150 Transactions of the 



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1 claim to be the pioneer introducer and cultivator of the ramie plant 

 in California. I claim for the ramie plant a superiority over every 

 known fiber in use in strength, durability, texture, and cost. I claim 

 for it that it is susceptible of culture in almost any soil; that as an 

 exotic it becomes readily acclimated; that it is cheap to produce it; that 

 it is easily cultivated; that it has fewer enemies in its growth than 

 other fibers; that neither drought nor wet weather will injure it; that 

 it propagates rapidly : that it produces largely; that it commands high 

 prices; that a ready market invites general production; that it opens up 

 a new channel of industry that will revolutionize the material interests 

 of the State; that its introduction generally will develop new industries 

 among our people by which employment will be furnished for thousands 

 of laborers who will make their homes among us; that it "will furnish 

 the means by which manufactories will spring up; that but little capital 

 is required in its production; that it is as strong as hemp, as flexible as 

 flax, and can be made as fine and firm as silk; that it furnishes a mate- 

 rial in which the poor can afford to be finely clad; that the plant itself 

 is healthy and vigorous, and that its leaves are susceptible of being 

 manufactured into paper of excellent quality. 



These and other reasons specially set forth in the accompanying pam- 

 phlets are a few. and only a few, of the reasons I urge in favor of this 

 plant so justly celebrated, and afford the reasons upon which I claim 

 the award of the gold medal premium. 



With these statements I take pleasure in handing you specimens of 

 the plant referred to, as well as of the rough fiber. 



Very respectfully yours, JOHN S. FINCH. 



STATEMENT OF JAMES PAESONS, OF SACEAMEXTO. 



To the Gold Medal Committee: 



Gentlemen: I claim the gold medal premium for the following 

 reasons: 



First — The styles of gaiters, shoes, and balmorals which I exhibited 

 at the State Fair of eighteen hundred and seventy were all of California 

 manufacture, and more elegant than any of the same class ever imported 

 or made in this State, not excepting those from the best Eastern and 

 European markets. 



Second — For workmanship and beautiful finish I claim they are 

 superior in every respect to any ever imported, and certainly far ahead 

 of any ever exhibited or manufactured in this State. 



Third — This branch of home industry, which I represented at the late 

 State Fair, with proper encouragement, will save millions of dollars that 

 annually leave this State for the East and Europe. I hope the com- 

 mittee will, therefore, award me the gold medal. 



Eespectfully yours, JAMES PAESONS. 



STATEMENT OF H. M. BEOOKS, OF SACEAMENTO. 



To the Gold Medal Committee: 

 My application for award of a gold medal for exhibition at the last 



