San Joaquin Valley District Agricultural Society. 619 



kernel that falls to his share. Assuredly, then, the garden should be 

 a part of the farm. 



land monopoly. 



There are now about two millions of acres under cultivation, ten mil- 

 lions susceptible of cultivation and pastoral purposes, besides one mil- 

 lion of swamp land that may be reclaimed. Large as our display is on 

 this occasion, its failure to be larger is attributable to the fact that a 

 great portion of this immense domain is in the clutch of speculators. 

 None of the evils which threaten to embarrass the future growth and 

 prosperity of our State are more pregnant with disastrous consequences, 

 alike to personal independence and equal government, than this consoli- 

 dation, because it prevents the growth of that strong and permanent 

 interest in government and law and free institutions, which is insepara- 

 ble from a widely diffused property in the soil. Look to your legislation, 

 and see that these lands are fully taxed, and this monopoly will grad- 

 ually disappear. Are not the reasons sufficient? You have one vast 

 garden. Eden could have boasted no greater variety than do you. 

 The foothills loom up round and beautiful, with a plea to relieve them 

 of their sterility. Kern and Fresno, as well as the northern counties, 

 tell of wool, estimating the product of that staple in the millions. 

 Sheep raising may be almost indefinitely increased with profit, and in 

 time render manufactories an absolute necessity. Few local industries 

 are more profitable, and none can more greatly contribute to the gen- 

 eral prosperity. The rivers of the valley are capable of affording ample 

 water-power, and every natural facility is at hand for making woolens 

 a leading article of commerce. 



THOROUGH CULTURE. 



Permit me also to call your attention to the necessity of thorough 

 cultivation. Study your soil and know its fructifying properties. If 

 your crop is a failure the first year, yield not to despair, but ascertain 

 the cause and remedy it the next time. California has proven herself 

 rich in agriculture. Spreading a false report because your harvest has 

 not been as thrifty as your neighbor's, is not advantageous to you. 

 Perseverance will accomplish the work. If the super-soils fail for want 

 of depth, utilize the sub-soil. Consult with your neighbors who have 

 learned by practical study. Forego for an experiment any conceit you 

 may have of your own skill, and I imagine that the rural papers of the 

 East will less frequently publish defamatory letters on California agri- 

 culture. 



irrigation. 



Experience has shown that land, like living things, requires suste- 

 nance. Its food is water. However impure the quality, the soil in 

 grateful satisfaction laps it up, producing the ferment requisite for 

 germination, and acknowledges the gift by a fruitful crop. When the 

 lands of Eg} r pt became too dry by the failure of the waters of the Nile 

 to perform their accustomed office, the inventive genius of man discov- 

 ered means to cover their surface with the invigorating fluid. Scotland, 

 England, and continental Europe, too, have taught the lesson of economy 

 by irrigation. Your valley is no exception to this rule. Rich as its soil 

 may be, it cannot yield without nourishment; and when the rains have 

 ceased the farmer knows what he may hope to reap. A system to flood 



