Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1889-12-24
CALIFORNIA LETTER.

FRESNO, CALIFORNIA, Dec. 3
A. noon November 20, the entire
Grange both delegates and patrons OF
husbandry boarded special train OF
cars and visited the state prison 70
miles distant from the capital. The
route was up the banks Of the Ameri-
Gin river, bold mountain stream.
The scenery was of character to de-
light the eye of any one that had any
taste for natural landscape. The To-
cation of the penitentiary was in the
midst of rocky nights, surrounded by
numerous guard houses command
ing every part Of the grounds with
gatling guns to prevent any possibili-
ty of escape of convicts. The struc-
ture was of solid granite with all the
necessary appointments. The tourists
Travelled northward from Sacramento
going 10 Yuba City, Chico, and some
other towns. Banquets we're given
at many of the principal points, and
demonstrations of the most flattering
character rendered. Speech making
was very much INDUCED in and mu-
tual admiration sthe settled order
of day and night. AT the stopping
places the company was furnished
with carriages and good teams for
taking in the surrounding country.
1t goes without saying that Califor-
mia is unrivaled as an agricultural
State; especially is this true in regard
20 the production of semi-tropical
fruits. Large areas of the country
are covered with extensive orchards
of apricots, prunes, almonds, cher
ries, plums, olives, peaches and
other varieties of fruits. The climate
and soil are admirably adapted to
the production of the grape varieties.
have never seen finer specimens of
the vine than can be found in the
most lavish abundance. Systematic
cultivation and approved methods
are everywhere apparent. l was told
by many farmers that ten acres Of
good soil was as much as one farmer
could properly damage, that it would
yield e'rtvsnue sufficient for the sup
port of any one of moderate means.
Lands that are desirable are held at
very high prices, from 5000 to $500
per acre. 1t would take about five
years to realize on the products of Ia
Dor. AT the town of Woodland the
party rested for the night. Splendid
views were had from the Observable
RIGS on the public buildings; vast
ranges of vineyards, orchards and
grain fields spread out to view, noun
tains in the distance capped with
snow. 1t was indeed glorious pros
pect and one not to be forgotten by
the beholder. The stock farms and
extensive vineyards of Senator Stan
ford were visited. The HolsteiI
herd of cows standing in the well-ap
pointed stables, was something t.
please the lover Of fine stock. Or
the route San Francisco was visit
cd. The novelty and splendor Of q
great seaport metropolis captured
the entire party, and it would be 8
vain undertaking to give you pano'
ramic view of the Golden Gate City
The train moved rapidly on to th,
south going TO San Jose, one of thu
most beautiful places in the State
The visitors were driven over thu
country miles around, enabling all L
see what could not be described
Endless groves, and regularly laid
off orchards, fruit bearing trees, ant
vineyards covered the face of tn
country. The land is almost a per
feet level, and has depth OF soil no
to be exhausted.
San Jose will not be forgotten b.
any of the numerous sight seers. Tn
ladies of the city set series of table
in large public hall, that for flora
decorations and substantial diet
could not be excelled. The Califor
mia people have extended to the Wis
itipg patrons of tho Atlantic States
cordial and elegant hospitality. w
telt indeed that we were in the Edo
RADIO of the world.
A committee took in charge Tn
Grange Brotherhood and gave ther
all the attention that could be asked
Thanksgiving dinner was taken a
the noted western resort, Hotel DE-
Monte. The continent cannot boas
of more lovely place than Is TO b
found on the Pacific coast. Tn
highest style Of adornment is III
large park, and pleasing architectu
raj design In the buildings and II
harmony with the requirements oil
this enlightened and progressive
age. The excursionists spent one
night at Oakland on the eastside OF
Che bay. 1t is beautiful city and is
a lodging place and suburb Of San