Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1886 [PAGE 150]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

142 cal utility is made the subject of careful study, plans being required from each student. The implements and machinery of the farm are described with reference to their intelligent choice and proper care and use. The place which implements and machines hold in our agriculture; historical sketches of their development; the points to be considered in deciding whether the purchase of any one implement will be wise, and suggestions as to choice between different kinds for the same purpose, receive attention, so far as time permits.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY.—In this study it is designed to aid the student in gaining an accurate, although necessarily an elementary knowledge of the relations of stock-breeding and management to Ameri can farming; of the principles of breeding, feeding and management of each class, and of the characteristics, adaptation and history of each of the more important breeds of horses, cattle, sheep and swine. The rea< and fictitious value of pedigree; the place for pure-bred stock; practical methods of feeding and management, with reference to the production of the highest quality, and also modes adapted to production at moderate cost; methods of "judging" animals; methods of disposing of animals and their products, are some of the points to which especial attention is given. KURAL ECONOMY.—In this study an attempt is made to apply leading principles of political economy to the management of a farm. A careful study is made of the peculiar conditions which have made the agriculture of this country what it is, and of probable changes; of the questions to be studied before deciding where to select a farm, and what class of farming should have preference; of the cooperative merits of "mixed" and "specialty" farming, of grain-growing and stock-raising; of our system of land tenure, and of the place of the tenant farmer. Coupled with this is discussion of the culture of various farm crops, including choice and improvement of variety, and of times, methods and places for disposal of these products. Methods for maintaining the fertility of the soil by direct fertilization, cultivation and rotation of crops are emphasized. HISTORY OF AGRICULTURE.—The history and development of agriculture in various countries in ancient and medieval times is briefly sketched. Fuller discussion is had concerning its progress in modern times, The agriculture of Great Britain receives special attention, because of its having had so great influence on that of our own country, to which by far the largest space is given. The influence of climate, natural fertility of soil; of the character of the government and of legislation; of the state of civilization, in determining the character and prosperity of the agriculture of the country, is made a prominent subject of inquiry. Such mention and review as is practicable is made of the leading books and periodicals devoted to agriculture and of the chief organizations in its interest. EURAL LAW.—In the course of lectures on this subject, after a brief sketch of some leading principles of law, an attempt is made to make clear the essentials of the laws especially relating to business, such as contracts in general commercial paper, agents, etc., after which, laws relating to real estate, personal property, leases, exemptions,