238 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [P. D. No. 4. 



other breeds, will prove herself, where a good deal of rustling 

 is required to obtain the necessary amount of food, one of 

 the best breeds for the farmer who has a market for a quan- 

 tity of good milk ; and, in sections of this State where the 

 production of milk for market is the specialty, may prove 

 to be a valuable breed. 



While Massachusetts is not noted as a live-stock State, a 

 large proportion of the farmers depend on the dairy for their 

 support ; and any advancement or improvement along this 

 line which can be accomplished by the Board of Agriculture, 

 aided by our Agricultural College, will be of great worth to 

 the agriculturists of the State. 



The loss of the fine herd of pure-breds at the Agricultural 

 College by tuberculosis has been a drawback to our standing 

 as a State in the improvement of blooded cattle ; and the 

 sooner they can be replaced, if by only a few of the choicest 

 animals obtainable of the five breeds that may be profitably 

 kept in the State, the better it will be not only for the repu- 

 tation of the college herd but for the live stock and dairy 

 interests of the State. 



If this State Board of Agi'iculture does all in its power 

 for the improvement of the flocks and herds of the State, 

 something will have been accomplished for agriculture, and 

 the criticisms heaped upon the Board as to its inefficiency 

 as a Board to accomplish the objects for which it stands will 

 in a measure be removed. 



