1891.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 4. 315 



Analysis of Table No. 2. 



What does an analysis of this table show ? Suffolk County- 

 is left out, although she contributes over $6,000 of the 

 $19,623 given in State bounties. Four societies of the 

 different counties did not draw their share, either because 

 they did not care to do so, or because they were not in a 

 position to comply with the requirements ; but two of these 

 will comply next year. Two more drew only a portion of 

 the $600, because they complied only partially with the 

 requirements. Next year these two will probably be wiser, 

 and will be in a position to draw all of it. 



With these exceptions, however, we find that Berkshire 

 County, based on the number of farmers, is drawing nearly 

 its share, while Worcester County is drawing 18 per cent 

 more than its share, and next year will draw about 30 per 

 cent in excess. Dukes and Nantucket counties, with a 

 population consisting mostly of fishermen, are receiving 275 

 and 890 per cent, respectively, while Norfolk County is not 

 receiving a dollar. Is not this a peculiar state of affairs ? 

 It will pay to study this table carefully, and note the 

 inequality of distribution. 



But, before leaving this matter of State bounty, I want to 

 present it in another light : — 



Number of farmers in Massachusetts, 36,000 



Amount appropriated in 1890 by the State for State bounty and 

 expenses of the Board of Agriculture, including the print- 

 ing of reports, in round numbers, $36,000 



This, as you will see, is equivalent to one dollar to each 

 farmer, or $1,000 to each of the thirty-six societies now 

 represented on the Board. 



The Present Plan. 

 Under the present plan of disbursement, expressed in 

 dollars and cents, the fisherman farmer of Dukes County is 

 receiving $4.00 worth of benefit, while the Essex County 

 hay farmer is getting only QQ cents' worth. The stock- 

 raiser in Worcester County is receiving $1.25 in benefit, 

 while his market-garden neighbor in Middlesex County is 

 obliged to take up with 60 cents' worth. The vegetable 



