Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1886 [PAGE 56]

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In the student's laboratory we need gas fixtures, including half a dozen Bunson burners; a high table and cupboard against the east wall for some standing work, and some small fixtures for the construction of an apparatus for injection." This is perhaps also the proper time to mention the prospective need of a set of microscopes for zoological and entomological work. Hitherto I have used the microscopes provided for the botanical laboratory, but we cannot expect that these will always be free when wanted by my classes. Excepting the microscopes and the gas fixtures, I estimate that the remaining improvements can be made for $25, and this sum 1 respectfully ask for these purposes. With respect to assistance in the zoological laboratory, I have only to ask that Mr. Garman be continued in his present position, and that suitable provision be made for his pay. Under existing circumstances, I judge that his salary may properly be taken from that now allowed me as professor in the University. His time would be spent largely in the preparation of a systematic series of permanent specimens, anatomical and zoological, to illustrate thoroughly the work in the courses in zoology and entomology. He would also have special charge of the students' laboratory, in which he would sometimes take charge of the classes while engaged in laboratory work. I am informed by the Business Agent that a balance of about $1,300 remains in the museum fund appropriated two years ago, and I respectfully request that the final balance available for the improvement of the museum be assigned in about the following ratios: For the purchase of geological specimens, $500; for the purchase of zoological specimens, $600, and for the expenses of collections in zoology and geology, $200. The specimens now needed are very much needed indeed, and would be at once made useful for the illustration of students' work in the natural history branches. Besides the above suggestions respecting the University work, I have to call attention to the recent passage of a law by the State Legislature directing the transfer to the Tiustees of the University of the essential part of the property of the State Laboratory of Natural History, hitherto under the charge of the State Board of Education, at Normal. I probably need not discuss here the consequences of this law, further than to request the assignment of quarters for the collections and property of the laboratory, and the suitable furnishing of rooms for the work of the establishment. I presume that action by the Board will be necessary with respect to the receipt of th© property, the financial system of the laboratory, the appointment of a director and assistants, and the form, scope and frequency of the official report; but these points are clearly raised by the law itself. Respectfully submitted, S. A. FORBES, Professor of Entomology and Zoology. CHAMPAIGN, I I I . , June 29,1885.

The following report rrom the Executive Committee was received and referred to the Committee on Buildings and Grounds for report at this meeting:

To the Trustees of the University of Illinois: A request from Mr. A. B. Baker, made at the December meeting, for better accommodations for himself and family, was referred to the Executive Committee and the Regent for examination and report. The duty has been attended to and the committee reports as follows: It appears to be essential to the safety and security of the main building that the janitor should occupy apartments within it, for its care and protection by day and by night. If this interferes with his privacy, or that of any member of his family, however much to be regretted, it is inherent in the duties of the position and cannot be avoided. If any reasonable changes can make the apartments assigned to the janitor more healthful, or more convenient, they should certainly be effected. As complaint is made that the rooms are damp, the floors should be taken up, and the ground underneath and the walls at the sides thoroughly coated with cement and asphalt, by which this trouble may doubtless be cured. The floors are but about eighteen inches below the level of the ground, and the ceilings are high and the rooms well ventilated. Doors to connect the rooms so that persons may pass from one to another without going into the main hall were authorized long since, and could have been provided at any time if the janitor had desired it done. A wish has been intimated for a room on the main floor, but the committee learns that all rooms on that floor are occupied and are needed for class-rooms, and therefore can not be spared. Your committee recommends that tbe floors be taken up, the ground under concreted, the floors relaid, and doors cut between the rooms; and present Prof. Ricker's estimate of $226.40 for the expense of the work. Respectfully submitted. • S. M. MILLARD. J. T. PEARMAN.