322 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [P.D.No.4. 



establish herds that shall be a credit to the State aiid a source 

 of profit to their owners. Once established on a healthy, 

 profitable basis they would become a permanent source of 

 supply to near-by consumers, who would thus secure a fresh, 

 healthful product at a reasonable cost. The appalling de- 

 crease in the number of cattle owned in our State is sufficient 

 proof of the need of such a policy. 



The Massachusetts Cattle Bureau was not established for 

 the purpose of persecution, nor can it work out the problems 

 before it by a policy that relies upon prosecution. Its aim 

 and intent is to restrain and correct abuses if they exist, and 

 at the same time stimulate and encourage the cattle industry 

 of the State and protect the health of its citizens. The pres- 

 ent administration is willing and eager to give to all parties 

 interested helpful and encouraging counsel. We want every 

 farmer and stock owner in the State to feel free to consult the 

 Bureau. In no better way can misunderstandings be cleared 

 up and difficulties solved. To attain this ideal we must first 

 have honest and faithful agents of the State, who will deal 

 fairly with the people, and then we must have the co-operation 

 and confidence of the cattle-owning public, which will only 

 come when the true policy and aims of the Bureau are more 

 fully understood. I am sure that with rational interpretation 

 of the law, and a better knowledge of the benefits sought, the 

 Cattle Bureau may become one of the most prized depart- 

 ments of the State, and that the producer and the consumer 

 will eventually recognize in it an institution conducted for 

 the welfare and protection of each. 



Respectfully submitted, 



FRED FREELAND WALKER, 



Chief of Cattle Bureau. 



