State Agricultural Society. 167 



Third — The long years the artist must give to his studies, without 

 remuneration, in order to fit himself to make a creditable display of 

 original paintings. 



In regard to my own claims, I merely call your attention to the large 

 space I filled, including portrait, landscape, animal, and still life painting; 

 also, to the award of the committee on that class of works at the late 

 Fair. 



Eespectfully submitted, D. H. WOODS. 



STATEMENT OF MES. W. E. BEOWN, OF SACEAMENTO. 



Ma jo?- Beck, Secretary: 



Dear Sir: In reply to your kind favor of the twenty-second, request- 

 ing my " reasons why I should be awarded the gold medal in the seventh 

 department, as to what claims I have as a competitor," etc., delicacy 

 would lead me to answer that my works must speak for themselves. In 

 an artistic point of view I believe such an encouragement as the bestowal 

 of that premium would prove an incentive to further progress on my 

 part to become worthy the proud title of " California artist," which 

 your committee have been pleased to designate me, as we all need some 

 little encouragement, and more than a passing notice for continued efforts. 

 Now for the facts of the case. I have spent much time last year amid 

 our wild mountain scenery, working with colors on the spot, and feel 

 that I have some fine studies, which for one self-taught, my friends are 

 kind enough to say have compared very favorably with skilled profes- 

 sionals. And even at your last year's exhibition, hanging side by side 

 with those of a neighboring artist, my pictures were favorably men- 

 tioned in three different criticisms in connection with those referred to; 

 which, although quite flattering to me, that my efforts could be and had 

 been mistaken, and counted in with those of a professional, thereby 

 increasing the merit of his display, for which two premiums were 

 awarded, and I feel well bestowed. Yet that triumph was not so great 

 an encouragement as a premium, however trifling, from your honorable 

 Board, to inspire me to further progress. Perhaps you think as on 

 several occasions I have taken the first prize for fruit and flowers, I am 

 encroaching on the rights of legitimate artists in presuming to compete 

 for the highest prize. Yet to the earnest worker for and lover of art, 

 the goal will be reached in view of all discouragements. And thus I 

 leave my fate in your hands. 



Very respectfully, MES. WM. E. BEOWN. 



STATEMENT OF J. C. DEVINE & BEO., OF SACEAMENTO. 



To the Committee on Gold Medals of the State Agricultural Society: 



Gentlemen: We. the undersigned, as competitors in the sixth and 

 seventh departments of the recent Fair, having made the most merito- 

 rious exhibition in those departments (for which we received the two 



