No. 4.] 



REPORT OF SECRETARY 



xxin 



The following table gives the number of abandoned or 

 partially abandoned farms by counties, as reported by the 

 assessors of the several cities and towns in response to the 

 circular letter; number of cities and towns in each county, 

 and the number reporting abandoned or partially abandoned 

 firms : — 



As a rule, the assessors were quite prompt in sending in 

 their returns. In some cases, however, it was found neces- 

 sary to send a second request, and in a few, a third. Xo 

 doubt there has been considerable variation in the standard 

 adopted in different towns. In some towns farms have been 

 reported that should not have been, while in others some 

 have been omitted that properly belong in the list. 



The work was continued by the sending of the following 

 circular letter to the owners or agents of the abandoned or 

 partially abandoned farms reported by the assessors : — 



State Board of Agriculture, Secretary's Office, 



Commonwealth Building, Boston, Aug. 25, 1891. 



To the Owners of Abandoned or Partially Abandoned Farms in Massa- 

 chusetts. 



Gentlemen: — The Legislature at its last session enacted the 

 following law : — 



(Acts of 1891, chapter 280, sections 1, 2, 3.) 



In discharge of the duty devolving upon the Board of Agriculture 

 under the provisions of this statute, a circular has been addressed 



