State Agricultural Society. 



fruits. 



The reputation of California for fine fruits and berries has been largely- 

 enhanced by the successful preserving processes which have been put 

 in operation here, and are becoming general. It was our intention to 

 exhibit the Ahlen process, in full operation, at the recent Fair, but so 

 great was the demand on the resources of the manufacturers, by actual 

 buyers, that we failed to procure the machinery. 



We recognize with much pleasure that the preservation of our surplus 

 fruits and berries in marketable shape can be readily and cheaply 

 effected; and that orchard planting and cultivation has consequently 

 received an impetus and encouragement that nothing else could have 

 given them. The actual waste, by abandonment to decay, of excellent 

 fruit, has been enormous among us. It was doubtless pleasant for the 

 horticulturist or pomologist to know that the produce of his vines or 

 trees could be safely pronounced very superior; but it was none the less 

 wearisome and unprofitable to discover that no market existed to 

 reward his labor. The market for our preserved fruits, owing to their 

 superior quality and flavor, is unlimited, and we are no longer precluded 

 by geographical position from developing a valuable resource. It gives 

 us pleasure also to briefly mention that a largo number of semi-tropical 

 fruits, the most important of which are almonds, walnuts, oranges, 

 lemons, figs, and olives, are finding extensive cultivation in many locali- 

 ties, north as well as south of San Francisco, and that a uniform sucoess 

 has attended their culture. 



OUR RECENT FAIR. 



The display of thoroughbred and graded stock of every kind at our 

 Fair, in September last, was a surprising one, even to breeders and 

 dealers. Taken altogether, it was probably as fine and as interesting 

 an exhibition of blooded animals and their kindred, as ever was made 

 in the United States; and it was gratifying to observe that California 

 breeders were not surpassed, in any respect, by Eastern competitors. 

 The value of the stock shown can readily be perceived from an exami- 

 nation of the entries made and premiums awarded; but such perusal 

 cannot convey a proper idea of the beauty of the display. Those alone 

 who were fortunate enough to witness the daily parade of magnificent 

 animals, can appreciate the justifiable enthusiasm of exhibitors and 

 visitors. Horses, mares, and families, of proved origin and established 

 lineage, and showing such strength, spirit, grace, and speed, that no 

 proof of transmitted qualities could be required; bulls, cows, and calves, 

 of high descent, and so perfect in their symmetrical development that 

 the most critical judge could find nothing to disparage; jacks, jennets„ 

 sheep, Angora goats, swine, and poultry, of pure blood and great value, 

 and graded stock of every description, thronged the commodious grounds 

 at the Park — visible and gratifying evidences of the adaptability of our 

 extensive pastures to the most valuable purposes, and of the faith in our 

 future that inspires those who control them. 



The significance of such a gathering of bands, herds, and flocks, is too 

 plain to be misunderstood. We have a country peculiarly well fitted for 



2 (agri\ 



