Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1886 [PAGE 161]

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153 the best manner, no matter how long it takes him;% practice and competition will give him rapidity in execution. The opposite course rarely produces an excellent workman. Hence, the work of the student must pass a certain minimum standard, even if he succeeds in doing little during a term. The following kinds of work are now taught: Carpentry and joinery, 24 pieces, occupying the first term; cabinet-making, about 8 pieces, and turning, about 6 pieces, together take the second term; metal work, about 8 pieces, and plaster work, about 4 pieces, complete the year. For several years past no attempt has been made to construct complex models, requiring the united work of a class. The Eussian system was introduced in this school in 1&73, then being limited to a single term, the remaining time being devoted to the construction of models. It is believed that this system was not earlier employed, anywhere else in the United States. Benches and sets of tools are now provided, sufficient for 24 students, as many as can be profitably placed under the charge of a single instructor.. The instruction in this class is entirely given by Mr. Parker, under my supervision. THE COMMERCIAL WORK.—Most of the work performed in the Architectural Shop during the past year was for the University, and consisted in the repairs and modification of the University buildings, mostly done during the summer vacation, with the making of a considerable number of cases, etc., required by the Department of Zoology. This was mostly done under my general supervision, but in direct charge of Mr. Parker, as foreman. I have made estimates, as required, and have also furnished some drawings. To this may be added the supervision of the contractors for bricklaying, tinning, etc., employed by the University last summer. This required me to remain here last summer, and I usually visited the work each day, sometimes twice. Since the beginning of the fall term this work has mostly been left to Mr. Parker. 4. THE BLUE-PR NT LABORATORY.—About 30,000 pages of blue-prints were made during the year 1884-5, and the number for the present year will not be much less. Since the resignation of Mr. Stratton, this work has been done by Mr. E. I. Cantine. It has been found advisable and simplest to allow the blue-printer to purchase his own supplies, instead of this being done by the University, and also for him to make payment directly to the business agent, so that I have merely retained a supervision of the quality of the work done, and of the supplies furnished to students. These are now as satisfactory as at any previous time. Very respectfully submitted,

N. CLIFFORD BICKER,

Professor of Architecture.