16 P.D. 123 



rust cankers. Branches bearing cankers were carefully pruned off and pines 

 with a trunk canker were cut down and disposed of by burning. More than 

 17,000 stem-cankered trees were removed and over 12,000 trees were treated for 

 the elimination of branch cankers only. In excess of 35,000 cankers in various 

 stages of development were eliminated through work on this sub-project. 



The black currant canvass was carried on in 15 cities and towns in Metropoli- 

 tan Boston. A crew of 8 trained men inspected 174,701 properties and located 

 6,908 black currants in 1,282 gardens. The plants were eradicated later in the 

 year as mentioned in a previous paragraph. 



The purpose of the third sub-project (Control Area Mapping) was to procure 

 a series of field maps showing the location of white pine areas in the several 

 towns selected for such work. Several crews of three men each, 1 eompassman 

 and 2 laborers, were employed. These men mapped a total of 39,317 acres. 



This CWA blister rust control work was handled iinder a great many handi- 

 caps, but on the whole much that was worth while was accomplished. The 

 severity of the weather seriously impaired the efficiency of the canker elimination 

 work. The black currant canvass, however, was well executed in spite of the bitter 

 cold weather that was endured by the field men and the results compared very 

 favorably with similar work performed during the usual summer season. The 

 work of the mapping crews was unusually well done, particularly so when it is 

 appreciated that in most instances, the mappers had absolutely no previous ex- 

 perience in this type of work. 



Under the provisions of Federal Plant Quarantine No. 63 which governs the 

 interstate shipment of white pine, currant and gooseberry nursery stock, the 

 Department issued 55 permits for the entry of 578 currant and 154 gooseberry 

 bushes from other States. Three pennits were granted for the shipment into the 

 State of 3,062 white pine seedlings or transplants. 



The temporary' field personnel during 1934 included 19 foremen or scouts and 

 24 laborers paid from Federal funds ; 6 foremen or scouts paid from State funds ; 

 and 816 per diem laborers (including owners) representing local cooperators. 

 An average of 112 enlisted men and 9 technical foremen or checkers were em- 

 ployed on ECW activities on State forests. 



REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF RECLAMATION, SOIL SURVEY 



AND FAIRS 



Small Fairs on Increase 



There is a noticeable increase in the number of one or two day fairs throughout 

 the Commonwealth. Horticultural exhibits in particular are commanding favor- 

 able consideration by a large number of conmiunities. Flower shows have become 

 extremely popular, many being held by local organizations including garden 

 clubs, women's clubs and other civic groups. These exhibits in practically all 

 cases are receiving excellent patronage. The Department has cooperated as far 

 as possible with these groups, in some cases supplying State award ribbons as 

 honor prizes for outstanding entries, and in other cases recommending speakers 

 for educational programs. 



There Avere the same number of major fairs this year as last; however, Avhile 

 the total number is less than a few years ago there have been several new local 

 associations formed, which to a certain extent are supplanting the work of these 

 old time societies. 



The Department of Agriculture cooperated with eighteen major, twenty-eight 

 community, fifty granges and eleven poultry and rabbit associations holding fairs 

 and exhibits during the year. This is a total of 107 societies, associations or 

 organizations receiving from the Commonwealth an allotment of State agricul- 

 tural prize money or some form of special trophies, medals, ribbons or certifi- 

 cates. This was a total increase of fourteen organizations holding agricultural 

 fairs in the Commonwealth in which the Department cooperated over the preced- 

 ing year. 



For the most part the small community fairs operated at a profit Avhile the 



