Part I.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. 21 



for immediately, nor is there likely to be any decided change 

 in the near future, unless our producers can raise milk as 

 cheaply as it can be produced and shipped to our markets from 

 other sections. The dealers are going to secure their s apply 

 where they can purchase it cheapest, and if rates compel them 

 to come to Massachusetts, this fact will soon become known 

 and stimulate an increase in Massachusetts-produced milk. 

 Time alone will tell in this matter, but if the agitation con- 

 tinues, and the demand is increased for pasteurized milk, 

 Massachusetts will continue to be in as difficult a position as 

 before, because pasteurized milk may be handled from distant 

 parts more easily than fresh. 



The Boston Chamber of Commerce and other organizations 

 have this year discussed very seriously the question of the 

 grading and labeling of all milk, and while this seems to offer 

 an inducement to the producer in an increase in price for pro- 

 ducing a high grade of milk, the difficulty of establishing and 

 maintaining a standard is apparent. 



Some of the larger dealers have already adopted a grading 

 label, but as yet there is no official grade established. Many 

 steps advocated by organizations are important in the solution 

 of the milk problem, and we heartily endorse the establishment 

 wherever practicable of county milk stations by the producers, 

 also better systems of dairy management and better stock. An 

 advertising campaign which will place in every house the leaflet 

 on "Food Value of Milk" is highly recommended, along with a 

 better system of city distribution. 



^Massachusetts needs the dairy cow to go hand in hand with 

 the development of the idle lands of the State, and while we 

 may look forward in any event to the cultivation of these lands, 

 quicker returns will be received if some form of animal hus- 

 bandry goes with the work. 



Insects. 

 There have been no very serious outbreaks of periodic insects 

 this year, but the usual number of the more common pests has 

 been noted. The gypsy moth has been very abundant in certain 

 sections, and has done considerable damage on cranberry bogs 

 and on farms adjacent to woodlands. There was an abundance 



