STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 21 



come to be neglected. Where formerly this interest was leading, it is now 

 carried on by comparatively few. 



The business of the breeding and raising of horses of all kinds, from 

 ' the fleety thoroughbred to the powerful Clyde, is on the increase, and is 

 one of our most successful industries. There is money to be made in this 

 business, as the farmer who, by improved breeding, is enabled to sell his 

 surplus stock at good prices, can readily substantiate, while those who 

 make it a business complain not of the returns made each season. 



In addition to the many staple classes of live stock here bred we are 

 fast assuming the lead in the breeding of a class that is commanding the 

 attention of all lovers of that noble animal — the thoroughbred — throughout 

 the United States, thereby creating a market for an additional resource for 

 which by reason of climate we are especially adapted to produce. 



The sales by public auction of this one breed of stock, in yearling 

 form, for the season of 1888 in the United States amounted to $520,230, 

 there being seven hundred and seventy-nine head sold for this sum, and 

 they the get of but one hundred and twenty-two stallions, showing an 

 average of $667 82. A grand result taking the number into consideration . 



One of our principal breeders, taking advantage of the increased demand, 

 sold about seventy head of yearling racing colts for $112,000, at an average 

 of about $1,600 per head — a phenomenal sale. This event will give Cal- 

 ifornia the standing she is entitled to in this important industry. These 

 annual sales are a most desirable method, and one which has given- 

 Kentucky a world renowned reputation as a breeding State, and they have 

 already drawn attention to the produce of California by those who are 

 desirous of obtaining the produce of our well established breeding farms 

 where all can avail themselves of the blood that has proven successful on 

 the turf. 



The turf interest to this State is of some magnitude, and should be 

 encouraged in every possible way. The breeding and sale of race horses is 

 as much of a resource as any other production, and by proper encourage- 

 ment can be made valuable to our now prosperous State. This interest 

 gave England a prominence that will last for ages. She is the parent of 

 this most fashionable breed of animals. Kentucky was and is still the 

 favored spot of America in this interest; but California is fast approaching 

 an era when the home of the thoroughbred will here be located; when 

 those who are seeking the pure blooded, well muscled colts are bound to 

 come to purchase. California now has the reputation of not only producing 

 the various necessities of life, but likewise the principal luxuries. The race 

 horse is a luxury, and necessarily high priced, which to the producer is a 

 grand fault (?), and he can well afford to have it so. 



The raising of standard bred and roadster classes of horses is likewise 

 an important factor in this State; the prominence given some of our young- 

 sters abroad has turned the attention of this class of buyers to our shores. 

 These light harness classes are desirable in all sections of the country, and 

 the sales each season of California bred ones are regular and remunera- 

 tive to the breeder. 



The breeding of the heavier classes of horses is one of the best paying 

 investments that could be made. The demand for truck and delivery 

 wagon animals is continual. One of our breeders of this character sells 

 at public sale from $30,000 to $40,000 annually. 



It is thus apparent that live stock breeding in this State, of the kind 

 and character in demand, is in itself one of our greatest industries, and 

 one which we desire to encourage in every possible way. 



