California Farmer and Journal of Useful Sciences, Volume 22, Number 8, 16 September 1864 — Fifth Annual Fair of the San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Society. [ARTICLE]

Fifth Annual Fair of the San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Society.

Wi took a trip to Stockton to look in upon the Stocktonians, who have always done so nobly, and we were agreeably surprised to see how well they had done, when the excessive drought has been so severe upon, the whole country.

A hasty glance, and a taste of the bread and wine, both of which are most excellent, and we spent the rest of the time in gathering items, which we shall give in our next more fully.

Stockton has done well ; we see only what they bave done, we might see much they have left unexhibited, but there is excuse enough this year.

Tbe hall wag very handsomely decorated with flags, and a pleasant company assembled. The President, Dr. Ilolden, in spite of ill health and ialigue, delivered his annual address, which we hope to give our readers. We shall give detaHs and awards of the valuables and most worthy articles at an early day.

In despite of all the usual appearances against a prosperous Fair San Joaquin Valley has triumphed again, and we can say with truth that the exbibitiou of fruit and vegetables at the hall was superior to anything yet shown in former years, and the best exhibition in California this year thus far.

The stock show surpasses anything ever made in California ; it was truly grand, and well might President Ilolden and his associates feel proud as they saw the long cavalcade of noble horses and fine horn stock pass in review, and to them add the other kinds of 6tock which was on exhibition.

San Joaquin has indeed triumphed nobly. We regret we could not attend the races, for we learn it was the best conducted, and the fairest ever on the course ; of all this we shall speak in future □ umbers.

The exhibition of the fruit at tbe hall presented specimens never before surpassed in California Some of the very finest we (ball have the pleasure to show the coming week at the Mechanics' Fair at San Francisco.

Among the few we examined before wo left were the following :

There were some twelve exhibitors of wioe, and some of a very superior quality. California cotton, tobacco, aDd sirup from the sugar-cane, was exhibited. The works of art and taste were eicellent, the samples of grain fine, and the garden products superior. The work of "Home, " in the preserves, dried fruit, and bread, was very superior, and highly honorable to the fair ladies of the county.

Among the samples of bread, all very fine, we noted one that was especially dear to us. It bore this inscription: "New England Johnny Cake, hy Miss Susan T. Nash, seven years old." As we tasted this excellent cake, sweet to our taste for its name, and dear to all that love their New England birth place, we could not help exclaiming: "New England, New England, Wherever I roam. My heirt ever cling* to thee, My dearly loved home." With a "God bless" tbe fair little lassie that made the Johnny cake, we tasted it again and passed on.

The collection of minerals were good though not large.

Agricultural implements in handsome array were placed iv the hall by Messrs. Jones k Hewlett, and Messrs. Webster Brothers. Washing machines, wine presses, etc., were all there, and the siuing machinet too ; but there were none equal to Wheeler k Wilson's shown yet.

We are happy in the assurance that for all the labor and fatigue given by the indefatigable President and Board, tbey will be amply rewarded by tbe results of the Fair. The opening address of President Ilolden, on Tuesday eve, was an admirable one. We will give it in our next. Tbe annual address of Hon. Mr, Brockway, ot Uokelumne Hill, was a very spirited one, full of patriotism and strong appeals. If attainable we shall publish it. The Fair closed with a handsome ball at the Pavilion, as usual, and we regret we could not remain and enjoy what we are always sure to find at tbe balls of this Association, cordial and pleasant reunion of friends. Stockton is famous for its hospitality, and w* always feel gratified for such enjoyments. We must close these notes, and as we do so, return thanks for the very many kind favors received from everybody; especially do we remember the many fine samples of fruit bestowed upon us, of which we speak in another place.