2^2 P.D. 123 



an equal area rocky or impoverished land, improvement of cultural methods on 

 lands already in use and better grading and marketing of crops produced are 

 more pertinent problems for consideration. 



The reclamation work of this division has, however, been mainly concerned with 

 the drainage of wet lands, primarily for the control of mosquito breeding areas 

 and as in previous years conducted through the State Reclamation Board (Chap- 

 ter 2.52 of the General Laws as amended). The report of the Board will be found 

 on page 24. 



Soil Survey .\ctivities 



Massachusetts has a total land area of 5,144,690 acres, of which soil survey 

 reports are now available for 4,686,080 acres. The balance has been surveyed, but 

 the reports are not yet available which cover Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin 

 Counties. 



These completed reports contain much valuable information. They discuss 

 the following points in more or less logical order: (1) description as to location, 

 boundaries, topography, drainage and transportation facilities; (2) climate; (3) 

 agricultural conditions; (4) agricultural development; (5) general soil descrip- 

 tions; (6) suggestions for soil improvement. The survey is admittedly a basis 

 for fertility work and for obtaining practical data which, when i)roperly organized, 

 will be of direct and immediate aid to the farming interests. 



The Department has, with the exception of Plymouth County, all reports so 

 far completed and are for general and free (^listribution. 



Agricultural Fairs 

 Approval by the legislature of $.5,000 additional prize money for agricultural 

 fairs in 1930 was a real incentive for fair officials to exert unusual effort in making 

 the Tercentenary Year an outstanding year of progress. As a result the agri- 

 cultural fairs experienced a most successful season, even though business conditions 

 were not of the best. 



Increased Attendance and Exhibits 

 The general industrial depression apparently did not adversely influence fair 

 attendance as the group of fairs securing an allotment of state prize money showed 

 an actual increase in attendance of over six thousand people. There was also a 

 considerable increase in the numl)er of agricultural exhibits over that of 1929. 

 This was particularly noticeable in regard to the number of boys' and girls' ex- 

 hibits. The number of cattle and horses exhibited also showed an increase, all 

 of which apparently indicates that the agricultural fairs in Massachusetts not 

 only continue to prove their value to the agriculture of the commonwealth but 

 also to preserve their drawing power for the general public. 



Quality of Exhibits Improved 

 From an agricultural, educational, industrial and recreational standpoint the 

 fairs have done and are continuing to do a fine piece of work in improving the 

 quality of our livestock. This is very noticeable especially in the case of dairy 

 cattle, as many breeders have received in sales value increased substantial amounts 

 as a result of blue ribbons won in the show rings of many of our fairs. The stimulus 

 which 4-H club work and other junior activities receive from participating in agri- 

 cultural fairs cannot be overestimated, and this participation contributes in no 

 small j)art to the interest and success of this most worthy undertaking. 



Fairs Are the Farmers'' Show Windoios 

 The agricultural fair also serves as the show window for the farmer to present 

 to the consuming public the results of his year's work. The attractiveness and 

 sales appeal of these displays tends to increase the demand for fine quality agri- 

 cultural products properly graded and packed, and displayed in a pleasing manner. 

 The value of this phase of fair activity is indeed great when coupled with the 

 benefits which the farmer himself receives from the educational exhil)its, farm 

 machinery, etc., make a grand total of results accomplished of a very considerable 

 amount. 



