No. 4.] FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY. 17 



that same bulletin that there has been an increase, — not 

 only that in the number of farms there has been an increase, 

 but a remarkal)le increase in value during the past ten years. 

 There has been an increase in number, an increase in value 

 and an increase of over 50 per cent in the value of the farm 

 products in the last decade. 



Such results as these are results of which your Board of 

 Agriculture has a right to be proud to-day. There is a 

 reason in them for its existence. The increase in the values 

 of farm products is remarkable. We go west and buy land, 

 in order that we may obtain the increase from the specula- 

 tive value and growth of the country. But the farms in the 

 vicinity of Boston, the farms in Suffolk County, have in- 

 creased over 300 per cent in value in the last decade, and 

 the farms in every county in the State, with the exception 

 of two, have increased very large 1}^ in value during the same 

 period. 



The Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture has assisted 

 in fostering this industry. It was established because the 

 character of the soil rendered it necessary that some protec- 

 tion should be given by the State, and she has offered it as 

 far as it was feasible. The aid thus given has been rewarded. 

 The experience of the Board of Agriculture has been a great 

 advantasje to the farmers of the State. The members of the 

 Board have brought to the farmers the results of their broad 

 experience. The results have surpassed anticipations. This 

 protection to the farmers and the results in our agriculture 

 justify the legislation which has been given for theu- benefit. 

 All over the State does the result of this benefit appear in 

 the improved condition of the farmers. But there is some- 

 thing more valuable for them to develop than herds of horses 

 and cattle and swine and sheep. It is more important for 

 them to develop character than the number and quality of 

 the vegetables, fruits and cereal products of their farms. 

 This they have done ; and such, in brief, is the result of the 

 legislation of recent years, and why it is a pleasure, in repre- 

 senting the Commonwealth to stand here to-day and express 

 to the Board the greetins: of the Commonwealth which has 

 helped to accomplish these results. I bring congratulations 



