UIHistories Project: A History of the University of Illinois by Kalev Leetaru
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Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1871 [PAGE 262]

Caption: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1871
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254: Institute, and those which are now being made in behalf of the signal service, and they ought to be extended and made much more of than they have been in behalf of the agricultural interest. The agricultural interest is more important than the commercial. W e have a large series of experiments of which no mention has been made. Take the experiments in light, heat and electricity, and their effects on vegetation. You will remember the experiments of Professor Stuart, which would tend to show that electricity may have an important bearing on the growth of plants. The different effects of heat, moisture and light have been but partially investigated, and there are a great many experiments of that kind throwing light on these various subjects. I t is one of my ideals that ultimately, if not soon, we shall establish at each of our agricultural colleges an agricultural experiment station, similar to those of Europe. I think that is absolutely necessary to agricultural advancement. We know what Johnson intimates, in his preface to " How Crops Grow," that the agricultural stations have done more to advance agricultural science, and even agricultural practice, than all else together. In regard to getting hold of experiments which are popular in their character, I have entire faith that science will do wonders for agriculture, although at the same time I recognize the fact that our agricultural colleges are dependent upon the money of the people for their support, and we must recognize the wants of the people in such a way as to secure their confidence and their aid ; and looking at that, it has been my own feeling, to a great extent, to endeavor to popularize agricultural science. I am strongly in favor of the proposition which has been made here in reference to securing the performing of at least a few experiments in common. I am aware of the difficulties under which many of our institutions are laboring. Our own college in this State secured, at the last session of the Legislature, an appropriation of $3,000 a year, for two years at least, for the special purpose of making experiments. I know many institutions are not so well off in that respect. The Cornell University, of course, has an immense endowment and is practically independent. Bat recognizing the lack of means of others, I should hope these experiments will be simple in their nature, and carried on with as little draft on the treasuries of the various colleges as possible, I can see that it is possible to attain in one year, by the use of all the agricultural colleges, the same results that would need twenty years of the experience of one. Suppose, for instance, we try some experiment this coming year at twenty places, and suppose the result is the same in all or in three-fourths of them,