Commissioner op Agriculture. 195 



iind I am not surprised that prosperity resides with the dairy- 

 men of northern New York, or that rates of interest are less, 

 or that those farmers who a few years ago were burdened with 

 debt are now clearing their lands from mortgages. 



Both consumers and producers continue to complain bitterly of 

 the receipt and sale of renovated butter in the cities and larger 

 villages of this agricultural division, which places until recent 

 years have furnished a ready and remunerative market for farm 

 dairy butter, made before the opening of factories in the earl;? 

 spring and after their closing about November 1st. The exist- 

 ing laws controlling the branding of renovated butter do not 

 seem to improve its quality nor prohibit to any great extent 

 the deception which often accompanies its sale. Its question- 

 able constituents, compounded far beyond the boundary of our 

 own great dairy country, are placed before us at a price so much 

 below that at which honest butter can be produced that the 

 latter industry, a home product, is smothered, while the Western 

 manufacturer of renovated butter flourishes. 



In closing this report permit me again to bear witness to the 

 cheerful and willing acquiescence of all the instructors and in- 

 spectors in this division in all the suggestions I have made for 

 the good of the Department. Neither long hours or bad weather 

 has held them back when duty has invited them to go forward. 

 At all times respectful and courteous, they have earned my ear- 

 nest approval, and I am happy to acknowledge my appreciation 

 -of their kindness and assistance here. 



Respectfully submitted. 



S. BROWN RICHARDSON, 



Assistant Commissioner. 



