Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1871 [PAGE 131]

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123 In the Horticultural Department, drainage of a part of the Experimental grounds was continued. The heating apparatus was being put in the newly-erected greenhouse, by the students of the Mechanical Department, under direction of their Professor, On the farm the work of the season was going on; 40 head of cattle having been bought lately for feeding purposes. In the building the services of a janitor have been dispensed with, and the work divided among the students. This method is giving full satisfaction. The Regent then read a report made by him to the Governor, on the work of the University, and the contemplated wants for the next two years. The report was approved. The general plans and suggestions of the Regent in regard to new buildings, were approved, and he was authorized to consult an architect and procure plans and drawings of them. The financial statement of the Bookkeeper, of the expenditures and collections, was read and approved. Bills presented for payment were audited and ordered to be paid. Also an amount of $45 05 disbursed from the Contingent fund. The bill of the " Illinois State Journal Company" for printing catalogues for the past two years, amounting to $786 14, was referred to the Hon. W. C. Flagg, the Treasurer, J . "W. Bunn, Esq., and Mr. J . H . Pickrell. The amount of $2,308 14, expended for the purchase of 40 head of stock cattle, was audited, and a warrant ordered to be drawn for the amount. It was further decided, that twenty more young cattle be bought at the same prices. The Regent was authorized to procure rope ladders, reaching the fifth story of the building, for use in case of fire. On motion, certain surplus horses were ordered to be sold. The following resolutions were then adopted:

Resolved, That the establishment of Agricultural Experiment Stations, such as conducted by Laws 0. Gilbert, in England, and as those which have been established in such numbers, and have wrought so much good in Germany and France, is, in our opinion, vital to the agricultural advancement, of our State. Resolved^ That we heartily concur in the petition to the Legislature to provide means for the establishment and care of such stations.

A petition having been presented by a number of the students for a course of lectures on English literature during the "Winter Term, it