4 P.D. 123 



chusetts A" and the same provisions apply to "Massachusetts Fancy" and 

 "Massachusetts B." 



The Massachusetts apple grading law was further revised, in that the 

 minimum size of all apples packed in boxes or cartons need not be marked 

 on the box or carton, if the box or carton is marked with a statement of 

 the number of apples contained in the box. 



"An act to increase the compensation paid by the Commonwealth for 

 tubercular cattle slaughtered" has now become a law. This law provides 

 that the Commonwealth shall pay to the owner of any animal slaughtered 

 under authority of any rules and regulations promulgated by the Division 

 of Animal Industry, one-half of the difference between the amount re- 

 ceived by the owner for the carcass of the animal and the value of the 

 animal as determined by appraisal; provided, that payment by the Com- 

 monwealth shall not exceed $50.00 for any grade animal or $75.00 for any 

 pure-bred animal ; and provided further, that the owner or his representa- 

 tive has not, in the opinion of the director, by wilful act or neglect, con- 

 tributed to the spread of bovine tuberculosis. 



The petitions of the Massachusetts Fruit Growers' Association, relative 

 to the payment of the Commonwealth for damages caused by wild deer 

 and moose, has received favorable action by the legislation, and the fruit 

 growers claim of damages on account of deer, will more nearly approxi- 

 mate the actual damage to his orchard, and the payment of his claim 

 will receive more prompt attention. 



Resolves have been passed by the Legislature, authorizing the printing, 

 illustrating and publishing of the third volume of "Birds of Massachu- 

 setts" by Edward Howe Forbush, the State Ornithologist, and providing 

 further for printing additional copies of the first volume of the report 

 on "Birds of the Commonwealth," by the same author. 



AGRICULTURAL OUTLOOK FOR 1928 



Our records on farm labor supply indicate that farm labor will prob- 

 ably be available to a greater extent in 1928 than at any time during the 

 past ten to fifteen years. A general depression in certain industrial 

 centres has caused many men to seek work on farms. This supply is not 

 experienced but will in a measure meet the requirements of general farm 

 labor. 



Dairy Products 



The dairy industry in Massachusetts appears to be in a little less favor- 

 able position than a year ago. Prices for grain are on the increase, 

 thereby increasing the cost of milk production. Additional sections are 

 making preparations to produce Grade A milk for Boston consumers. 

 Prices for dairy cows remain exceptionally high and a tendency to save 

 the better dairy calves and cull the herds closely during the present high 

 slaughter value of old cows has been noticed. 



Hogs 

 Hog prices should show some strengthening during the last six months 

 of 1928. Curtailment of production resulting from the present unsatis- 

 factory price situation will probably cause an upward adjustment of 

 prices. 



Sheep and Wool 



The outlook for wool growers continues to appear favorable. A farm- 

 ers' pooling association organized for the purpose of making virgin wool 

 blankets for retail sale has stimulated interest in wool production because 

 of greater financial returns. Demand for native lamb continues to re- 

 main good and Massachusetts markets can absorb well-grown lambs at 

 prices showing a good profit to the farmer. 



Apples 

 Apple production by commercial orchards in Massachusetts will con- 



