494 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 
to some extent the Devon, have found especial acceptance, and are rep- 
resented by some of their best strains. Much discussion prevails as yet 
in regard to the relative merits of the varicus breeds under the peculiar 
climatic conditions of California; but already they are beginning to be- 
come localized in accordance with their several adaptations to local eli- 
mates, which can be found to suit all; and perhaps in time the tawny 
race of the Swiss Alps will find a congenial range on the Sierra Nevada. 
The production of beef is as yet limited by the requirements of home 
consumption ; but the dairy interest is rapidly assuming a wider range, 
and with an increasing knowledge of the modifications of the processes 
demanded by climatic conditions, the quality of dairy products is im- 
proving so much that as a market for all but the choicest kinds, Cali- 
fornia will soon be closed to the Eastern producer, and will, perhaps, 
compete with him in foreign markets. The average quality of the milk 
supplied to San Francisco and Oakland, from the numerous “ dairy 
ranches” cn the coast and bay and in the Coast Range, is greatly supe- 
rior to that generally found in Hastern cities; one obvious reason being 
that in the absence of distilleries there is no opportunity or temptation 
to feed the cows on unhealthy cffal; nor do the sleek and healthy cows 
that range the breezy hills of the coast ever need to be propped or slung 
up in order to enable them to stand the miiking process. It is believed 
that an undue increase of bulk from a too free use of the pump is all 
that the milk consumers of these cities ever have to complain of. 
Buiter is now very generally of fair quality, some brands being quite 
up tothe “ gilt-edge” standard. It is usually sold in rolls supposed to 
weigh two pounds, but in reality always several ounces below that ~ 
weight—a circumstance so well understood, however, that the practice 
hardly amounts to deception. The price per roll rarely falls below 50 
cents to the consumer, and ranges more generally from 60 cents to $1.10 
about Christmas time, when even that which has been packed in casks 
with salt during the spring and summer brings 70 cents. 
The intimate connection (to the housekeeper at least) of butter with 
eggs Suggests a few words on that subject in this place. The demand 
for eggs is unusually large in California cities, in consequence of the 
commonly prevailing practice of not only single men and wemen, but 
also small families in moderate circumstances, living in lodgings, and 
taking an easily made breakfast of eggs, bread, and coffee, thereafter 
going to the restaurant for dinner, and thus avoiding the pains and 
pleasures of housekeeping. Whatever may be said of the desirability 
of this practice in a social point of view, it manifests its effects in the 
price of eggs, which rarely falls below 30 cents per dozen to the con- 
sumer, and is more frequently among the fifties and upward; even so, 
fowls cannot often be bought at less than 80 cents apiece, and $1 is a 
common price. Poultry-keeping is therefore a very remunerative pur: 
suit when judiciously managed, since feed is as cheap as elsewhere; and 
it is one of the industries which have not, as yet, been overdone. There 
are no special difficulties to be overcome in poultry-raising in Califor- 
nia; yet a great deal of money has been lost in attempts made by per- 
sons unfamiliar with its proper management. There is no lack of the 
improved breeds, but among them the Leghorns seem to enjoy the widest 
acceptance at this time. 
Apiculture is common throughout the State, and nowhere is the prod- 
uct of the bee of finer flavor, or marketed in a more attractive form. 
The best of improved hives are in common use, and the market is always 
supplied with the frames filled with the delicate, almost white, comb. Of. 
course the improved varieties of bees have been introduced, and in the 
