Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-07-16
The New England Hay CroD.

The Boston Journal last Saturday published
returns from correspondents in Maine, New
Hampshire and Vermont, which indicate that
the yield of hay in these states for the pres
ent season will more than equal that of last
year. In the two latter states the crop seems
to be considerably above the average, and in
Maine, though the promise of the early spring
has not been maintained, yet the figures of
last year will be exceeded. New Hampshire
reports a gain in every county of from to
% per cent, and the total yield of Vermont
il estimated at over l. 100, 900 toms
Forbes" writes from this state that ''in
Addison county but 2.13 inches of rain fell in
June, yet the hay crop is larger than for sew
ersl years. The years 1880 and 1883 were
notable for their abundant harvests. Seve
raj causes combined to produce short hay
crops in the years intervening, chief among
which may be mentioned severely cold and
open winters, hot and dry summers, and the
ravages of grasshoppers. The conditions of
the seasons since the last hay crop was seGur-
ed have been more favorable for grass grow
ing than in any similar period for several
years. Abundant rains fell last fall, and the
meadows came out in the spring in excellent
condition. The season was earlier this year
than usual, and vegetation was in an advanc-
ed state by the first of June. In the west side
and central counties abundant rains fell dur
Jug Juue, huu tue WohtueE WAS BeubEhlly OOOi
and cloudy.
"In the Champlain valley which in a IA
vorable season is the best grass-growing Sec
ton of the state, the hay crop is very heavy
and the harvest is well started. In the east
ern part of the state, where drouth is equally
disastrous, the crop is nearly as good relative
ly, though many old fields have not recovered
from the ravages of the grasshoppers, and
will not until plowed and reseeded On newly
seeded fields the yield will be very heavy.
Some low meadows we're slightly injured by
frost.
The grasshopper plague seems to be less
prevalent this year than last, but the white
daisy is more numerous than ever. The area
of improved land devoted to the hay crop
does not materially vary from last year. Some
farmers report the yield in their vicinity to be
less than one ton per acre. while others state
it to be more. In Rutland, Addison, Lamoille
Chittenden, Washington, Windsor, Orange,
Orleans and Franklin counties the increased
yield this year over last is reported to be all
the way from 10 to 80 per cent. In Essex,
Windhsm, Grand Isle and Caledonia counties
the crop is reported to be little less than
the average.
"Pasturage has been generally good In the
counties ON the west side of the state, but in
the east side counties the fields have been af
fected by the drouth. But little old hay re-
mains in the hands of the farmers of Yer
mont, much less than at this time last year
The business of baling hay for city markets
has largely increased of late years, and is al
important industry. The dairy interest il
much depressed in consequence of the low
price of butter, but it is hoped that the pas
sage Of stringent anti electromagnetic law b!
Congress will prove beneficial TO the dairy
men of the state and enhance the price o.
butter. The value of the annual hay and but
ter product Of the state exoeeds ST.. 600, 900.