STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 13 



REPORT. 



Office of the State Board of Agriculture, 

 Sacramento, February 1, 1889. 



His Excellency R. W. Waterman, Governor of California: 



Sir: The closing of our fiscal year on this date makes it incumbent upon 

 us to present a review of our transactions for the term. Herewith is 

 handed the usual statistical matter, together with many other items of 

 interest pertaining to the welfare of the State, as well as our complete 

 financial statement. The reports of the District Agricultural Associations 

 accompany, and form a part of this volume. 



The closing of the thirty-fifth year of our existence as a society that 

 was formed to aid and encourage agriculture and mechanical arts, and 

 the improvement of all breeds of live stock, at a period when California 

 was in great need of an organized and cooperative policy on the part of 

 those who had the forethought to inaugurate the encouragement of these 

 industries, that their followers might be benefited and the State put upon 

 a more substantial footing, reminds us that their anticipations were right, 

 and that they labored not in vain. 



The year just past has been one of unusual prosperity to our State; in 

 short, the tillers of the soil have had an abundant harvest, and it is safe 

 to say that when this character of success comes among our community, 

 the results in all walks of life are gratifying. 



The products of the soil that are here reaped in abundance insures us 

 the prosperity we have. The opportunities and advantages offered to the 

 industrious leave but little chance for failure to those who are attentive 

 and energetic. In no other country are the people favored with climate, 

 soil, and markets as are those of California. 



In all occupations contentment reigns supreme, so much so that we are 

 often charged with egotism and exaggeration, whereas they are but the 

 expression of a happy people, and those who come among us and stand 

 shoulder to shoulder in our achievements readily become converts, and 

 are even more enthusiastic than many of the older settlers of this prolific 

 commonwealth. 



THE VALUE OF ANNUAL EXHIBITIONS. 



The vast increase of interest taken each year in the annual exhibitions 

 given by this Board is a sure indication that our pioneers " builded better 

 than they knew." Each season brings renewed vigor, successful experi- 

 ments, extended facilities, abundance of products, an unusual number of 

 visitors from abroad, and oceans of applications for information regarding 

 our State. In years past it required all our energy to induce exhibits, and 

 all our tact to attract home seekers. The result of this tenacity to make 

 ourselves known has attracted strangers from all parts of the civilized 

 world. 



These alluring reports have received the indorsement of the new-comers, 

 and resulted in our success, so that praises sung have had the desired 



