The Placer herald., 1855-12-01
ASSESSORS REPORT.
ASSESSORS OFFICE.


Auburn, Nov 26th, 1855.
Hon. S. H. MARLETT,
Sir: In compliance with your instructions
beg to make the following Report:
This county covers large territory-bor-
dering ON and nearly surrounded by four
others, viz: Nevada E Dorado, Sacramento,
and Suffer- The defined and underlined lines
of the same, the County Surveyor will fur
nish you report, as per instructions.
The county of Placer, like many of the
northern, is naturally divided into lands
adapted to mining and agriculture, and each
section is generally improved as such. The
western or agricultural, joining Sacramento
and Sutter, lie, below or west of what is
termed the Foot Hills. Into this section the
streams that rise in the mountainous sections
course their way, until lost in the plains OF
the Sacramento valley or empty into some
of the principal rivers-along whose banks
are spread out, in one great level plain, the
most desirable farming lands. All Of these
lands have been long located, and on which
are many good and permanent improvements.
These ravine bottom lands are desirable on
several grounds-water for stock and domes-
tic use in abundance during the long, dry
season; banks lined with timber, affordng
fre-wood, and shade groves for stock. There
are few ranches, in isolated spots, scattered
through other sections of the countv,-on
the mountains and rivers - but generally
speaking, agriculture is confined to the valley
section.
The principal productions Of these lands
are Wheat Barley, Oats and Hay-though
experimental crops in Corn and other grains
have been planted in several instances. The
number of arcres sown, and the average per
acre, of any Of these crops, it was impracti-
cable for me to obtain, as considerable Of
this property was assessed by my predecessor
who held this Office untl June last. Had |
made the entire assessment, it would have
afforded me the greatest pleasure to have
noted close y and particularly every statistic
called for by your instructions, besides Others
which, in my discretion, would have contrib
uted to extend general information, and pro-
mote in the least the general interest Of the
State.
Through the agricultural or lower portion
of the adjoining counties Of Sacramento and
Sutter, is Il general grazing depot, where
stock of cattle crossing the Plains the year
previous, and young and poor cattle from
the southern counties, are ranched, fatted
and fitted for market. During the whole
season, from this section, little bands of cat
tie are driven north, east and south for i'm
mediate slaughter Among the citizens Of
our county are many enterplising farmers.
No reliable or correct record of the num-
Der of cattle, sheep, hogs, &C., in the county,
can be given.
During the past year or two considerable
attention has been paid to the introduction
of Horticulture. A number have planted
the different fruit trees together with the
grape, and are patiently awaiting time to de
eide the important problem. These expert
ments are not confined to the agricultural
portion proper, but are general. The follow
ing tabular statement, from an amatuer far
mer residing near Auburn, is perhaps, the
most advanced orchard and largest, i'll the
county.