12 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Apiary Inspection. 



The apiary inspection work was conducted along the same 

 general lines as in previous years, but with the appropriation 

 reduced it was impossible to do much in the suppression of 

 the brood diseases of bees. It was possible, however, to care 

 for most of the worst cases, and much good was done in the 

 way of eradication. Several towns which had not been recently 

 inspected and some which had never been examined were 

 visited. This resulted in the discovery of serious conditions, 

 in some cases calling for intensive work and demonstrations to 

 aid the inexperienced beekeeper. 



Division of Dairying and Animal Husbandry. 



The law-enforcement work of the Division has been carried 

 on as usual. Sixty-one cases of law violation have been found, 

 all resulting in convictions. Because of the increased number 

 of violations, more inspection work was conducted, totaling 

 10,580 inspections. In a few cases the violations were due to 

 ignorance, but the high price of butter probably tempted many 

 to evade the law, resulting in fifty-one convictions of restau- 

 rant proprietors, etc., furnishing oleomargarine without notify- 

 ing patrons. 



The members of the Division have addressed thirty-two 

 farmers' meetings; inspected six agricultural fairs; judged live 

 stock at two fairs and attended four pure-bred live-stock con- 

 ventions. N. E. M. P. A. committee meetings have been at- 

 tended, to assist with their studies and investigations on the 

 cost of producing milk and in outlining a surplus plan. 



The Division has been pleased to serve the Attorney-General 

 and the Commission on the Necessaries of Life. 



In September a special study of the condensed milk situation 

 was made, and a review presented for the consideration of 

 milk distributors who manufacture. 



Some investigation has been made tending toward a plan to 

 encourage Massachusetts dairymen to raise more heifer calves. 

 The use of better sires is encouraged at all times. Record 

 associations known as cow-testing associations, have been dis- 



