UIHistories Project: A History of the University of Illinois by Kalev Leetaru
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Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1876 [PAGE 104]

Caption: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1876
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104

occupied a year or two ago, five million acres—the whole southern portion of the Republic was about to become a vast vineyard. At this moment the phyllocera appeared. Investigating these terrible pnenomena, have attributed to them a common origin—according to them an unknown mutual law of equilibrium, and opposed to the multiplication'of species, to a limit equally unknown. From these hypothetical considerations we may draw the conclusion that it will be necessary to restrain the cultivation of the vines by banishing it from the plains and lowlands of France. So much for unrestricted potato culture in Ireland, and the mania for silk-worm husbandry in France. An unknown law of nature seems to have stepped forth and proclaimed : " Thus far shalt thou go and no farther." It is possible that insect domination may compel a change in our whole system of agriculture, perhaps given too much to the cereals, and if such should prove to be the case it would certainly be desirable.to be prepared as well as may be for the change. In regard to experiments in feeding hogs and cattle, it is proposed in addition to those described in a previous report, to feed a certain* number of cattle out of doors, on shock corn, in the usual way ; also to feed in the barn one on corn and clover hay, two on middling and clover hay cut u p and mixed, and to carry out such other experiments as the Board of Trustees may suggeot and direct,!together with such a time fixed as opportunity may offer to the Superintendent of theStock Department. And now comes the question of cost and expense, which, with the assistance of Mr. Head Farmer Lawrence, who also agrees to the foregoing report and recommendation, I put down, as follows: 2 acres of 4 and 6 row barley $20 00 2 '' buckwheat 20 00 20 ' ' corn 200 00 4 " clovers and grasses.... 30 00 5 " spring wheat and rye 50 00 4 " flax 80 003 " hemp 60 00 % '' tobacco 30 00 2 '' other commercial crops 40 00 2 " root crops C0 00 » 5 '' potatoes . 100 00 1% ' ' cabbages 50 00 5 '' special crops 150 00 *2 tons ground bone-dust *2 tons superphosphate *1 ton peruvian guano *2 tons ground plaster *500 pounds potash cononees $64 00 70 00 50 00 30 00 35 00 $880 00

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Hauling leached and unleached ashes, coal ashes, manure, refuse from gas works, etc ... Cattle feeding

$249 00 100 00 100 00

$1,329 00 * Estimated at Chicago prices. Concerning beginnings for the creation of an Agricultural Museum, the matter having been suggested, Mr. Gardner consenting, it was thought best to move at once in order to get the benefit of the annual collection made at county fairs. Circulars accompanied with sheet notes were accordingly sent to each secretary of a county society in the State, and also to members of the State Board of Agriculture and other prominent gentlemen. Responses from ten secretaries have been received, and packages from no more th&n five, though as many more are promised. I t has been ascertained, and the same has been the experience of Mr. Garland, of the State Board of Agriculture, that while these gentlemen are quite ready to help us they do not feel called upon to go so far as not only to make collections, but to do the packing gratuituosly and at some expenditure of money. A suggestion from the Board of Trustees might show the way out of the difficulty. All of which is very respectfully submitted to the Board of Trustees, B. F. JOHNSON, In Charge of Experiments.

The report was accepted and approved, and $100 appropriated for purchase of certain seeds and grains, as recommended therein. The Regent's report was now taken up. The following appropriations were made, in accordance with the recommendations thereon: $20 for Calisthenic apparatus; $300 for periodicals, to be decided and ordered by the Faculty. Mr. Kenis was employed to give instruction in modeling and composition to the class in Architecture, two hours per day, at $40 per month, for three months, during the winter term of 1875. The Regent was authorized to provide for a certain recommended lecture course for the Senior class, and $250 was made the limit of expense to be incurred. Prof. Burrill submitted his report of Horticultural expenses, which was accepted.