No. 4.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. xiii 



we ha\o ninuy splendid varieties of peaches liei'c we ?till 

 need one which is more adapted to Massachusetts conditions, 

 — a peach of good quality whose buds will stand our win- 

 ters better. We have plenty of fine land for peaches, and 

 only require a hardy variety to make this State a great 

 peach-growing one. 



Plums and cherries where not injured by frosts were very 

 good. It is to be regTetted that more cherries are not gTOwn 

 in Massachusetts, as this crop is a most profitable one and can 

 be grown with ease practically all over the State. The sour 

 cherries are most in demand, and are also most easily gTOwn. 



Grapes while not gTown extensively were especially good 

 and sold well. There is no doubt that the grape crop can 

 be made to pay in this State, provided, however, that hiali 

 quality grapes are grown, as these are not to any extent 

 affected by competition from other States. 



Strawberries were badly injured by the frosts in most 

 places, and the crop was reduced fully 70 per cent. Prices 

 ruled high, however, and the growers were fairly satisfied 

 with results. 



Other small fruits are not grown in sufficient quantities 

 to affect the markets materially, although we have splendid 

 opportunities for growing all kinds, and enjoy particularly 

 good markets for them. 



The whole outlook for fruit growing is very encouraging 

 and no branch of agriculture in our State now offers better 

 inducements to the careful man. 



Potatoes were a light crop in most sections, but the quality 

 was good and prices have been very satisfactory. 



General crops were good on the whole, but squash and 

 other vine crops were short. Prices on all general farm 

 crops have been high, and in most sections farmers have 

 been well satisfied. 



FAR:\r Products of the State. 

 For the year 1909. according to the federal census of 1910, 

 the leading farm products of Massachusetts were as fol- 

 lows : — 



