Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-11-27
was but one kind of wheat. Now, however,

was but one kind of wheat. Now, however,
there are = great number of varieties, and, as
rule, the varieties in use are all a great i'm
provement on the original natural grain.
The varieties have been created by being
cultivated in different climates, by bybridiz
ing and by various articles known to ex
perimenters. The improvements have been
made by selecting the best seed to
plant, by care in cultivation, and
by changes from climate, and from soil
to soil. The improvements that have been
made, and those that are still being made,
are considered pretty sure indications that
still greater Improvements may yet be made.
Hence thoughtful and public-spirited men are
engaged from year to year in experimenting
in various ways, with view to the creation
of new and better varieties, and TO the i'm
provement of those already in existence. We
have several such experimenters among the
grain and general farmers of this State.
They are to be found in nearly every county
in the State. Some seem to be actuated
merely by the love OF improvement, while
others are working with view to turning
such improvements and discoveries as they
may make to individual gain in a financial
point Of view. Whatever the motive, the
public sooner or later will get the
benefit OF the improvements and dis
coveries made. Within the last
few years the spirit of improvement has
greatly increased, and the varieties are now
increasing more rapidly than at any other
period of the worlds history. At the two
last State Fairs held in this city the wheat
exhibit has been one of the most interesting
and valuable exhibitions made, and has each
year carried of the gold medal fer the most
meritorious exhibitions in the department of
farm products. Both years the honor OF win
ming this gold medal has been awarded to
General John Bidwell of Chico, Butte county.
General Bidwen also at these fairs won the
premium offered for the best samples of
wheat, not less than two varieties. While
General Bidwell won this honor and dis
tinction, it does in no sense reflect disoredit
on other exhibitors, of whom there were a
large number. We hope and are assured
that those who failed to win the first honors
this year will make an effort to excel in their
own and all other past exhibitions. In this
connection we desire to call especial
attention to the great services the College of
Agriculture at the State University is rem
dering the grain interests of the State and
the world. An experimental grain farm has
been established under the supervision of the
college professors, and has already become an
enterprise worthy the especial attention and
patronage of every farmer in the State. We
speak of the experimental grain farm especi-
ally, because of its appropriate connection
with our subject, but we ought to and will say
that the college is also doing good service in
the experimental fed in many other direc-
lions. The great additions it is making
to our forage plants are Of immense
value to the stock and dairy industries, and
the assistance it is rendering the vine and
fruit industries in their struggle with the
phylloxera and the cooling moth should wake
up lively interest in its behalf in those en-
gagged in these industries. The farmers of
this State are not aware of the opportunities
the College of Agriculture is furnishing them,
not only for the improvement OF their crops
but for the training of their sons as intelli
gent and advanced ageicuituiists. We look to
this college for great advancement in wheat
culture, as well as in many othsr branches of
agriculture il this State.