xxii BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



believed that you will be interested in a scheme which has for its 

 end the prosperity of your towns, and will be willing to help the 

 Board of Agriculture in gathering information that can be spread 

 before the public to the advantage of the owners of abandoned 

 or partially abandoned farms, and of would-be purchasers. 



The towns which contain such farms will be benefited by having 

 them owned and improved by persons residing upon them. The 

 plan of action is not yet fully matured ; but, without question, the 

 first thing to be done is to get a list and description of such farms. 



As the assessors are better acquainted with such lands and their 

 owners than are any other citizens, we apply to you for informa- 

 tion. The law makes it our duty to obtain information and 

 circulate the same in regard to abandoned or partially abandoned 

 farms in the Commonwealth. 



"We must leave it largely to your judgment to interpret the 

 phrase " partially abandoned farms," but would suggest that a 

 farm which is not occupied for purposes of cultivation or a sum- 

 mer home, and is for sale at a low price, might be called an 

 abandoned or partially abandoned farm. 



It will of course be of little use to call attention to farms that 

 have been so long abandoned that the buildings have disappeared 

 and the land mostly grown up to brush and wood ; but sizable 

 tracts of land suitable for purposes of cultivation or for grazing, 

 though without buildings, should be considered. It will also be 

 of little use to call attention to farms that are not on the market 

 for what would be called a low price in proportion to their pro- 

 ductive capacity. 



Will you kindly write in the enclosed blank the names and post- 

 office addresses of the owners of such farms, in your town, as may 

 seem to you to come within the meaning of the law? AVe shall 

 issue a circular of inquiry for particular description, location, 

 price, etc., to the owners whose names you may furnish us. We 

 will keep you informed of the progress of the work, and shall very 

 likely need your further aid. Any suggestions will be gladly 

 received and considered. 



In order that the necessary information from the owners may 

 be seasonably obtained, it will be necessary that this blank be 

 returned before July 1, 1891. If you have no farms that seem to 

 you to come within the meaning of the law, please return the 

 blank with such remarks thereon as will describe the situation in 

 your town. 



THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Wm. K. Sessions, Secretary. 



