No. 4.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. xlv 



staple food supplies, which can be shipped long distances, 

 should be grown as far as possible, such as grain, hay, onions, 

 tobacco, apples, corn, and meats of all kinds. 



Massachusetts can grow many of these crops, and is in a 

 splendid position to ship them through the port of Boston. 

 Many other crops could be preserved or canned, and steps 

 should be taken to establish canneries in centers where such 

 crops can be grown easily. The opportunity is yours, Massa- 

 chusetts farmers. Will you make the most of it? 



The production of many farm and garden seeds in our State 

 should be carefully studied out, for while European countries 

 have been producing much of our seed, there is no reason 

 whatever why we should not begin to produce our own. It is 

 generally true that seeds of the highest quality are retained by 

 growers, and the person who buys has to take second choice. 

 Therefore it behooves us to look into this matter thoroughly 

 and see what can be done. The outlook for producing more 

 meat in our State is promising, and will become more so just 

 as soon as suitable slaughtering establishments are provided in 

 local centers. 



With wheat selling as at present around $1.40 per bushel, it 

 would be well to consider the production of this crop on some 

 of our lands. It certainly would pay better than some crops 

 we are now growing, and we may look for a shortage in wheat 

 for some years to come. 



Fruit conditions are promising as undoubtedly the large apple 

 crop of 1914 will not be repeated, and it is our turn to have a 

 peach crop. 



Certainly with Massachusetts importing three-quarters of the 

 food supply, and with the great demand bound to be made 

 upon us by foreign countries, the Massachusetts farmers may 

 not legitimately complain of a lack of prospect. 



Conclusion. 

 In closing this report I would like to express to you my 

 cordial appreciation for the help given by all during the year. 

 I sometimes feel that we do not get together often enough, and 

 were it practical, I would like to suggest that the executive 

 committee meet once a month. You are busy at your own 



