Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1880 [PAGE 225]

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HOETICULTUBAL DEPAETMENT.

Prof. Burrill's report explains the condition of the Horticultural department. He calls attention to the boiler in the Greenhouse, which will need repair, during the summer. He recommends that Mr. Hayes be allowed leave of absence from April 1, to September 1, on account of ill health. I approve this recommendation; as also the employment of R. D. Lewis, to fill the place, in Mr. Hayes' absence.

CHEMICAL DEPAETMENT.

Prof. Weber asks for the purchase of three additional chemical balances. These have become necessary by reason of the large increase of the number of students in Advanced Chemistry. He est mates that they will cost, if purchased in Europe, about $200. Prof. Weber also asks leave of absence to visit Europe during the summer vacation, with permission to sail on Saturday before Commencement. I heartily concur in t h s request, both as due Prof. Weber, and as of essential value to his department, as it will enable him to inspect and obtain specimens from metallurgical establishments of Europe.

CIVIL ENGINEEEING DEPAETMENT.

I respectfully ask attention to the requests of Prof. Baker, of this department. These requests are, first: for some repairs of the platform and post on which the equatorial tele cope is mounted. He estimates the cost of repairs at $10. Second, he renews the request for the purchase of a so-called universal instrument, for which an order was given and an appropriation made several years ago. Through the failure of the manufacturers in Germany, this instrument was never obtained, and the appropriation lapsed. Prof. Baker now asks that an instrument of American manufacture be purchased, as the late improvements prove that such instruments can now be as well and cheaply made here as in Europe. Such an instrument as is required will cost, it is estimated, $850,—but its importance to the department, in all its higher work, is such as to justify this outlay. I need not repeat the statements which induced the appropriation several years ago; they have gained rather than lost in force by the lapse of time. The high praise bestowed upon our Engineering department by the chief officer of the United States Lake Survey, and the prominent positions won and now held by several of the students of this department, ought to encourage us to further efforts to maintain its excellence.

THE SIGNAL STATION.

In accordance with your vote, I recently renewed the application for the establisment of a signal station at this point. A letter from Gen. A. J. Myers, Chief of the signal Service, informs me that the instruments for such station are already on their way here, and that a full station will be establ shed, at the close of the present session of Congress, if circumstances permit,—the contingency, I presume, being the ordinary appropriation to the Signal Service Bureau. The establishment of the station carries with it the detail of a competent observer, to take care of the apparatus and record and transmit the observations. Thanks are due Hon, J. G. Cannon, M. C, for his aid in securing this result. The establishment of this station will, it is hoped, prove valuable, both to our classes in Engineering and those in Agriculture.

SHOP-PEACTICE.

The shop-practice work of the classes in Mechanical Engineering is progressing satisfactorily under the skillful instruction of Mr. Kimball; that of the Architects, under the charge of Prof. Ricker, aided by Mr. Spencer. The work in both departments has been much improved in its plan, with a corresponding increase in interest and advancement of the students. The reports of Prof. Ricker and Mr. Kimball are commended to your attention.

SCHOOL OF DESIGN.

Prof. Peter Roos, of Boston, accepted the appointment tendered him, and entered upon service as teacher of Free-hand Drawing, Designing and Painting, at the opening of the resent term. In addition to the ordinary classes in Drawing, several special students ave already entered upon their studies, attracted by the well-known skill and success of Mr. Roos as an instructor. The Board having referred the question of fees to the Regent and Business Agent, it was decided by them that ten dollars a term should be charged special students in Painting, and five dollars a term for all students in Designing and Drawing, except those taking these studies in their course of instructions. It was held, also, that students not members of the University classes should also pay the incidental fees. Some modification of these terms may be desirable, at least in the case of those who will pursue, steadily and persistently, the full course in the School of Design. Mr. Roos asks that the present class in designing be permitted to continue through the Spring term, on payment of half the regular fee. As a part of his salary is to be paid from these fees, the Business Agent will report to you the amount received on this account for the current term.

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THE BAND.

The University'Band instruments, notwithstanding the recent purchases, have so dedeteriorated in value, that the band decline to use them. With the aid of one or two borrowed instruments, they have continued to play for the morning service: but it has become at length imperative that a new set of instruments be purchased, or the band music be dispensed with. Correspondence shows that a set of instruments may be purchased for |260. I hope it may be possible for you to appropriate the whole amount; but if this is not feasible, it is believed that half the amount may be raised by private subscriptions.

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