Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1886 [PAGE 153]

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145 histology of plants. Compound microscopes are now furnished the students, and each is required to examine and describe, in writing, the various characteristics of the elements and tissues of vegetation. In connection with this laboratory work, a text book is studied, and about two lessons per week recited. For material much dependence is placed upon specimens preserved in alcohol, but fresh material is obtained from the green house and from out of doors. A specimen plate of drawings with accompanying descriptive notes, is required of each student for preservation in the library. PHYSIOGRAPHY.—This study is intended to be a comprehensive survey of the earth and its inhabitants, more especially as connected with the condition and well-being of man. Appeal is made to all the special sciences of the course in Natural History, including Astronomy, Geology, Botany, Zoology, etc., and finally Anthropology is made a special part of the term's work. The instruction is largely by lectures, but a text book upon Anthropology is also used. After an examination of things existing as they now are, a sketch is attempted of the origin and development of the Earth, the origin and dissemination of plants and animals, the natural history of man, the influence of Nature upon man, and finally the effects of man upon Nature. It will be seen that the field is a very broad one, and that with the time at our disposal, whatever the capacity of the instructor, in most cases only general results and prominent theories can be given. The works of reference in the library are numerous and important, and students are expected to become familiar with them, at least to some extent. Keports are called for at stated times of books read. In the winter term I have Botany continued, Elements of Horticulture and Microscopy. The first is required in the courses of Agriculture and Natural History, and is an elective alternate in the course of English and Modern Languages. The second is in the Agricultural course, and the third in those of Chemistry and Natural History. There were in the Botany six students—four ladies and two gentlemen,—in Horticulture five gentlemen, and in Microscopy seven gentlemen. Besides these classes I have two students doing prescribed post graduate work. BOTANY.—During the winter term the chief attention is given to the lower orders of plants, commencing with the simplest, such as are usually classed in the great groups of Algce and Fungi, and ascending in order to mosses, ferns, etc., and flowering plants. The microscopes are in constant use. Students have the opportunity of getting practical information concerning all the classes of cryptogamous vegetation. They study the structure, the modes of reproduction, and the classification, making descriptions and drawing of typical specimens. Text book recitations occur twice per week. Special attention is given to bacteria and parasitic fungi. ELEMENTS OF HORTICULTURE.—This subject is taught by lectures and recitations from a text book. Students also have practical work ingrafting, propagating plants by cuttings, etc., pruning grapes and orchard trees, and as far as possible in the determination and classiInd.—10.