been our most pi*of-
itable crop and potatoes our least profitable one. Considered as
a whole the season has not been a profitable one for our farmers.
The price of grain is high and that of milk the same as usual.
Torches or smoke are not used to prevent frost.

Manchester (John Baker) . — Root crops are good average crops.
Farm stock is in very good condition. Fall seeding is in good
condition. Prices for crops raised for market have been higher
than usual on the average. Corn, pears and celery have been our
most profitable crops and potatoes, apples and squashes our least
profitable ones. Cabbages are low and cranberries are a poor
crop. Torches or smoke are not used to prevent frost.

NORFOLK COUNTY.

Randolph (R. A. Thayer). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in excellent condition. Fall seeding looks
very promising. Crops raised for market have brought good
average prices. Hay and corn have been our most profitable crops

27

and potatoes and squashes our least profitable ones. The large
amount of rainfall during the summer has put upland mowings and
pastures into unusually fine condition. Very little low land or
meadow hay has been secured as the land is covered with water.

Stoiighton (C. F. Curtis). — Root crops have proved to be
average crops. Farm stock is in extra good condition. Fall seed-
ing is in the best of condition as there has been plenty of rain.
Prices for crops raised for market have been much better than
usual, but yields have been less. Corn for the silo has been our
most profitable crop and cabbages our least profitable one. Con-
sidered as a whole the season has been a profitable one, as our
farmers have plenty of hay and rowen and pastures have been good
all the season. Poultry raisers are lamenting the high cost of
corn, $1.45 per bag, and some are congratulating themselves that
they planted field corn and find that it pays.

Medjield (Geo. E. Chase). — Root crops are not average crops.
Farm stock is in excellent condition. Fall seeding is above the
average in condition. Prices for crops raised for market have
been good. Grass has been our most profitable crop and corn our
least profitable one. Considered as a whole the season has not
been a profitable one for our farmers. Cord wood was formerly
burned to ward off frost from the peach crop, but I hardly think
that it paid.

Millis (E. F. Richardson) . — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in fine condition. Fall seeding is in good
condition. Prices have been low on cabbage, average on beets
and carrots, and very high on all other crops. Grass and potatoes
have been our most profitable crops and fruit our least profitable
one. Considered as a whole the season has been a very fair one
for profit for our farmers. Torches or smoke are not used to
prevent frost.

Norfolk (Geo. E. Holbrook). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in very good condition. Fall seeding is
in extra fine condition. Prices for crops raised for market are
better than the average. Corn and vegetables are our most profit-
able crops and potatoes and apples our least profitable ones.
Considered as a whole the season has been a pi'ofitable one. I
know of no one using either torches or smoke to prevent frost.

Foxhorough (E. A. Morse). — Root crops have not proved to
be average crops. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding
is looking finely. Prices for crops raised for market have been
rather above the average. Small fruits, strawberries and raspber-
ries have been our most profitable crops and potatoes our least

28

profitable one. I think that the season has been a profitable one
considered as a whole. Torches or smoke are not used to prevent
frost.

BRISTOL COUNTY.

Easton (H. M. Thompson). — Root crops are not up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is in good
condition. Prices for crops raised for market are better than usual.
Hay and milk have been our most profitable products and corn our
least profitable one. The season has averaged to be a profitable one
with our farmers. Torches or smoke are not used to prevent frost.

Norton (Wm. A. Lank) . — Root crops have proved to be up to the
usual average. Farm stock is in good fair condition. Fall seed-
ing is looking well. Prices for crops raised for market have been
about average. Hay and corn have been our most profitable crops
and potatoes our least profitable one. The season has been a fairly
profitable one. Neither torches nor smoke are used to prevent
frost.

Berkley (R. H. Babbitt). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in very good condition. Fall seeding is
below the average in condition. Prices for farm crops have been
better than for many years. Cabbages have been our most profit-
able crop and potatoes our least profitable one. Considered as a
whole the season has been better than an average one for profit.
I know of no one about here who has tried the use of smoke to pre-
vent frosts.

Dighton (J. N. Paul). — Root crops are up to the usual aver-
age. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is in good
condition. Prices for crops raised for market have been better
than in former years. Potatoes have been our most profitable
crop and strawberries our least profitable one. Considered as a
whole the season has been a profitable one for our farmers.
Neither torches nor smoke are used to prevent frost.

Dartmouth (L. T. Davis). — Root crops have proved to be aver-
age crops. Farm stock is fully up to the average in condition.
Fall seeding is very promising'. There is not much change in the
prices of farm crops. Hay and corn have been our most profitable
crops and potatoes our least profitable one. As a whole the sea-
son just ending has been about as bad for many farmers as last
year, .and in some instances worse. The hay crop was good, and
the corn crop in most places was also good to very good, but pota-
toes and many vegetables were almost an entire failure. Some of
this season's disasters were caused by last year's drought. Neither
torches nor smoke are used to prevent frost.

29

Westport (A. S. Sherman). — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is.in first-class condition. Fall seeding is in
very good condition. Prices are rather better than in average years.
Hay has been our most profitable crop and potatoes our least
profitable one, on account of blight and rot. The season has
been as profitable as the average year, but the profits on the farm
are always small. Corn made a great growth of fodder but did
not ear out well. Oats did not amount to much. Turnips and
cabbages promise large crops. Plenty of pears, peaches and
grapes, but apples are scarce and of poor quality. We have had
very little frost this fall and pastures are looking finely.

PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

Brockton (Davis Copeland). — Root crops are about three-
fourths crops. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding
looks well. Prices for crops raised for market are fully as good
as usual, and perhaps a little better. Hay has been our most prof-
itable crop and peas our least profitable one. The season has
hardly been a profitable one, those who have made a profit being
lucky. With some of our farmers the potato crop has been most
profitable, while with others it has been hardly worth digging.
Torches or smoke are neither of them used to prevent frost.

Hanson (Dr. F. S. Thomas). — Root crops are far below the
average. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is in
good condition. Prices for farm crops average higher than usual.
Potatoes very small. Almost no pumpkins or squashes. No
apples worth mentioning. Summer gardens good. Hay good in
quantity and quality ; big second crop. Pastures good the whole
season. Considered as a whole the season has been a profitable
one.

Pembroke (Nathaniel Morton). — Root crops are up to the
usual average. Farm stock is in very good condition. Fall seed-
ing is in quite fair condition. Prices for crops raised for market
have been higher than in former years. Cranberries have been
our most profitable crop and apples our least profitable one. Con-
sidered as a whole the season has been a profitable one for our
farmers. Torches and smoke are used somewhat to prevent frost,
but with limited success.

Duxbury (S. P. Soule). — Taken as a whole root crops have
proved to be average crops. Farm stock is generally looking well.
But little fall seeding has been done in this section, but that in is
looking well. Prices for crops raised for market will compare
favorabl}^ with other years. Potatoes have been our most profit-

30

able crop and turnips our least profitable one. Considered as a
whole the season has been a profitable one. Neither torches nor
smoke are used to prevent frost.

Kingston (Geo. L. Churchill). — Root crops are more than
average crops. Farm stock is in very good condition. E'all seed-
ing is in very good condition. Prices for crops raised for market
have been fully up to the standard. Hay has been our most prof-
itable crop and potatoes our least profitable one. Considered as
a whole the season has been a very good one. Torches and smoke
are not used to prevent frost.

Bridgeivater (Rowland Cass) . — Late root crops are good aver-
age crops. Farm stock is in excellent condition. Early fall seed-
ing is in good condition. Prices have ranged higher this year with
the exception of cabbages, for which they have been lower. Corn
has been our most profitable crop and potatoes our least profitable
one. Farmers appear to be in better condition financially than for
some time past. I know of no one using any method to prevent frost.

Carver (J. A. Vadghan). — Root crops are good crops. Farm
stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is in good condition.
Most crops have sold quickly and for a better price than last year.
Cranberries have been our most profitable crop. Neither torches
nor smoke have been used to prevent frost in this vicinity.

BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

Falmouth (D. R. Wicks). — Root crops are full average crops.
Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is looking finely.
All crops have brought prices fully up to former years. Hay has
been our most profitable crop and fruit, with the exception of cran-
berries, our least profitable one. The fruit crop is a failure and
does not promise well for the future because of the ravages of a
fungus which attacks the leaves of apple and pear trees, and which
has this year stripped the trees. As a whole I should say the sea-
son had been a profitable one. Torches or smoke are not used to
prevent frost.

Mashpee (W. F. Hammond). — Root crops have been above the
average. Farm stock is in very good condition. Fall seeding is
looking fairly well. The prices of crops raised for market have
been above the average. Cranberries have been our most profit-
able crop and corn our least profitable one. Considered as a
whole the season has been one in which our farmers have just
about held their own. Smoke from burning brush and from
torches was formerly used as a preventative against frost, but
after a few years trial it was given up as useless.

31

Barnstable (John Bursley) . — Root crops are up to the usual
average. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is in
from fair to good condition. Prices for crops raised for market
have been 15 per cent above the average. Cranberries have been
our most profitable crop and oats and potatoes our least profitable
ones, though the latter brought very good prices. Considered as
a whole the season has been a profitable one. The few experi-
ments made with smoke or smudges to prevent frost have not
seemed to do any good, the smoke rising at once and the frost
being as severe ten feet from the fire as elsewhere.

Dennis (Joshua Crowell). — Root crops are hardly up to the
average. Farm stock is in very good condition. Fall seeding is
in fair condition, but there was very little done. Prices for
crops raised for market have been above the average. Cranber-
ries have probably been our most profitable ci'ops. The season
has been a fairly profitable one. Torches or smoke have only
been used in a small way to prevent frost and with varying
success.

Chatham (E. Z. Ryder). — Root crops are about average with
former years, with the exception of turnips, which crop is almost
a failure. Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding looks
well and considerable has been done. Prices of market crops have
been a little above the average. Corn and hay have been our most
profitable crops and potatoes, turnips and onions our least profit-
able ones. The season has been a little above the average for
market gardening. Neither torches nor smoke are used to ward
off frost.

Truro (D. E. Paine). — Root crops are up to the usual average.
Farm stock is in good condition. Fall seeding is in fair condition.
Crops raised for market have brought better prices than commonly.
Potatoes have been our most profitable crop. Considered as a
whole the season has been a profitable one for our farmers.
Torches and smoke are not used in this section to prevent frost.

NANTUCKET COUNTY.

Nantucket (Wallace Gardner) . — Root crops are up to the
usual average, turnips and mangolds very fine. Farm stock is in
very good condition. Fall seeding is in fine condition. Prices
for crops raised for market are about 30 per cent better than
usual. Potatoes have been our most profitable crop and summer
squash our least profitable one. The season has been the most
profitable in my recollection. Torches or smoke are not used to
prevent frost.

32

BULLETIN OF

Massachusetts Board of Agriculture.

CRANBERRY CULTURE IN SOUTH-EASTERN
MASSACHUSETTS.

By John Burslet, West Barnstable, Mass., Member of State Board of Agricidture.

The cultivation of the cranberry was quite general in Barnstable
County from 1850 to 1865. In the year 1850 Edward Thacher of
Yarmouth submitted the management of one and one-half acres of
land, set by him to the cranberry in 1846, for the premium offered
by the Barnstable County Agricultural Society for the cultivation
of the berry. From 1865 to 1875, or during the years following
our civil war, the planting of the berry was largely increased, the
high prices then received for the fruit harving stimulated this in-
crease of acreage.

While a large portion of the area then cultivated still continues
to yield profitable returns, there are large tracts which, on account
of their not being naturally adapted to the fruit and because of the
poor management of their owners, have been allowed to return to
their original condition, namely, swampy, marshy quagmires,
bearing only coarse, water-loving grasses, bushes and briers.
Under favorable conditions and good business management the
crop continues a very profitable one, even at prices of the present
season, five dollars per barrel at cape shipping points.

From 1875 to 1885 acres of bogs previously unproductive in
Plymouth and Bristol counties were reclaimed and planted to the
berry. Many of these tracts are of quite large areas, and are
largely managed by some of the men who began the growing of the
fruit in Barnstable County. The reclaiming of these large swamps,
(which were totally unproductive and in many instances almost a
menace to health) , making them some of the most productive lands
of the section, is surely evidence of good farming, and those who

have carefully managed the planting, growing, harvesting and
marketing of the crop have proved to be public benefactors.

To such magnitude has the cultivation of the fruit in south-
eastern New England grown that the crop harvested this year is
estimated at 225,000 barrels, while the crop of New Jersey and the
entire west is only estimated at 115,000 barrels. The New
England crop alone returns to its growers, and those who are
employed in the harvesting and shipping of the fruit, over
$1,200,000. While the yield in individual cases is ofttimes very
large, the average yield is probably not over twenty-five or thirty
barrels per acre per year. From a lot of one and one-quarter
acres there have been harvested during the last thirteen years 924
barrels, or an average of about 56 barrels per acre per year. From
another lot of eight acres there have been gathered during the last
ten years 2,395 barrels, or an average of about 30 barrels per acre.
The past season, from a lot of less than one hundred and forty
rods, I have seen 148 barrels of fruit harvested, but such yields
as this are not common.

The south-eastern portion of New England is especially well
adapted to the crop, because frosts in that section seldom occur of
sufficient severity to injure the berries before October 1 and many
seasons not earlier than October 15. The land selected should
have a peat or muck bottom, a site covered with trees or bushes
being preferable to a grass growing turf. The poorer the soil
about this swamp the better ; a very light sandy soil upon a sub-
soil of coarse sand rising abruptly from the edge of the swamp
should be selected. A careful survey should be made to ascertain
if the water level can be lowered from one and one-half to two feet
below the surface ; if this cannot be done the swamp is not desir-
able for the cultivation of the fruit.

If a natural reservoir is not at hand care should be taken to
secure one above the level of the swamp, if possible, that the
bog may be flooded during the winter season to protect from severe
freezing, and during the spring and fall to destroy insects, of
which we shall speak later. If a reservoir cannot be secured
above the level of the land to be worked, ofttimes a nearby lake
or large pond may be drawn upon, and if below the level of the lot
to be planted an engine and large pump may be used with which
the flooding can be done.

The lot having been selected, the trees and larger bushes should
be cut about and their stumps tipped out by the aid of their tops
and some mechanical power, a four-fold tackle being generally
sufficient though a stump puller is sometimes used. The larger
wood is taken to the adjoining upland, the stumps, brush and roots

34

burned; ditches are then cut around the outside, between the
swamp to be planted and the adjoining higher land. These should
be from one and one-half to two feet deep and from two to three
feet wide, varying as the location be wet or dry, a very springy
swamp not being as desirable as one which, though peaty or mucky,
is not filled with active springs. The main waterway, which is
usually to be found near the centre of the swamp should be
straightened and deepened. Cross ditches are also cut at dis-
tances of from four to eight rods apart.

The brush and wood being disposed of, and the ditches com-
pleted, the surface is next made level. For this purpose thin bog
or stub hoes, with a sharp cutting edge, are used, the smaller roots
being cut off and raked out, when they in turn are burned or
carried off. To assist in getting a level, the ditches are filled to
within a few inches of the surface with water, this water line being
very useful in securing the desired plane. A dam at the lower end
of the tract is to be constructed, with gates, that the flowage may
be regulated at will.

After the clearing, ditching and levelling have been completed,
comes the sanding, for which purpose all soil is removed from
the portions of the upland that the sand is to be taken from.
This coarse sand is spread upon the surface to a depth of from
three to six inches, more if the swamp is naturally wet or springy
and inclined to a rank, vegetable growth, while the lesser depth
may be sufficient if the soil is quite dry, and free from grass or
water growth. This covering is usually carried on in barrows
having a small wheel, these being run upon a one and one-half by
eight inch plank for a track. The sand is raked to the desired
thickness as fast as wheeled on, one man doing the levelling and
moving the track, while three to six men, as the distance be long
or short, wheel the sand. A common wooden hand hay rake, with
half the length of the teeth cut away, is used for the levelling.

"We are now ready to set the plants, which is preferably done in
May, or between April 15 and June 10. The level, sanded sur-
face is marked off eighteen inches apart each way. The cuttings
are secured from a good, healthy growth of vines of the desired
variety, being cut off at the ground with a common butcher knife,
from four to six barrels of cuttings being needed to set an acre.
A bunch of from five to eight of these cuttings is pressed firmly
into the sand with a dibble to a depth of from three to five inches.
The ditches are then nearly filled with water and the soil kept
moist till the plants have rooted, after which the water may be dis-
pensed with for a time, though it is well to nearly fill the ditches
occasionally if the season be very dry.

35

The entire cost of preparing a plantation, including clearing of
wood, ditching, levelling and sanding, should not exceed $1.25 or
$1.50 per square rod, or from $200 to $250 per acre. Contractors
accustomed to the work are usually to be found who will construct
the plantations for the prices above named.

The setting of the vines, including the marking, can be done by
those proficient in the work for ten cents per rod. These prices
do not include cost of building dam or reservoir.

The bogs must be kept clear from weeds and all grass growth,
hand weeding being depended upon for this purpose. The first
season two or three weedings will be sufiicient, unless it should be
excessively wet and the location springy. The second season the
vines should make a rapid growth, and twice weeding will probably
be all that is necessary. The third season they should bear some
fruit, though a full crop need not be expected until the fourth year.
The weeds, bushes, etc., will show more or less every season as
the plantation grows older, but, unless they are very troublesome,
need not be taken out until after the crop is harvested, when all
should be pulled, carried off and burned. If the grower has prac-
tised clean culture, he will still have the insects and elements to
contend with.

The flooding previously alluded to is necessary during the winter
season that the plants may not be destroyed by freezing, as was
the case during the winter of 1900 and 1901, when large tracts that
were not flooded were so badly injured that they did not fruit at all
during the following season. Again, if one has a reservoir with
a good head of water for use at will, it is often advisable to flood
for a short time only, during the last part of May or first part of
June, to destroy the " fire worm." This insect, Rhopohota vacci-
niana, often known as the vine worm or blackhead, has been very
destructive in many sections of south-eastern Massachusetts.
Flooding for a few hours in the early part of the season, just as
the worms are hatching, has been quite satisfactory where plenty
of water was at hand, but as there are only a few plantations so
situated, insecticides and spraying have been resorted to. For
this purpose many growers from 1885 to 1890 used a strong solu-
tion of tobacco with quite good results, while others used Paris
green. At present, a solution known as arsenate of lead, pre-
pared from a formula furnished by Professor Fernald of the Hatch
Experiment Station, appears to be best of all. The spraying is
done with a large force pump set upon a barrel or tank, mounted
upon low, broad wheels, that it may be easily moved about the
bogs. A line of hose with spray nozzle is attached, and while two
men move the tank and work the pump a third directs the hose,

36

thoroughly sprinkling the entire surface. Three or four applica-
tions are usually made between May first and July first. It is a
curious fact that some bogs are never troubled with this insect,
while upon others, only a few rods away, it has entirely destroyed
the crop.

The fruit or berry worm, Mineola vaccinii, is also quite a serious
enemy, working upon the fruit only. To destroy this insect Paris
green or arsenate of lead is sometimes used, the spraying being
done just after the berries are set.

The root worm, which often destroys quite large tracts, works
very similarly to the common red head white grub, that destroys
our grass roots, and is, I believe, of the same family. Flooding
the plantations to the level of the surface during August and Sep-
tember will usually check their depredations.

Many bogs are inclined to produce an excessive growth of vines
which, in a few years, become brittle, and many of them die. To
renew these and produce a healthy growth of bearing shoots, thin-
ning or pruning is practised. The tool for this purpose is of about
the size and shape of a common, wooden, hand hay rake, having
a steel head, to which four or five knives for teeth are attached.
These knives or teeth are about three inches long and are set about
six inches apart in the head. The implement in use is drawn
toward you like a hay rake and in this way quite a portion of the
vines are cut away.

If the vines have not been trimmed, and have made an excessive
growth, which is in places dead or very brittle, it is sometimes
advisable to burn over the bog during the late autumn. Burning
at this season does not affect the roots (if the ground is wet nearly
to the surface) , and a new growth of healthy vines may be expected,
which will usually fruit the second or third year after. An inch
or two of fresh sand spread among old vines will encourage a new
growth and add life to the plantation. This is best applied in the
late autumn, after the fruit is harvested, when the winter flooding
will settle it among the vines. If not done before the water is
frozen, if spread upon the ice it will drop into place when spring
comes.

If the soil has a tendency to be hard and compact, and the vines
fail to make a healthy growth, a light dressing of commercial fer-
tilizer is sometimes used with very beneficial results ; one contain-
ing a large per cent of potash and phosphoric acid is to be used
rather than one high in nitrogen. An application of from 300 to
500 pounds per acre is usually sufficient.

There are at present quite a number of varieties of cranberry
commonly grown, though three or four only produce seventy-five

37

per cent of the crop marketed. Probably fully one-half of the
fruit in Barnstable and Plymouth counties is of the Early Black
variety, a very heavy cropper, ripening about September first and
usually a fair keeper for a berry harvested so early in the season.
The Early Red is also a standard early berry. Later varieties in-
clude the Howe, Belle, Bugle, Matthews, Batchelder, McFarland
and Centennial. The Howe is a standard fruit and probably more
largely grown than any other late variety.

The so-called late kinds are usually in condition to harvest by
September 20, and are generally all gathered by October 10. As
the market is then quite well supplied with the early fruit, many
of the late berries are gathered a little green and placed in the
storage-houses to color and ripen.

The harvesting was formerly all done by hand, the fruit being
gathered by the fingers, then when ready to be packed it was placed
in long racks or screens, from which the defective berries and dirt
were all taken. This large amount of hand labor made the har-
vesting very expensive, usually from $3.50 to $4.50 per barrel.

The section of bog to be harvested is divided by lines placed
from six to eight feet apart, two workmen usually occupying the
same row. There are now several patterns of scoops or picking
machines used, the most common being a wooden box, with round,
wooden teeth, twelve inches long and a half inch in diameter, pro-
jecting from the lower edge. A handle is attached to each side
of the larger scoops, and the implement which is used in both
hands, will hold from ten to twenty quarts. The smaller ones
have one handle on the top, the same being held in the right hand,
and this will hold from six to twelve quarts. The teeth are placed
just far enough apart to allow the vines to pass between them,
while the fruit is drawn into the scoop. In use these scoops are
plunged into the vines just below the fruit, then tipped upward
and forward, this motion clearing the teeth from the vines and
leaving the fruit within.

Another machine which is largely used is known as the " Lam-
bert patent." This is smaller than the first described, holding
about two quarts. It has wire teeth, about six inches long, for
the lower side of the box, the top and sides being hinged, with a
movable front, which is held in place by a spring worked by the
thumb, while the handle is held in the fingers. The teeth are
shoved into the vines, the front is sprung to them, which pulls the
berries into the scoop as it is withdrawn from the vines. This
machine does not break off as many vines as the larger wooden
scoop, and thus leaves the fruit in a cleaner condition.

In using these tools the pickers carry along a six or twelve quart

38

measure, into which they empty the contents of the machine.
Those using the larger scoop have bushel boxes, which, when
filled, are taken to the storage or packing houses. After picking,
the fruit is run through winnowing or separating machines. These
have a blower or fan to remove the light dirt, with either a tightly
drawn belt upon which the sound fruit bounds, or a set of little
inclined shelves over which it falls, the good fruit going to one
receptacle and the defective to othex's. The patterns now in general
use are the "Economist" and the " Middlesex."

After passing through these machines most fruit will have to be
examined by the practised eye and nimble fingers of women, known
as screeners. For this purpose the fruit is placed in long screens
or racks, from which the remaining defective berries are picked by
hand. These screens have slatted bottoms, through which the
very small berries drop ; they are about four and one-half feet
wide at the upper end, tapering to one foot, and about eight feet
long, with sides six inches high. The wide end is raised three or
four inches above the narrow end, which is placed over the barrel
or package in which they are to be shipped. About this screen
three or four women stand, removing the defective berries. Un-
less the fruit is very badly decayed, this number with a man to
move the fruit, will usually pack from fifteen to thirty barrels per
day.

The bulk of the crop is marketed in barrels holding one hundred
quarts, which are manufactured expressly for this fruit and cost
about thirty-five cents each. Some of the markets call for a pack-
age holding only a bushel, for which a slat box is manufactured,
to contain that quantity, with a partition through the centre.

By the use of the improved gathering and assorting machines,
the cost of harvesting has been reduced from $3.50 to $4.50 in
1875 to from $1 to $2 per barrel the present season. If the grower
is unfortunate enough to have any fruit not gathered when a white
frost occurs, the berries will be more or less affected, which will
add quite a little to the cost of harvesting.

The smaller growers dispose of their crop through commission
houses in the large cities of New England and the middle States,
while the large growers sell in car lots, a large part of their crop
going direct to the western, southern and Pacific coast cities.

While I would not encourage indiscriminate planting of the crop,
I believe under favorable circumstances and good management it
is the most profitable crop grown in south-eastern Massachusetts.

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