1890.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 4. xxi 



of Agriculture, the agricultural societies and the public at 

 large. The attention that skilled veterinarians are giving to 

 it inspires the hope that in the near future the proper methods 

 of dealing with it may l)ecome known and l)e applied by the 

 authority of law. The report of the Cattle Commissioners 

 will be found printed in the appendix of this volume. 



The Board of Agriculture have been much interested in 

 the discussion of the proper course to be pursued in dealing 

 with the gypsy moth, the new imported pest which last 

 season ravaged the trees and shrul)bery of Medford. The 

 best entomological authorities are agreed that, with prompt 

 and vigorous action, it can be stamped out, and this continent 

 I)e saved from a pest worse than the Colorado potato beetle. 



This can only be done by wise methods, planned and 

 executed by men having authority of law, and having at 

 command for the payment of expenses a sum that will 

 surely be sufficient to accomplish the end in view. It is 

 hoped the present Legislature will provide l)oth the authority 

 and the necessary funds. 



Massachusetts agriculture is, on the whole, in a prosperous 

 condition ; but it must be remembered that this is a State of 

 cities and large towns. Within our 7,800 square miles we 

 have now 26 cities, and at least 60 towns that have a popu- 

 lation of between 5,000 and 15,000 inhabitants. The 

 business of supplying these centres of population with milk, 

 butter, eggs, fresh fruits and fine vegetables, belongs to 

 the farmers of the State. Those who furnish the best in 

 condition, and at the time wanted, wall find a demand and 

 remunerative prices. But with outside competition, they 

 cannot keep the market for themselves without the most 

 earnest effort, applying consummate ability, enthusiasm and 

 industry, directed by a thorough knowledge of the business. 

 Those in the remote parts of the State have not the same 

 advantages, and there we find many discouraged farmers 

 and some abandoned farms. Returns to this office in answer 

 to a circular of questions lead to the conclusion that the 

 number of such farms is not rapidly increasing at present. 

 Still, there are many farms for sale at a low price. The 

 States north of us have instituted measures to bring this 

 class of real estate to the notice of the pu])lic, in the 



