The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1891-02-04


about thirty-seven million bushels of wheat
agalnt nearly fifty million for the preceding
season.
The yield for 1891 should be great
the rains have been opportune, the weather
since favorable TO planting. and reports
snow that all the land available is
being seeded, thereby giving us a large in
crease of acreage, which, with the usual spring
rains should return n yield as great as the
largest season of the past. 1t is not the great
abundance of rain that makes a season pros
porous, but its coming at periods needed is
the great advantage. Six inches of rain dur
ing the months OF November and December,
with favorable weather following, gives US q
much greater acreage than does double that
amout of rainfall during this period as there
are many acres of our best wheat land that
cannot be properly worked with n greater
amount of rain. Any year that gives us from
ten to fifteen inches of rain coming at inter-
walls during the seeding period with favorable
weather between showers gives us q most
son has been most favorable, and with
moderate rainfall To follow should give US an
abundant Yield and corresponding prosperity
throughout the State
The great impetus given our horticultural
interests by increased demands each year for
our fruit throughout the entire country, is
sure TO encourage the further planting OF
trees, and il is safe to predict there will be
much larger acreage planted to trees this year
tn;tn OF any season of the past
IRRIGATION.
important interests to California. That while
in the past Il greater portion of the State has
prospered without it, the advanced progress
made by the use of water demonstrates its
usefulness ana necessity, especially in diversi-
fled farming.
The great abundance of water available in
California for this purpose is likely to lead to
undue extra vagance and speculation in its
use. We deem it proper to enact laws to COM
pei economical ana frugal use of all waters of
the State.
-I,;Io ILL,
bic of cultivation without its use, the produc-
tions can be greatly increased by n dncnching
once or twice year, and now that some atten-
ton is being given to the reels nation of arid
lands, its use on this character ofIand is equal
to one half the value OF said lands when re-
claimed, or made capable of cultivation.
OUR RESOURCES.
California is replete with remunerative re-
sources, both natural and artificial The
natural resources embrace every kind and
character of soil products which find ready
market for disposal. We maintain that the
cultivation of the soil is the foundation of
prosperity in any country, and more especi-
ally so in California. where the climate is a
Factor TO this calling. Our agricultural deyei-
opmentS show wonderful progression each
season; the advancement is more marked in
the horticultural line, which gives better re-
turns upon small investment than other agri-
cultural pursuits. In this respect we take the
lead in the production of dcciduouS, tropical
and small fruits, as well as vegetables, and as
matter of commerce these productions now
occupy tne position ana give 10 us the same
distinction the enormous yield our wheat
fields did in years past. The character of our
soils is such that it will be many years before
the repienishing process of fertilizing, SO COM
mon in other States, will be necessary here
The soil of California is of many kinds, all of
which has its special productive qualities so
that the much desired variety of products. so
beneficial to the prosperity of State, are here
obtainable.
In resources of interest to the wage-earner,
California is abundant. Other than the de-
man frTl tIf..tn
there are new developments constantly being
made that is of benefit to the laborer. The
abundance of petroleum found and being
worked in our southern mountain ranges; the
existence, in close proximity TO our nletrop-
Oils, of bituminous rock, the use of which Tor
street paving promises TO be general, and the
utilization of our various building stones now
being used for the more substantial improve
mcnts, all give increased opportunities and
demand for labor. Thus favored with natural
advantages not to be found elsewhere, Califor-
mia is certain to prosper and grow into q
thickly populated state.
THE EXHIBITION OF 1890.
The annual State Fair, in State as pro-
ductiye as California, is looked upon as q
highly essential occurrence, not only as q
factor for the introduction of new products
and wares, but as means of keeping before
the public the many miscellaneous resources
of commercial value. for which u State may
be noted. The consumer here expects to view
the results of experiments, and obtain in
formation relative to cost OF production in
state, and OF matters and things in general
affecting trade.
The small producer in his endeavorto obtain
recognition by the public for The purpose of
placing his article Of trade upon the market is
often nonpiussed as TO the mode of procedure
lie applies to the merchant or manufacturer
who is 10th to take hold OF and introduce his
wares before there is Il demand for them by
the trade, whereas the public have no idea of
its existence His production may or may not
be what is wanted by the people. He awaits
the opening OF the Exposition for the purpose
of feeling the public pulse regarding his arti-
Gle, and to ascertain whether or not he has
labored in vain. He establishes his booth in
the exhibition. If his goods are of merit the
public are not slow to recognize them, and
Immediately in commercial centers they are
incurred for by the consumer, and the trades
men are required by the constant demands to
place the article in stock. This same expe-
rience has resulted in bringing into pronli-
nence many districts of our State whose agri-
cultural advantages We're wholly unknown
before the exhibition was made at the State
Fair.
MANY similar cases of the ones mentioned
has occurred within the observation of the
management during the past decade and often
great returns to the individual. and benefit to
the community have resulted.
The accomplishment Of this character of
work more than doubiy repays the State for
the small expense required
The State Fair of 1890 was the thirty
seventh annual exhibition given by the State
Agricultural society. In exhibits of Il general
character it was complete; all parts of the
State had representation. In quantity the az
riculturat products were not up to former
years owing to the result of an unusual disas.
trous season to the farming community. The
overflow of great portion of river lands en-
numbered the farmers of those rich districts
to such an extent as to preclude them from
taking part as is usual in these annual exhi-
billions. But where the deficiency occurred by
reason of the absence of agricultural products
it was more than met by an oyerplus of me-
chanicai products. While our endeavors are
to urge and promote the cultivation of the
= 10
possible all kinds of mechanical pursuits, and
the showing made at the exhibition OF 1890
satisfied us our efforts were recognized
The increased exhibition of live stock at the
Park grounds over that of the year previous
was an assurance that the opportunity was
welcomed by the breeder. Over twelve hun
dred head of improved live stock was here eX-
hibited, and the great benefit derived by the
small breeder in being thus enabled without
great expense to show mis- success in the inter-
est was gratifying in the extreme. No better
chance is given the small breeder to attract
the attention OF the purchaser to his stock
whereby he may realize, than at these exhibit
tons, and many of the heaviest and most sue
cesSfll breeders of improved stock in Cali
fornia received their first impetus to success
at the State Fair The value of these annual
gatherings to n State cannot be estimated from
q monetary standpoint. They have q most
stimulating effect upon the various industries
of n State, as competitive comparisons assist
progression which is bound to result in addi-
tional resources, and the greater the number,
the more prosperous Will be the community
at interest.
a full report of all exhibits, and awards
made, will be found in that volume.
LIVE STOCK.
From its inception this society has been the
advocate of improved breeding of live stock.
Our schedule of awards each season since Or
ganization, show advancement in the induce
ments 10 breed the best
Our aim has been to SO impress upon the
producer the fact that cost of maintenance of
.; weil-bred animal is more than that of on g
Df.a I'M in x-
more satisfactory that he will in his selections
be governed by the progressive spirit that
prompted the advice.
The constant reiteration of this advice has
I n, ett..ct and II is with lccrrcn