The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1891-02-04
THE STATE AGRICULTURAL SO.
CIETY'S REPORT.

Elsewhere this morning we print the
report of the State Agricultural Society
that was submitted to the Governor yes
terday. 1t is in many respects the most
that association. 1t will prove very val
liable in brushing away many popular
errors concerning the cost of the society
to the State, and the scope and results of
the work of the institution. We trust
that it will be generally read, and that it
may reach the largest number and have
the careful and impartial consideration of
the people is the inducement that moves
us to present it this morning in full.
The true purpose of the institution is,
in the first place, set forth with clearness.
This is followed by important consider
atoms of the value of the society to the
State, and the educating and other in
fluences OF the annual exhibitions 1t is
probable that only the few have given
thought to these, and we are certain that
upon that subject there is much public
misapprehension. The report next takes
up the cost of maintaining the institu-
ton, and it is clearly shown that the So
ciety draws less upon the State in pro-
portion to the amount of business trans
acted than other institutions of State
character. 1t is almost self-sustaining,
and except for the increasing demands
for greater space, and the necessity for
constructing new buildings to meet the
increasing demands it would be self-sup-
porting now.
The report reviews the season, touches
upon the irrigation question, sketches
the true resources of the State, and comes
then to consideration of the annual ex-
position of 1896. The efforts made by the
association to conserve the live stock in
dustry and the success that has been at
tanned are set forth extensively, as also
the encouragement given TO the cultiva-
ton of speedy horses, and the breeding of
fine horses generally. In this portion of
the report great deal of valuable infor-
nation is contained and some misappre-
tensions corrected. River improvements
are considered dispassionately, and then
the subject of the horticultural industry
of the State is taken up, and commented
upon in forcible, straight forward and
lucid manner. An appeal is made for a
California exhibition at the Worlds Fair.
after which the association reports at
length upon the citrus fairs held under
its auspices, and which have been marked
successes. Considerable thought is de-
voted to the question of immigration into
the State, and it is urged that our policy
should be to conserve and stimulate the
incoming of home-seekers with small
means-suflicient to secure them de-
sirable lands and give them fair start.
By such encouragement the association
thinks we will most speedily reach So
luton of the land monopoly problem.
We are not prepared to concur with the
report in all of its expressions concern
ing land monopoly or large land hold
ings. which it thinks are not such great
evils as has been claimed. But this is not
the time to discuss that issue. What the
association has to say on that subject is
well said and is entitled to hearing.
The report commends the movement to
establish a volunteer weather report