No. 4.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. xix 



in any similar period in the history of the Bureau ; while, 

 on the other hand, the number of cases which could be 

 brought to the attention of the courts is less than for some 

 years. The trade in colored oleomargarine appears to have 

 nearly reached the vanishing point, being confined to ped- 

 dlers, while that in the uncolored goods appears to be 

 decreasing. The grocers and others handling renovated 

 butter seem to have come for the most part to the conclusion 

 that honesty is the best policy, and conduct their business 

 with more regard for the law on the subject than ever before. 

 The details of the work of the year appear in the report of 

 the general agent, Mr. P. M. Harwood, which is included 

 in this volume. The educational work of the year shows an 

 increase in the number of meetings held and in the interest 

 of those in attendance at them. Your secretary has nothing 

 but praise for the work of this department. 



Cattle Bureau. 

 The report of the Chief of the Cattle Bureau will be found 

 printed elsewhere. Not having oversight of the work of 

 this Bureau, and not being particularly conversant with it, 

 I would refer you to that report without comment. 



State Forester. 

 Alfred Akerman, formerly State Forester, resigned, to 

 accept a position in his native State, and the vacancy thus 

 caused was filled by the appointment of Prof. F. W. Rane 

 of the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and Mechanic 

 Arts. Professor Rane has had charge of the horticultural 

 and forestry interests at that institution for some years, and 

 brings to his work in Massachusetts a fine knowledge of con- 

 ditions in New England woodlands and a most commendable 

 enthusiasm. I had the pleasure of recommending his ap- 

 pointment to Governor Guild, and feel assured that he will 

 work in harmony with this Board at all times. Neverthe- 

 less, I still feel that it is to be regretted that the State For- 

 ester and his department do not form a part of the machinery 

 of this Board. 



