Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1869 [PAGE 80]

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66

should exhibit as large a variety as possible of culinary vegetables; carefully measured plots should also be provided here for experimenting with the different fertilizers and modes of culture. Through the 160 acre lot, two farm avenues should be extended, one from north to south and the other from the east to the west. These may be lined on either side by deciduous or evergreen trees, serving at once to give beauty and to serve as shelter belts. Near the outer gateways, opening into these avenues, small and tasteful cottages should be placed both to accommodate the farm laborers, and to provide protection for our grounds. The grounds embracing about fifty-three acres west of the north and south avenue is judged to be fit for orcharding, and may be occupied as follows: 1. By specimen apple orchard, sixty trees to the acre, planted in quincunx order. 25 A 2. Market apple orchard of approved varieties 10 A 3. Cherry orchard 5A 4. Pear orchard, dwarf and standard 5A 5. Peaches, plums and other fruits 5A 6. Koads and shelter belts , 3A These orchards should be well protected by both hedges and a paling fence, and may be surrounded by a shelter belt of evergreens. East of the north and south avenue there will be found abundant space and favorable grounds for the farm experiments. Room will be found here also for the plots spoken of for students. East and south of the crossing of the farm avenues will be found a favorable site for a superintendent's house and a large barn, unless it is deemed best to place these at north entrance to the experimental farm. A plan and estimates for a barn are herewith presented, as also plans for laborers' houses.

H O R T I C U L T U R A L GROUNDS.

There is herewith presented a colored plan for the ornamental grounds about the University building, and some plans are expected to be contributed by Mr. Letz, of Chicago, for the glass structures needed. It is hoped that some part of these structures may be erected the current year. Mr. Franks, the gardener, has made good use of the small propagating house erected last fall, and has a large number of bedding plants to adorn our grounds this summer. A small appropriation is asked for seeds, ornamental trees and shrubs and tools for this department, as stated in the accompanying schedule. An appropriation of $600 is needed for seeds, stocks, and young trees for the nurseries. We have a bill of imported evergreens offered us at rates which seem quite favorable, with a guarantee of excellent condition. The 3,000 specimen apple trees already received, will cost $750. Other trees, for orchard and arboretum, needed this spring, will cost about $700. The entire orchard grounds, and as much as practicable of the gardens, should be underdrained at once. One main drain has already been put down through the ornamental and parade grounds. Another should be made at once on the west side. Hedges also may be set at once along the east and west lines of garden plots and experimental farms.