14 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



IMMIGRATION. 



As many as sixty letters have been received in one month, by the Secre- 

 tary of this Board, from residents of States east of the Rocky Mountains, 

 and of foreign countries, seeking information about the climate and fertil- 

 ity of the soil of California. 



We answer all queries of a specific nature, and mail our reports, and 

 such other printed matter at hand that gives information in general as to 

 the productiveness and climate of our State. 



A large majority of these communications are from parties who contem- 

 plate making this State their future home, and facts are asked respecting 

 the cultivation of small tracts of land. To these we give such information 

 as we are possessed of, and, judging from the apparent reduction in the 

 acreage of land cultivated in grain, we are of the opinion that the cutting 

 up of large tracts of grain land has already begun, and the subdivisions 

 set out to fruit and vines by the newcomers. 



The yield of wheat for 1887, in round numbers, was twenty-six million 

 bushels, as against thirty-nine millions in 1886, and the same causes for a 

 short yield prevailed both seasons, viz.: the damaging north wind, at a 

 period of maturity which most affects the grain. It is clearly- perceptible 

 to us that the growing of wheat is gradually giving way to other agricultural 

 products. This fact should be most encouraging, as better prices will be 

 the result, and the increased area planted to fruit cannot equal the con- 

 stantly increasing demand. 



We have maintained for years past that this era would arrive, and that 

 diversified crops would prove of more' benefit to the grower as well as to 

 the public at large. Experience has demonstrated this fact, and we are 

 pleased to note it- is being practiced with good effect. 



Tree and vine planting should be encouraged in every way. For our 

 green fruits we have the population of the United States to furnish, and 

 they stand ready to take all that we can ship at prices that are certainly 

 more remunerative, on an average, than those obtained for other commod- 

 ities grown. 



Then again, the industry of canning and drying presents a plan for 

 caring for any glut that may be caused by any contingency. This industry 

 opens to us the market of the world, and creates a demand in all countries. 



Take our product of raisins alone, for the year just ended. We find 

 there has been cured eight hundred thousand boxes, or sixteen million 

 pounds, with a very small acreage to raisins. This is an increase of one 

 hundred thousand boxes over 1886. Has the trade been affected? Not in 

 the least. Why ? Because the demand is far ahead of the supply, and 

 will so continue. 



Many applicants for information have asked for details, as to cost of 

 production and the possible returns from a small tract of land set to raisin 

 grapes. To such have been sent the following statement, which is herein 

 incorporated for information of the future applicant. 



This statement is based on first quality land: 



Cost— 10 acres @ $100 per acre ---$1,000 00 



Vines— 8,000 cuttings @ $5 per thousand 40 00 



Plowing and harrowing, $10 per acre 100 00 



Laying out and planting, $2 50 per acre 25 00 



Care and cultivation the first year 40 00 



Total output the first year $1,205 00 



