12 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



tion, we ask the hearty cooperation of the subordinate Granges, to 

 aid us in making a display that will fully show the productive qual- 

 ities of our grand State. The copious rains that are now falling 

 encourages us to believe, that while we may not have an over-abundant 

 yield, the prospect is good, and with the usual Spring rains a fair 

 yield may be expected. 



From an agricultural standpoint, the past year has not been up to 

 the standard; the yield of all farm products fell considerably below 

 the average. From the latter part of February up to March twenty- 

 sixth, we had an unusually dry spell, no rain falling within that 

 time, when it is most needed. The rain that came in May did the 

 late sown grain some good; the early grain was not benefited to any 

 great extent. The north winds of June very materially affected the 

 cereal, as well as the grape crop. In the former instance, the grain 

 being in the " milk " at that period, was shriveled by the hot winds 

 to such an extent as to reduce the yield. In the latter case, the 

 vineyards of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys were injured 

 in the way of blighting the berry, the raisin grapes being shriveled, 

 while the wine grape suffered from insufficient nutrition. These 

 industries being lamed to a certain extent, our exports were reduced 

 somewhat. 



The cultivation of the raisin grape is fast becoming an important 

 feature, and the manufacture of raisins promises to be one of Califor- 

 nia's most prominent industries, as the raisins now made in this State 

 attract the attention of the world, and are acknowledged to be up, in 

 quality and flavor, to any imported. In fact, the grape interest is fast 

 assuming gigantic dimensions, and in a short time will exceed other 

 industries in the way of exports. 



We are more than satisfied with the financial showing made during 

 the past year, and believe, with judicious management, we will be 

 able to entirely wipe out the indebtedness we have been compelled to 

 incur in making the following 



PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS. 



In addition to the new Pavilion, a description of which is herewith 

 attached, the Board have made a most marked improvement at the 

 Park, in the way of constructing a new track, new stabling, etc. 

 Immediately after the close of the Fair of 1883, which from attendance 

 and management proved to be the most successful held by this Society 

 since its organization, the Board deemed it highly necessary that 

 important improvements should be made at the Park, and to that end 

 secured the services of Mr. J. C. Pierson, one of the most competent 

 civil engineers in the State, for the purpose of making the surveys nec- 

 essary with af view of constructing a regulation track. Mr. Pierson, 

 after examination, reported that such a plan could be carried out by 

 purchasing the grounds immediately northeast of the old grounds. 

 This was ordered done, and the plans directed to be drawn. Shortly 

 after Mr. Pierson submitted a set of plans whereby the track was 

 thrown easterly sufficient to enable the construction of a quarter- 

 stretch, twenty-five feet wide, immediately in front of and continuing 

 the full length of the Grand Stand. The cattle sheds that extended 

 from a point nearly due east from the main entrance, north and west- 

 erly, forming an L, are to be removed and rebuilt around the first turn 

 of the new track, forming a half-circle, to be built sufficiently strong 



