110 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



a disordered mind. Thus the name of California grew by degrees 

 into a word of household wonder in all the world. From year to 

 year new sources of wealth have been discovered, and new industries 

 continuall}'- developing, until, at the present time, we begin to 

 realize the possibilities of the State in the direction of material 

 increase. 



To encourage and promote this development in our own day 

 and generation, you have come up here to see and exhibit specimens 

 of your several products, bringing with you stranger plants, fruit, 

 and flowers which never knew each other in their native homes, yet 

 prosper here side by side in the same generous soil. With us luxu- 

 riantl}^ grow and flourish products of the temperate and torrid zones. 

 The apple and the orange, ignoring climatic .differences, entwine 

 their fruits and flowers over the same garden wall; the tropics have 

 conceded their most delicate and delicious products as a part of our 

 legitimate inheritance, while more northern latitudes have yielded 

 with a cold hand their shrubs and their cereals, but to see them grow 

 in greater perfection in our own salubrious climate. The fig, the 

 olive, the pomegranate, and the "purple vine" need of them but a 

 cutting properly set in the ground to bless every home in the State 

 with their generous shade and luscious fruits. 



And then you also have on exhibition specimen works of your 

 skilled mechanics and inventors, V\dio have assisted in pushing the 

 plodding ways of olden times into oblivion, and instead thereof set 

 up their hundred-handed Briareus to do the work of many men. 

 Paintings which denote a civilization and culture beyond our 

 years adorn the walls of your pavilion. And like trophies of 

 a new inspiration are seen on every hand, substantial products, 

 intricate patterns, and delicate souvenirs, which are readily recog- 

 nized as gems of woman's handiwork. The exhibit at the stock 

 ground is said to be equal, if not superior, to that of any 

 former year, that it is complete in all its departments and worthy 

 of the highest commendation. No other State in the Union in so 

 short a time developed such a degree of perfection in her blooded 

 stock, nor ever took more pride in its merits. Possibly a portion of 

 the stock on exhibition had been stall-fed, pampered, and prepared 

 for this and similar occasions, which has, in consequence, received 

 greater attention and consideration than their positive merits 

 deserve, for in actual service such stock usually fall far short of 

 reasonable expectation. 



A legitimate and utilitarian stock fair is one made up from the best 

 specimens of the best breeds, well fed and well kept, without pamper- 

 ing. Being normal in condition, and perfect in kind, in the practical 

 use of such stock there will be no disappointment. A fair recog- 

 nition of this principle by our stock boards and committeemen in 

 the award of premiums will do much to encourage the common far- 

 mer and stock raiser to bring forth his best specimens for exhibition. 



In years which are past complaints have been made that our agri- 

 cultural fairs have been run in the interest of jockeys and horse 

 racing, to the exclusion of a fair recognition of merit where it legiti- 

 mately belonged. Whatever of truth there may have been in these 

 charges, for like ones in the future, at least, we have every reason to 

 believe there will be no foundation in fact, because the farmers and 

 stock raisers, whence it is claimed most of these complaints come, have 

 secured a President of the Society and a working majority of its 



