STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 189 



speedy fortunes without cnpital or labor. Disappointment waits on all 

 such.' The day of rich suriace diggings has passed. The miner must 

 now toil early and late, and he is considered fortunate if each ounce of 

 gold does not cost much of its value in extracting it. He must penetrate 

 the centre of the mountains with his rock tunnels, and sink shafts deep 

 beneath the surface, to find the yellow deposit. Improved machineiy 

 and laborious application are essential to his success, with constant hazard 

 of failure. Prosperit}' thus toil-earned is better for individuals and the 

 community than the flush times of our early experience. Money then 

 came easily. an<l was spent freeh'. Eecklessness in expenditures and too 

 general dissipation prevailed. Gilded gambling hells were scattered 

 through all our cities and mining camps, affording facilities for casting 

 away the prodigal harvest gathered from thousands of claims where the 

 gold glittei-ed among the grass roots. Such a state of things could not 

 but be corrupting to the virtue and manhood of individuals and disas- 

 trous to society. Now, mining has resolved itself into a business which 

 generally jneldsfair returns only to economical and intelligent enterprise. 



The farmer's skill and labor are i-ewarded by ample returns ; but 

 Nature, here as elsewhere, needs the inducement of honest industry to 

 yield her favors. 



Those who come here under such delusions soon become discouraged 

 by the reality. Then they are apt to fall into the crowds of small gam- 

 blers and other hangers-on at saloons, to increase the purchasable 

 material at elections, and many become lost to all the proprieties of life. 

 The great business interests of the State move on independent of this 

 class — a rushing current sweeping past stagnant waters. 



It should be our aim to truthfully depict the condition of things upon 

 this coast, that those who come here may know that while labor reaps 

 a higher reward here than elsewhere, the labor must be furnished to 

 merit or receive the reward. We shall thereby not only secure au 

 industrial class of population, but also educate them before they arrive 

 in ideas very material to their own and the State's interest., 



It is well for the State that the drones are outnumbered by the 

 industrious workers of society; and it is far pleasanter to turn to the 

 contemplation of the scenes around us than to dwell upon the considera- 

 tions I have suggested. While this spot is remarkable as the centre of 

 so many interests growing into importance, and as the Capital of a great 

 State, the scenes by which we are surrounded are peculiarlj' pleasing and 

 suggestive, because they are apt illustrations of the value of intelligent 

 labor. Here are gathered the lavish abundance of cultivated nature, 

 the fruits and flowers of this productive soil and genial clime; the 

 mechanisms that almost think as tl^ey work; the noblest specimens of 

 animal life, and a vast concourse of intelligent men and women, who 

 represent a powerful and growing State. 



" We eoine with firstlings of our grain and flocks, 

 AVith luscious fruit whose tint the sunset mocks, 

 With rare inventions, and with cunning tools. 

 With chiiicest fabrics of our mills and spools, 

 And many things by mind and fingers wrought. 

 Burn of a tastehil or a useful thi-ught ; 

 All these to offer 'neath a commnn fane 

 In generous rivalry, for praise, not gain ; 

 While mingling gratulatiuns for the yield 

 Of liberal orchard, vineyard, fold, and field." 



These displays are the result and evidence of modern civilization. 

 Greece and iiome had their festivals and games; but their recognition 



