PUBLIC WINTER MEETING OF THE BOARD, AT SPRING- 

 FIELD, JANUARY 9, 10, 11 AND 12, 1917. 



The ^Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture assembled for 

 its fifty-fourth Public Winter Meeting at the municipal audi- 

 torium, Springfield, on January 9, 10, 11 and 12, 1917. The 

 meeting was held in connection with the twenty-third conven- 

 tion of the Massachusetts Fruit Growers' Association, the fruit 

 growers' program occupying the whole of the last day; the 

 seventh annual meeting of the INJassachusetts Dairymen's Asso- 

 ciation and the tenth annual meeting of the Massachusetts 

 Milk Inspectors' Association. 



The basement of the municipal building was occupied with 

 the usual exhibits of farm products, and there was a large dis- 

 play of manufacturers' supplies, especially in the fruit line. 



The Dairy Bureau had offered prizes for a milk, cream and 

 butter show, which was held in co-operation with the allied 

 dairy interests. 



The attendance, unfortunately, was rather small, and the 

 people of Springfield did not seem to realize what an unusual 

 opportunity they were having to hear big men along agricul- 

 tural topics. 



On Tuesday, January 9, Secretary Wilfrid Wheeler of Con- 

 cord called the opening session to order at 10 a.m., and intro- 

 duced Honorable Frank E. Stacy, mayor of Springfield, who ex- 

 tended the Board a cordial welcome on behalf of the city. After 

 a response for the Board by First Vice-President John Bursley, 

 Mr. H. G. Worth of Nantucket was introduced as pi-esiding 

 officer for the morning session. Mr. Worth introduced Profes- 

 sor James E. Rice of the New York State College of Agriculture, 

 who spoke on "Breeding and selecting Fowls for Egg Produc- 

 tion." 



