28 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



reclamation of waste and wet lands, advertising Massachusetts 

 agricultural resources, etc. Practically all of these subjects have 

 had to do with a wider study, — leading to some definite plan 

 for the united effort of all agencies interested in the agricultural 

 development of the State. 

 . It seems as if at this time something may be accomplished 

 along these lines if only the whole question can be viewed from 

 a broad aspect. Undoubtedly no one agency can attempt all 

 of this work, and it is to be hoped that through the agency of 

 this committee some plan may be worked out which will be 

 satisfactory to all parties. 



In connection with the work of this committee, several 

 conferences have been held relative to agricultural legislation for 

 the coming year. All agricultural organizations have been 

 asked to present matters which they propose to petition for. 

 About twenty organizations have responded and several bills 

 have been discussed. As an open forum for the discussion of 

 legislation, this method has proved of great value, and will 

 doubtless have a tendency to eliminate many bills designed to 

 attain the same ends. 



One of the subjects which has been considered by the com- 

 mittee is an agricultural survey of Massachusetts, embracing 

 such subjects as — 



1. The preparation and publication of a State geological and economic 



atlas. 



2. A general soil survey. 



3. A biological survey. 



4. An agricultural survey covering — 



(a) Conditions of agricultural production. 

 (&) Distribution of produce. 



(c) General economic, sanitary and hygienic conditions. 



(d) Social conditions. 



(e) Farmers' organizations. 



Secretary's Travel. 

 Very little has been said about the various activities of the 

 secretary of this Board during the year. Besides the regular 

 routine work of the oflBice, your secretary has traveled 5,000 

 miles in the State, covering practically the whole of it from east 

 to west. Much of this traveling has been done by automobile, 



