Part L] REPORT OF SECRETARY. 55 



Atkins of South Amherst carried off first prize, with a yield of 

 45| bushels. 



In this connection an extract from the report of the judge 

 may be of interest. 



We found different troubles more prominent in different sections as was 

 to be expected, red-humped caterpillar being much more plenty in the cen- 

 tral and western sections, while, of course, the gypsy moths were plenty 

 in the eastern section, on account of the bad weather during spraj'^ time. 

 The results of spraying, so far as gypsy moths were concerned, were largely 

 nullified. . . . 



In spite of the shortage of labor this year on all the farms we have never 

 seen finer orchards nor some in better condition. 



Meetings of the Board. 



The annual meeting of the Board was held in December for 

 the first time, under the amended statute. The routine reports 

 were read, policies adopted and legislative program outlined. 

 The opportunity thus offered the Board to prepare its bills in 

 advance of the convening of the Legislature proved to be of 

 advantage in securing earlier action by that body. 



The change in the time of holding the annual meeting made it 

 necessary to adopt other than a December date for the public 

 winter meeting. The fifty-third annual public w^inter meeting 

 was held, consequently, on January 4, 5 and 6 at Horticultural 

 Hall, Boston. The Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Massa- 

 chusetts Dairymen's Association, Massachusetts Milk Inspectors* 

 Association and the Massachusetts Alfalfa Growlers' Association 

 co-operated with the Board to make this the most successful meet- 

 ing ever held. The Horticultural Society donated the use of its 

 hall, and the Dairymen's Association took charge of the milk, 

 cream and butter show, and exhibit of dairy appliances. The 

 Dairy Bureau had a striking exhibit showing the food value of 

 milk, and the results of the third annual clean milk contest. 

 The State Ornithologist put up a unique exhibit of means of 

 attracting and protecting birds. The Board conducted the apple 

 and corn shows and an exhibit of its activities and publications 

 and the annual State exhibit of boys' and girls' agricultural club 

 work. In the adjoining room the Milk and Baby Hygiene As- 

 sociation, Boston board of health, and Children's Hospital show-ed 

 charts and photographs illustrating their work. jNIotion pictures 



