170 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



the conditions o£ his success? What was the nature of the soil; the 

 climate? What were the conditions of moisture and cultivation? 



In short, we need experimental work of the highest order; prac- 

 tical experiments by individuals and by the State. We must have 

 experimental work in the different soils and climates. This knowl- 

 edge, accurately ascertained, must be gathered up, sifted, and pre- 

 served by the highest scientific ability. It must be examined, tested, 

 until there can be no doubt that absolute facts have been obtained. 



Of such knowledge there is but little — there must be more, and 

 from the highest authority obtainable. In most instances the exper- 

 iments of individuals have been useful only to those who conducted 

 them. 



Without such knowledge about the several matters already dis- 

 cussed, improvements in agricultural methods must be slow and 

 exceedingly expensive. Indeed, any kind of rational progress, with- 

 out such knowledge, is practically impossible. If we are to make the 

 progress desired, the State and nation must expend their money 

 freely, though wisely. 



I cannot let this occasion pass without calling your attention to 

 the meager, and to my thinking, parsimonious appropriation by the 

 Legislature of this State, for the benefit of the State Agricultural 

 Society. In view of the acknowledged great good that this associa- 

 tion has accomplished for the State at large, in stimulating and 

 fostering every vital interest and resource within our boundaries ; in 

 quickening and encouraging the inventive genius of our citizens 

 and mechanics; in directing the minds of our agriculturists, breeders, 

 artisans, and miners to better and improved methods; in the recog- 

 nition and substantial reward of progress and improvement in every 

 direction, I must be allowed to say that the pittance of some $7,500 

 per year, oftimes grudgingly allowed by our legislators, is totally and 

 ridiculously inadequate for the bare necessities of the case. 



The Legislature of a State is legally, as well as in popular estima- 

 tion, supposed to be the true voice of the people, but I may be allowed 

 to say, without intending any personal offense, that in this particular 

 matter our Legislature is not the proper mouthpiece of the people, 

 and misrepresents the real sentiments of the people of California. 

 If you will forgive the seeming egotism, I have mingled with the 

 •people representing every section, locality, and interest in the State, 

 and I know from personal knowledge whereof I speak. The strange 

 timidity of our legislators in dealing liberally with the State and 

 district associations is in nowise justified by a large majority of the 

 people who send them to the Capital of the State as their representa- 

 tives. I venture the assertion boldly that the Legislature might quad- 

 ruple the present appropriation, and more nearly represent their 

 constituents than they do now, from the simple fact that all classes 

 have a positive and correct conviction, that a larger return is made 

 to the State for the money expended in this, than in any other direc- 

 tion, and consequently it is a tax that they willingly and cheerfully 

 bear. 



The President and Board of Directors feel that they have a right 

 to ask for larger annual appropriations for the benefit of the State 

 Agricultural Societies, not only on the ground that the highest good 

 of the State demands it, but also upon the personal ground that they 

 are the largest individual contributors to this public fund for the 

 advancement of public and State interests. 



