792 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



inestimable and boundless variety of our resources, and the universal adap- 

 tation of our soil to every thing within the range of husbandry. That these 

 productions can be increased, both in quantity and quality, cannot be 

 questioned by any one who will for but one moment consider what we were 

 but a few years ago and what we are now. The country until very lately 

 has been inaccessible to the outside world through the lack of proper com- 

 munication; and even now, with a railroad at our very doors, we have to 

 go through Nevada to get back into California, in leaving or returning to 

 our homes. It is to be hoped, and in fact it may be set down as an estab- 

 lished truth, that it will be but a short space of time before the eastern 

 slope of California will have a direct southern outlet by rail, either through 

 the medium of the narrow gauge system, or by that of the standard. But 

 however that may be, there is every encouragement for our people to press 

 forward in the development of the country. The system of irrigation which 

 has been, and which is about to be inaugurated, will bring under subjection 

 the desert plains, and cause them to become fertile and productive. Happy 

 homes will adorn and beautify the land. Churches and school houses will 

 be built, and there are those now within the sound of my voice who will 

 live to see this valley a busy hive of industrious and thriving people, whose 

 numbers will be reckoned, not by the hundreds, but by the thousands. 

 There is no factor that will contribute more to this end than just such 

 unions as we are holding here to-day. By these the farmer, the merchant, 

 the mechanic, and all other classes are brought into communion one with 

 the other; and by comparison of different ideas, and theories, and systems, 

 all will be benefited, and a just and proper spirit of rivalry and emulation 

 will be begotten, fostered, and bring forth a great good to all, and one which 

 will prove profitable and beneficial to each and every person, whatever his 

 calling or vocation in life may be. Then, fellow citizens, we would endeavor 

 to impress upon you the importance of giving your utmost aid, both by 

 your enterprise and material succor, in building up and maintaining the 

 Eighteenth Agricultural District and its annual exhibitions, so that it will 

 be an honor to the district, a credit to this people, and a means by which 

 you will all be benefited." 



At the recent election the vote of Inyo County was 25 per cent greater 

 than the vote cast two years before. All of this increase is due to a cor- 

 responding increase of population. The other counties included in the 

 Eighteenth District, viz.: Mono and Alpine, have not gained in the same 

 proportion. 



The creation of the Eighteenth District has already been of great value 

 to a hitherto neglected but very extensive and valuable portion of our great 

 State. A continuation of the appropriation in aid of the district will do 

 much to hasten the settlement and improvement of vast areas of excellent 

 land now in a state of nature and without inhabitants. The wealth of the 

 State will be increased by millions of dollars; happy homes, schools, and 

 churches will abound ; brave men will be raised up to defend American 

 institutions, and fair and virtuous girls will grow up to be mothers of sons 

 and daughters worthy of such progenitors. 



A full report of all the transactions of the Eighteenth District for the year 

 eighteen hundred and eighty-eight is herewith inclosed. 



C. MULHOLLAND. 



