No. 4.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. xxix 



a copj on paper, for posting. The demand continues about as 

 in former years, and there are no features in connection with 

 the distribution worthy of special notice. 



Better Farming Specials. 



The Board and the Dairy Bureau co-operated with the 

 Boston & Albany Railroad in the " better farming special " 

 which it ran over its lines last spring. Your secretary accom- 

 panied the train throughout the trip, as did also the general 

 agent of the Dairy Bureau, and speakers on fruit topics were 

 furnished by the Board. The train made 18 stops, and up- 

 wards of G,000 people availed themselves of its opportunities. 



Your secretary also made one day's trip with the trolley 

 " better farming special," run by the Springiield trolley lines. 

 The attendance and interest in this special were good, though 

 naturally not equal to those shown in the large and better 

 advertised railroad special. 



Seed Corn Distribution. 

 A new feature which I intend to introduce during the 

 present year, if it meets the approval of the Board, is the 

 distribution of seed corn to farmers. The plan, roughly 

 speaking, is to secure seed of superior strains, mainly of Flint 

 varieties, and to give small quantities to such farmers as will 

 agi*ee to plant and care for it properly, and to return double 

 the amount received, for further distribution. Possibly they 

 may also be required to exhibit a few ears in the office, in an 

 exhibition similar in scope to our apple show of this year. 



Respectfully submitted, 



J. LEWIS ELLSWORTH, 



Secretary. 

 Jan. 10, 1911. 



