No. 123.] REPORT OF COMMISSIONER. 11 



Harvard INIedical School on the diseases of turkeys. The 

 results of their research have been published by this Depart- 

 ment in a bulletin for which there has been a widespread 

 demand. This research points out practical methods of pre- 

 venting the fatal blackhead disease which has done more than 

 any other single factor to drive out the turkey industry from 

 New England. Growers who have become acquainted with 

 the researches of Drs. Tyzzer and Fabyan are now finding it 

 possible to carry on again a successful turkey business in this 

 State. 



Pure-bred Live Stock in Massachusetts. 



Massachusetts is one of the outstanding States of the Union 

 in the production of pure-bred live stock. Many of the great 

 foundation herds of the country are located here. During the 

 past year there has been a notable gain in these herds. Every 

 encouragement should be put forth to maintain our reputation 

 in this direction. One of the great menaces to the pure-bred 

 live-stock industry is the presence of considerable numbers of 

 scrub bulls running loose in back pastures which are usually 

 poorly fenced. These animals often cause great damage by 

 mating with pure-bred heifers. I recommend legislation to 

 make it illegal for such scrub animals to run more or less at 

 large in this way. 



Relation of Agriculture to Business. 



We have done everything possible during the past year to 

 bring farmers and business men together. Many conferences 

 have been held and addresses made before chambers of com- 

 merce and other organizations to point out the necessity of the 

 stimulation of agriculture in Massachusetts for the future 

 welfare of the Commonwealth, and our business men and manu- 

 facturers have been very helpful in many ways to the farmers, 

 particularly in providing better credit facilities, assisting in 

 co-operative efforts, and offering the best business experience 

 to farmers for the solution of their problems, especially those 

 which have reference to the buying and selling end of the 

 farming business. V\e believe that more active co-operation 

 between farmers and business men will be one of the principal 



