162 Transactions op the 



exhibition with more than ordinary interest, and which may contribute 

 to its merit. The first of these is found in the great number of varieties 

 of the different kinds of fruit exhibited. There are in fact but a few 

 varieties of fruits, comparatively speaking, profitable to cultivate in Cali- 

 fornia. My object in producing so many varieties has been to determine 

 the best varieties for my own benefit. My object in exhibiting them was 

 to give others and the public at large the benefit of my experience. To 

 produce so many varieties for the purpose above named has cost me a 

 large amount of money, and the benefits accruing are as much the prop- 

 erty of others as of myself. Again, the location of my place is in the 

 foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and my success in that locality 

 goes to show that those foothills are as well if not better adapted to the 

 cultivation of all the varieties of fruit and wines than any portion of the 

 yalleys of the State. There are thousands of locations in these foothills 

 just as favorable for entering into the fruit and wine business as my 

 own, and the land can be had at the government price. The tendency 

 and object of my exhibition is to call attention to these facts, and thus 

 to benefit the State and the people who may be induced to take advan- 

 tage of them. 



With these considerations I beg leave to place my claim in your 

 hands, and abide the result. 



Eespectfully, J. E. NICKESON. 



STATEMENT OF E. F. AIKEN, OF SACEAMENTO. 



To the Committee on Awards of the Gold Medals: 



Gentlemen: The object of the Directors of the Agricultural Society 

 in offering gold medals for the most meritorious exhibit in the different 

 departments is without doubt to encourage and stimulate those interested 

 in the several departments to such productions and manufactures at 

 home as will eventually put a stop to the immense drain of ccin from the 

 State to pay for articles imported, thereby keeping our coin at home and 

 creating new industries, which will give employment to hundreds and 

 thousands now coming to our State from the East. 



Mrs. Aiken respectfully presents her claim for the gold medal in the 

 sixth department, in behalf of an interest destined to be one of the most 

 important of the agricultural interests of the State, viz: dried fruits, 

 prunes and raisins. These intei*ests were honorably represented by Mrs. 

 Aiken at the late Fair, the committee awarding her five premiums and 

 two diplomas for the exhibit of Iruits and raisins; the raisins and prunes 

 receiving especial mention as being equal if not superior to the imported 

 articles. 



Many of the best varieties of fruits in the Atlantic States are gradually 

 but surely decreasing in quantity and quality. The best varieties of 

 cherry trees throughout the Easterm and Middle States are being rapidly 

 decimated by a disease called the " black knot," and the cultivation of 

 plums and prunes is almost discontinued on account of the curculio; 

 these insects often destroying every plum and nectarine on the trees. 

 No remedy has yet been discovered that has proved effectual. Cali- 

 fornia, thus far, has escaped the ravages of insects and diseases peculiar 

 to the Atlantic States, and with her incomparable climate, combined 



