Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1880 [PAGE 206]

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cows as we may have at hand, and then to breed from the product, selecting only those that have the qualities sought for. The qualities of form, color, etc., can all be arranged to order. The reason for making a new breed rather than accepting the breeds now without horns is, that it appears that these cattle, while they are able to stand our winters, do not thrive when subjected to the hot day atmosphere of our summers. It would require too much space for me to tell here all the reasons that might be advanced to prove that this plan would be practical; I therefore submit it for consideration. If for any reason it is thought not desirable to undertake anything of the nature of what is above outlined, I would suggest that now is a suitable time to replace the Hereford cattle that were disposed of, for reasons then understood, in 1874. At the time the first purchase of blooded stock was disposed of, $685 of the amount received was turned over to the University without credit to the farm. If it is thought best to keep the original investment intact, this sum should be drawn upon, but not necessarily, as we have a good surplus on hand with no prospect of its permanent decrease. There are matters connected with the Short-horn cattle that will require attention. As I think this well understood, I will refrain from further mention. The great desideratum in farming, as I understand it, is to keep the soil rich and productive. If this be true, our farming operations have been successful. In the memorial of the Trustees to the State Legislature of 1869,1 find under the head of "It will pay," these words: "If the University shall lead to the discovery of new methods, or diffuse more widely those already known, and thus teach how to raise one bushel of corn more from each acre planted than was raised per acre in 1866, it would, at 40 cents a bushel, add more than $1,000,000 to the annual harvest of the State." In 1871 the field immediately north of the stock barn was planted to corn. All that could be plowed at that time, 28 acres, was planted. We got a good stand; it had good cultivation, and a favorable season gave 45 bushels per acre on 28 acres. This year the same lot contained 35 acres, and gave 70 bushels per acre—2,450 bushels, in place 1,260 in 1871. Seventy bushels more would have doubled the crop. Three things have wrought this change: Rotation of crops, tile draining, and improved seed. Knowing well that you have always been generous towards the farm, I leave the conclusion with yourselves. There are 150 acres on the farms designed for corn the coming season, and all as good as the lot just mentioned. It could hardly be in better shape for a bountiful crop. In the last year 600 loads of manure have been hauled from the yards and the city. This has been applied on the thinnest land, so as to make all as good as possible. If the farm should be kept simply as an investment, I believe, with good management, it can be made to pay, on a fair valuation, 6 per cent, on the investment. In closing this somewhat lengthened report, I wish to disclaim having any policy to enforce against the will of those who employ me. Should what I have recommended, or any other policy, be adopted, and the good of the cause seem to demand that I remain here, I shall, to the best of my ability, faithfully perform the task assigned me. Eespectfully submitted, E. L. LAWRENCE. Head Farmer.

UNIVERSITY FARM, December 9, 1879.

A."

By cash for hay straw hogs fat steers fat heifer corn cobs potatoes artichokes , timothy seed (returned) vinegar pasture apples " • rent (Griggs farm) ... " other rent " corn premium (County Fair) «" hides • wheat grade Jersey cow " gas pipe bull service Short-horns and Jerseys work old truck (ra Is, iron, etc.) ' ' Department Cr., Horticultural Department.. " hay, coal, etc., etc Total

$843 37 9 80 603 47 4,172 13 18 25 650 87 9 00 110 65 17 55 5 60 20 40 38 79 48 68 240 00 4 00 5 00 12 50 430 40 45 00 16 60 55 50 518 60 34 35 17 65 415 35 265 77

$8,609