P.D. 123. 11 



Identification of Massachusetts Products. 



The studies made by the Division of Markets have indicated that producers of 

 farm products in Massachusetts have not reaped all the benefit that they should 

 from their ability to deliver fresh goods immediately to the markets of the state. 

 The average shopper is not able to distinguish between home grown products and 

 products from a distance unless the home grown products can be positively iden- 

 tified. It is advisable, therefore, that some action be taken, possibly by the 

 appointment of a special commission to work out methods of identifying the 

 products of Massachusetts farms when they come to the markets of the state. 



European Corn Borer. 

 The damage done by this pest has not in most places been more serious than it 

 was in 1923. Most fanners have complied with the law requiring the destruction 

 of corn stubble before December 1. Since a general warning was given last year 

 after the passage of this law by publication and by personal visits to the great 

 majority of farmers in the infested area, prosecutions will be undertaken during 

 the coming winter against persons who raised corn during the growing season 

 and did not dispose of the stubble within the prescribed time, as the law requires. 



Conclusion. 

 The Commissioner feels that during the year marked progress has been made 

 in meeting the problems of Massachusetts agriculture and in administering the 

 laws for which the Depai'tment is responsible. A large measure of credit is due 

 the members of the staff of the Department for their eifective work toward the 

 accomplishment of these results. 



Respectfully submitted, 



ARTHUR W. GILBERT, Commissioner. 



REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF DAIRYING AND 

 ANIMAL HUSBANDRY. 



Inspection Work. 



During the past year, the dairy inspectors of the Division have made nine 

 thousand, five hundred and sixty-three inspections of restaurants, hotels, retail 

 stores, boarding houses and vehicles. One hundred and sixty-nine samples were 

 taken, most of them purchased. From evidence secured from these ins^Dections, 

 twenty-three eases were entered in court, resulting in twenty-two convictions. 



The Division has continued the policy of prosecuting only major cases where 

 manifestly violation of the law has been either willful or persistent or both. 

 These minor cases of technical violations have been corrected, mostly without 

 prosecution, through helpful inspection and advice. 



Report of Inspections. 

 Twelve Months Ending November 30, 1924. 



Totals 9,563 9,409 154 169 



