The Press., 1891-05-07
MANSFIELD. ICoTTQSnonhonpa \


 and least exciting form possible.
 MANSFIELD.
 (Correspondence.)
 The much-needed rainfall has sifted over the land, and vegetable nature smiles under it's application. The absence of rain for two weeks at this season of the year is departure from the rule for the last few years. A year ago, the record says, heavy rains prevail and ground full of water. For the last five years the grass crop has been gradually increasing, owing mostly to plenty of rainfall, and last season an extra large crop was gath cred, resulting in @ surplus over the de- mand, and as the rule of supply and de- mand governs all kind of production, the price of hay is much below that of grain in comparison. If one-fourth less hay should be grown this season than last season no one need be disappointed, and higher prices will prevail.
 The prospect for large crop of fruit of all kinds was never better, and 8 full crop of caterpillars is already assured. Now Is the time to destroy them. Take light pole of suitable length, drive few tack nails in small end on the sides so as to catch the web of the nest, give the pole turn or two and nest and warns are readily wound up together and destroyed. We have tried various methods, and find the above the better way. We have seen the torch used, which should never be done, as the limbs are liable to be injured by the heat from the blaze.
 Repairing roads is progressing slow ly. AS rule, it should be done as soon as the frost leaves the ground in the spring, as material moves much easier than later, and packs much more readily, besides giving the public the benefit of good roads earliest in the season. Prac- tical men should be employed as survey ors where the old method prevails in re- pairing roads district wise, and good help employed. In New Jersey, where the roads have been repaired county wise, though at first somewhat costly, it is said that farms have increased nearly one-half in value, owing to the ease by which farm CTS can haul their products to market over good roads. The time will come when the public will have better roads than now at whatever cost.
 The artesian well at the state farm is at standstill. After reaching depth of about six hundred feet in solid rock an accident occurred by which the drill could not be operated, having become fast in the rock. Efforts have been made for the last six weeks to grapple the drill and hoist it to the surface without avail. Whether still further efforts will be made to extricate the drill or abandon the work remains to be seen. If the drill cannot be extricated and set to work again of course it will have to be abandoned with a loss to the company of at least $5, 900.
 We notice published in various pa- pers several methods to destroy striped and pumpkin bugs, and we give our sim- pie and effective way of doing it. Dis solve one ounce of saltpetre in a bucket full of water and spray the plants. Usual ly one application is sufficient, if not, re- peat the application. The same applica- tion will destroy green worms on cabbage. If the vines are tender less saltpetre might be better. It will destroy the bugs and promote the growth of the vines, so says an English gardener, and we have found it true.
 One hundred and twenty days free board at the county jail will give James Costello a chance to breathe the salu. brious air waited over the beautiful Tol land hills during the hot summer months and be at home in time to help harvest the fall crops. It is hoped that when ht graduates he will be much wiser and 6 better man.
 ! Charles T. Crane has purchased of J c. Freeman five acres of timber land near Spring Hill, decidedly the best tim Der lot in town. He is getting out spiles seventy feet long, which he ships to { company in Boston, to be used in a marsf for railroad leading out of Boston They cost when in position not less thar $30 each. On the lot there are number of the finest white-wood trees we eve saw, measuring from sixty to seventy -iv' feet, without limb. While they do no outrival the cedar and cypress of Cali fornia, they are ahead of anything in thiI part of the country.
 Storrs School Notes. The Willimantic high school has re 3 fused to play with the base ball team here The students who are taking cours in ''tick-tacks" deserve a diploma fo their exertions last Friday night.
 The Stors team defeated the Soul Coventry nine at Eagleville last Saturda, by score of 13 to 5. There was jus : enough "kicking'' indulged in to mak :, the game interesting. Everyone playe , good ball, and it was close and excitin : contest.
 : -Jewett, of Storrs, pitched throughou