THE 



TWENTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT 



OF THE 



SECRETARY 



OP THE 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE, 



To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of 



Massachiisetts. 



The Twenty-ninth Annual Report of the Board of Agri- 

 culture is respectfully submitted. 



The agricultural pursuits of the Commonwealth have not 

 only shared in the general prosperity, but have had increased 

 profit from extraordinary circumstances. 



The season of 1881 was unfavorable over the greater por- 

 tion of the United States. For the first time since annual 

 reports of the farming interest have been made, we have seen 

 a market that has allowed the importation of food from the 

 continent of Europe. Potatoes, cabbages, beans, onions, etc., 

 have been received in large quantities ; and small lots of first- 

 class butter have found a remunerative market. 



The scarcity that has caused a change in the current of 

 commerce, and made a part of the New World dependent 

 upon the Old for common articles of food, has not been 

 detrimental to the farming interests of Massachusetts. 



Though our soil is only productive under skilful cultiva- 

 tion, our seasons are not variable ; and the average of crops 

 was well maintained over our whole area, which has resulted 

 greatly to the profit of our farmers. 



