Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1871 [PAGE 352]

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344 to go far enough. They do good, of course, but it don't go far enough. Jt seems to me eminently proper that this institute should consider this point. Mr. Flagg—I think there might be some useful hints gained from the experience of our institution in this State in this respect. I don't know but Mr. McAffee is as well acquainted with the facts, though, in that connection, as I am; he was formerly a resident here. My impression is that a good way to advertise these institutions is to do what we are doing—that is, to go out and advertise ourselves by holding farmers'meetings. We have held them for three years, and while the results have not been as good as I could wish, they have still done an important work in advertising the institution. I think another very efficient thing has been done by our Regent this summer, in publishing a circular—publishing our catalogue, in the form of an illustrated circular, which has been distributed to the amount of 20,000 copies, and nearly paid for by the advertisements on the covers. It was a good financial operation, and I think spread the name of the institution broadcast throughout the State, and to some extent in other States. I think that is another good way of bringing the institution before the people.

AGRICULTURAL L E C T U R E S .

Mr. Parker—In regard to these meetings, that is a matter that we have not discussed in the society. We feel a great deal of interest in it, and have held some meetings—but one or two questions in regard to i t : One is, whether, in the employment of those who are specialists, bringing them from abroad is necessary, 9r merely using the faculty and board of control of the College—that is, the material out of which the institute is made up ; whether it is your faculty—those who naturally associate with you, or whether you procure from abroad lecturers—specialists. The Chairman—Use the faculty to some extent. Mr. Flagg—I believe we have had now three courses of these lectures in different sections. The first winter a two weeks' course at the institution itself, at the Industrial University. The second year one of one week, 1 think at the Institution ; one at Eockford, in the north part of the State; and one at Centralia, in the south part of the State. Last winter, I think, we had four—one of two weeks at the University; one at South Pass, pretty well toward the southern end of the State; one at Pekin; and another at Springfield, or rather a few lectures were held there without any attempt at a regular institute. Mr. Parker—Did these follow each other close together ?