No. 4.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. xxxl 



Eastern Hampden Agricultural Society, at Palmer, October 

 4 and 5. 



At the present time the market package for apples in the 

 western part of the State is the barrel, almost universally, and 

 the object of this exhil)it was to attract attention to the 

 superiority of the apple box in the marketing of choice varieties 

 of apples. It was felt that this undertaking v/as very successful 

 in that the interest manifested in the exliibit was very great, 

 and the public in general seemed very anxious to discuss the 

 matter with the one in charge of the exhibit, and to learn 

 everything possible in regard to this method of marketing 

 fruit. It was also felt that this exhibit was of further benefit 

 to the several societies in the shape of an added educational 

 feature at the ^'arious fairs, and as such was fully appreciated. 



Poultry Premiuim Bounty. 

 This bounty was disbursed to the incorporated poultry 

 associations, in accordance with the regulations governing this 

 fund. The full amount was awarded, and each society received 

 its proportionate share, based upon the amount paid out by 

 that society for the specified purposes. The following list shows 

 what societies recei"S'ed bounty and the amount to each : — 



Dalton Pouhiy, Pigeon and Pet Stock Association, 

 Eastern Massachusetts Poukry and Pigeon Association 

 Holyoke Poultry and Pet Stock Association, 

 Milford Poultry Association, 

 New England Poultry Association, . 

 Northern Berkshire Poultry Association, . 

 Springfield Poultry Club, .... 

 Worcester Poultry Association, . 



Total, $1,000 00 



In connection with this subject, it occurs to your secretary 

 that it would be advisable to establish a system of inspection 

 of these poultry exhibitions somewhat resembling the system 

 which is employed in the inspection of the annual fairs of the 

 various agricultural societies. I would call this to your atten- 

 tion, believing that it is a matter which could very practicably 

 and profitably be put into operation, thus not only bringing 



