Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1882 [PAGE 220]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

214

The required grading and road construction, though of necessity postponed until after the building operations were completed, and until after more pressing work was done, have been nearly finished. The new fence is also nearly completed, and promises to be the most appropriate and conspicuous improvement ever made—partially through contrast—towards the ornamentation of the grounds. The gates put in last spring, though requiring frequent adjustment, very satisfactorily answer the purpose for which they are designed, and prove to be a great convenience as well as protection. The condition of and apparent prospects for the old Dormitory grounds are by no means pleasant to report upon. The great amount of teaming by numerous disinterested parties, exposed more than eyerthe grounds to the heretofore almost hopeless inroads of hungry cows, aided in some cases by the opening or breaking of the gates and fences by more responsible, if less conscientious, beings. The appearance of abandonment en courages such lawless acts, and until everything is cleaned up and put in apparent order they doubtless will continue. It is really doubtful whether the place can be kept in respectable condition until occupied by some one having authority and control. If not to be otherwise used in the near future, I respectfully recommend the cleaning up of the entire Dormitory remains, including the walks and drives, the removal of all shurbs and flowering plants, except perhaps some of the largest and best around the borders,together with such trees as will not be ultimately ornamentally useful; the leveling and smoothing of the surface; the liberal enrichment of the ground at the north end now too poor to produce grass, the result of aforetime grading and brickmaking, and the seeding with meadow grass or grasses. For the latter, one or more of the not commonly cultivated perennial grasses would be commended as an experiment, to be cut twice a yearforhay. This would give an appearance of profitable use and at the same time neatness of condition. The portion used by the Military Department should be kept as a lawn. In any case the fences need thorough repair. For the good name of the University, it is important that something be done.

INVESTIGATIONS.

Other work unexpectedly prevented the full investigations planned for the summer vacation on blight and kindred diseases of plants. Further experiments were however made upon the so-called fire-blight of pear trees, and these fully confirmed the results of the previous year. Further information also showed that this same disease is not uncommon in many other plants. Among those now known to suffer in this way (the appearances differing according to the kinds) are the maples, elms, willows, poplars, apple, mountain ash, lilac, roses, paBony, and probably the potato. Almost surely this list is to be greatly extended by future researches. A remarkable fact is that in no case yet found are the roots of any kinds affected except as the contagion reaches them through the gradual process of the diseased stem,—a striking proof of the correctness of my conclusions as to the nature of the disease, and asufficient commentary on the common notions as to the peculiarities, management, composition, heat, &c, of the soil being the real cause of the mischief. The disease is as specific in nature and origin as any plant or animal. It never develops spontaneously whatever the conditions or influences. As to cure, nothing has been found except the careful removal of infected portions; but with the light we now have this process is very effectual in most cases. The directions in my last report have been followed by one of the largest pear growers in the United States with much satisfaction to himself. Others have also reported favorably upon the treatment of apple trees. While pursuing such investigations during the summer, I was astonished to find in healthy plants living organisms similar, though not identical,'to those causing blight. It is impossible to state what results may follow from this discovery, but its importance in one direction may be partially comprehended when it is further announced that in one ease these organisms taken directly from the juices of the plant and placed on the human skin propagate freely and abundantly and produce a violent inflammation. This inflammation has long been familiarly known, but has never been scientifically accounted forheretofore. I refer to the effects of the so-called poison ivy of our woods. The proofs of the nature of the poison are well nigh incontrovertible, of which a full report will be made at another time. The new microscope, for which an appropriation was made at the last meeting of the Board, is in course of construction and is expected sometime before spring.

HOKTICULTUKAL ASSISTANCE.

Six months ago the Board of Trustees kindly authorized me to nominate a foreman for the Horticultural Department. Eecognizing the importance of securing the right man, I have preferred to delay such nomination rather than select any so far known. The conclusion is indeed gradually being forced upon me that it is not possible, within the presumed limits of expenditure, to procure one man competent to act as a working foreman for the department, as a whole. A gardener can probably be secured who will probably give reasonable satisfaction in charge of the green-house, garden, and grounds, and it is probable that a trained workman can also be secured for the fruit and tree plantations, without which it is scarcely possible to make satisfactory progress in this line. With such men no other supervision than that devolving upon myself would be required. For the farm operations, a man capable of earning $400 per year, or its equivalent, ought to be able to do the required work without close watching and directing, and with such a man I am sure the work could be more economically and satisfactorily done than by miscellaneous hiring. The small fruits have given profitable returns during ten*years past, and by extending these plantations somewhat, the extra expense, if any, could be met.