Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1880 [PAGE 212]

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several questions relating to culture and management upon which no information can be gained from the present collection of varieties, nor by planting among these. I instance a few of these questions: The influence of the stock in propagation. The influence of deep or shallow planting. The effects of deep or shallow tillage (cultivation). The effect of seeding to grass. The effects of different kinds of pruning. The effects of top grafting in different varieties. Such questions as these cannot be decided by experiment upon one or two trees of a kind, nor upon those that are not well known as to habit and the special influences of climate. And there are many other experiments of which illustrations would be valuable if they added nothing to the stock of information now possessed by cultivators. The planting need cost nothing beyond the labor. Numerous seedling, ornamental and forest trees have been grown during the year for the nurseries and plantations, as well as to illustrate the methods of propagation. A. shade of brush supported upon a post high enough to work under, was constructed last spring for such seeds as require their protection. Of this it is hoped to make further use the coming year. The Greenhouse and adjoining grounds have been kept in good order during the year, and have served many practicable purposes. Experiments were made in the garden upon the fertilization of plants, and in the house upon the evaporation and absorption of water by leaves and other processes in vegetable physiology as well as in floriculture proper. The heating apparatus did excellent service last winter, with a very moderate consumption of coal. During the summer there was no trouble with the water pipes, such as occurred the previous year, but the flues of the boiler had to be replaced. This was done by the manufacturer under his guarantee. But he claims that the eating of holes in the wrought iron tubes was due to the coal used, and this seems to be the fact. Hard coal would doubtless cost a little more, but at the prices demanded during this year the additional cost would almost be balanced by the reduction in attendance. There is no question whatever as to the gain in neatness and safety. I would be much pleased, with the authority granted, to try enough hard coal this winter tor experiment, one or two tons, with a view of obtaining a full supply next summer should it prove wise to do so. The department has paid its way during the year, and has a small balance to its credit.

RECAPITULATION.

There has been given, after a general statement, a summarized account of the apple orchard, and attention is again asked to the planting of a small orchard of well proved kinds. A statement has been made in regard to work done in the Nursery and in the Greenhouse and vicinity, and a request made to be authorized to try one or two tons of hard coal this winter, to determine its advantages over soft eoal and the comparative expense. Very respectfully submitted. T. J. BURRILL, Professor of Horticulture.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND PHYSICS.

Hon. J. M. Gregory, Regent Illinois Industrial University: DEAE SIE: I have the honor to present the following report upon matters now pertaining to the Mechanical department of the University, with the request that you will communicate so much thereof as your judgment shall dictate, to the Board of Trustees:

THE NEW HEATING APPAEATUS.

The situation of the boilers in the basement of the main building being such as to make the consideration of absolute safety paramount to all other questions, with the fact that two of the Root sectional boilers were already in successful use on the University premises, led to the selection of a boiler of that kind, to replace the one removed by order of the Trustees. We have now three boilers of the same kind, though of different sizes; but the pipes and most of the fittings are equally adapted to either, so that fewer extras need be kept in stock against emergencies. It was deemed advisable to get the largest boiler which the funds at command would secure—one of 100 tubes 4 inches in diameter by 9 feet long; having a nominal power of 75 horses. This boiler is now in place, and fully answers our expectations. Our janitor reports abundance of steam for all wants as yet developed, with a consumption of fuel not greater than that required for each of the old boilers—rated at 35-horse power. The brick setting of the old east boiler has been thoroughly repaired, and the apparatus is in order for use, but it is kept inactive, as a resort in case of emergency.