P.D. 123 U 



to substantially extend systematic inspection so that work in Norfolk County was 

 completed ; considerable new work was also done in certain sections of Berkshire 

 County ; and a beginning made in Bristol and Plymouth Counties. Thus the greater 

 part of Massachusetts has been inspected and in it, American foulbrood is under 

 control or suppressed. 



In 1941, it is anticipated that the inspection can be further extended, so as to 

 complete the work in Berkshire County and extend it in Plymouth and Bristol 

 Counties. It may also be possible to reach Barnstable County. The extension of the 

 inspection area will depend in part on the results of reinspection, in all localities 

 where disease occurred in the inspection of 1940. 



JVhite Pine Blister Rust. — Substantial progress was made during 1940 in the con- 

 tinued effort to prevent further damage to the forests in Massachusetts by white 

 pine blister rust. The control of this fungous disease is accomplished by the elimina- 

 tion of the alternate host plants (currant and gooseberry bushes) from areas in 

 proximity to valuable white pines. 



Following a retarded spring, excellent field conditions prevailed during the summer 

 permitting the effective eradication of currants and gooseberries on control areas 

 aggregating 83,442 acres. From these areas the field personnel removed 491,449 wild 

 and 777 cultivated bushes. The control program during 1940 involved work in 28 

 towns in the State and provided 79,942 man-hours of useful employment for relief 

 workers. Enrollees at three of the Civilian Conservation Corps camps in the state 

 worked a total of 12,087 man-hours on State-owned lands. 



Blister rust control work in Massachusetts is administered by this Division with 

 the active participation of the Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine of the 

 United States Department of Agriculture. Labor is furnished through certification 

 by the local representative of the Federal Work Projects Administration and by the 

 Civilian Conservation Corps. Towns and cities and other state departments in pos- 

 session of forest lands are also active cooperators in local control programs. 



Fairs. — The agricultural fairs of Massachusetts were generally successful in 1940, 

 although during the latter part of the fair season weather conditions were not ideal 

 for open air activities. The weather handicaps, however, did not prevent an increase 

 in attendance over the previous year. 



The total attendance at all Massachusetts fairs in 1940 was 776,809, an increase 

 of 17,121 over that of 1939. Agricultural exhibits also showed an increase and 

 totaled 73,858, as against 62,489 in 1939. The grand total of all exhibits for the year 

 was 87,228. This again was more than the figure of the previous year by 11,465. 

 These figures do not include the exhibits of agricultural and industrial products 

 shown at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, and the Brockton Fair 

 at Brockton. 



During the year the department received applications for an allotment of State 

 Prize Money from 132 organizations and associations. Of this number 112 held 

 either fair exhibits or shows at which State prizes were awarded. State premium 

 checks were sent out to the number of 1977 and of this number boys and girls 

 received 806 checks for prizes won in Junior Department classes. The department 

 also awarded 287 ribbons, 125 bronze medals, 29 trophies, 4 silver medals and one 

 Certificate of Merit. 



Four fairs had light harness racing, and two fairs running horses with pari-mutuel 

 betting. The other fairs with race tracks used them for automobile and motorcycle 

 races, thrill shows, rodeos and the like. Many fairs put on very fine parades of 

 farm livestock, and the owners and animals were announced as the parade passed 

 in review in front of the grandstand. Draft horses and oxen furnish a real attrac- 

 tion at many fairs, and drawing contests on the stone boat are one of the most 

 popular features at fairs today. 



All major fairs have been inspected by a representative of the department, and 

 records kept of the number of exhibits, and of all special features and activities of 

 the fair. The smaller fairs have been visited so far as possible, and their exhibits 

 carefully examined. 



The department has issued regularly a monthly fairs news letter containing informa- 

 tion of value and interest to all fairs. Material for the letter has been received from 



