P.D. 123 5 



farmers and merchants alike, and his apple bulletins especiallj^ have attracted 

 wide recognition and are assisting materially to build up the apple industry 

 of the state. 



Miss Goodwin left to be married on April 11, 1925. Her place has been 

 filled by the appointment on July 23, 1925 of Miss Marion L. Speer. The 

 latter is a graduate of Wellesley College and has had excellent training in 

 economics and marketing problems. 



Since the death of Dr. Woods, the work formerly in the Division of 

 Information has been ably carried on under the immediate direction of my 

 secretary. Miss Hylda M. Deegan. 



Farms for Sale. 



One of the outstanding pieces of service, and carried on by the Depart- 

 ment for several years has been the publication of a bulletin containing a list 

 of farms for sale in Massachusetts. Through a small advertisement in 

 certain national farm papers calling attention to advantages of farming in 

 Massachusetts, the bulletin has been in great demand. As a result of its 

 distribution a large number of farms have been sold mostly to young men 

 from the West. 



Summer Facilities in Massachusetts. 



A new plan was started last year, that of listing in bulletin form the many 

 facilities on farms for summer guests. A surprisingly large number of such 

 places are available. This bulletin was in great demand, and as a result of 

 its broad distribution, many city families found enjoyable, healthy pleasure 

 at a moderate price in the country. This was an advantage both to city and 

 country people. The plan will be continued. 



Farm Labor. 



The plan of former years of conducting a labor bureau for the placement 

 of farm laborers has been continued with the usual success. The quality of 

 men seeking positions was improved the last year. Many farmers have been 

 well served also through this channel. 



Present Status of Massachusetts Agriculture. 



Farming in Massachusetts continues to improve. A farmer with good 

 training, good health and adequate capital can make a good living on a 

 Massachusetts farm under present conditions. The hours of labor may be 

 long and the work often arduous and at times disagreeable, but there are 

 also certain advantages and amenities to, in part, offset the hardships. 

 Those who are intelligently practicing the kinds of farming adapted to our 

 conditions may look forward to fairly successful futures. 



DIVISION OF DAIRYING AND ANIMAL 

 HUSBANDRY 



In previous years the annual report of this division has included a general 

 survey of the livestock, dairy and poultry situation. No such comprehen- 

 sive statement will be attempted in this report, but only a brief summary of 

 the actual work as carried on by the division will be given. 



On March 1st the six demonstration sheep farms were discontinued as a 

 state project, but Mr. C. D. Richardson, who had acted as supervisor, was 

 continued on a part-time basis for the sheep work. 



Inspection Work. 



The dairy inspectors of the division have made 8,542 inspections during 

 the year, with 59 samples taken. The result was thirteen court cases and 

 thirteen convictions. 



