STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 143 



of farming as to acquire a knowledge of the distinguished professions. 

 Tyndall says " the discoveries and generalizations of modern science 

 constitute a poem more sublime than has ever yet been addressed to 

 the imagination. The natural ])hilosoi)her of to-day may dwell amid 

 conceptions which beggar those of Milton." Modern science, based 

 u})on actual experiment, speaks whereof it knows. The science of 

 agriculture consists bf useful knowledge derived by experiment and 

 by practice on a large scale. By means of it will depend the devel- 

 opment of the resources of California to their fullest extent — to per- 

 fection. 



Quoting again Liebig: " Perfect agriculture is the true foundation 

 of all trade and industry— is the foundation of the riches of states." 

 It is the highest duty of the individual and of the state, to gather, 

 foster, and propagate this science capable of conferring blessings so 

 great and multifarious. How is it to be done ? 



Bacon, on proticiency and advancement of learning, says: "As 

 water, whether it be the dew of heaven or the springs of the earth, 

 doth scatter and lose itself in the ground, except it be collected in 

 some receptacle where it may by union comfort and sustain itself, 

 and for that cause the industry of man hath made and framed 

 spring-heads, conduits, cisterns, and pools, which men have been 

 accustomed likewise to beautify and adorn with accomplishments of 

 magnificence of state, as well as of use and necessity, so this most 

 excellent liquid of knowledge, whether it descends from_ divine 

 inspiration or springs from human sense, would soon perish and 

 vanish to oblivion, if it were not preserved in books, traditions, con- 

 ferences, and places appointed, as universities, colleges, and schools, 

 for the receipt and comforting of the same." 



California, appreciating the transcendent value of this most *'' ex- 

 cellent liquid of knowledge," founded by the aid of the Act of Con- 

 gress of 1862, the University of California, of which the College of 

 Agriculture, by the expressed provisions of said Act, was to constitute 

 the most important feature. This university is situated in one of the 

 most healthy localities in the State, with ample grounds, tastefully 

 laid out and skillfully cared for; its buildings are substantial and 

 adapted to the purpose for which they were designed; its scientific 

 apparatus is in keeping with the most advanced state of learning; 

 its collection of specimens in the various departments of science are 

 choice and extensive; its officers, professors, and tutors compare 

 favorably with those of other universities. And to this summary is 

 to be appended, tuition free ! The doors of this university stand 

 wide open, inviting- the sons and daughters of California to enter 

 and partake of its bounteous blessings. The learned professors and 

 their associates are in readiness to cordially greet them, and to lead 

 them by pleasant paths into the rich and beautiful fields of science 

 and art, and to assist them in gathering freely therein the abundant 

 gems of knowledge which increase in usefulness and brilliancy the 

 more they are worn. 



" Our fortune rolls as from a smooth descent, 

 And from a first impression takes the bent; 

 But if unseized, she glides away like wind, 

 And leaves repenting folly far behind!" 



In consideration of these advantages, and the ability of our farmers 

 generally to give their sons and daughters a collegiate education, it 



