Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1876 [PAGE 109]

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109

some repairs are required in connection with the hedges—on the north of forest and of that portion of the Experimental Farm, a hedge was set, but has been removed. It is deemed expedient to set a hedge, in connection with adjoining owner, if practicable, upon this line. I suggest that this whole matter be put in the charge of the head farmer. In the fruit tree department of the nursery some seeds and stocks are required to keep u p the amount and to secure materials for the practice of students. Including the purchase of some new varieties of small fruits, about twenty-five dollars are needed. For hardy trees and shrubs for the ornamental grounds and arboretum, to be set in nursery, forty dollars may be judiciously expended. This amount can be readily realized in two or three years, from plants propagated from this stock, and to purchase the same now ready for the grounds would require many times the sum. But besides this, one hundred dollars is almost imperatively demanded for trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, to be set this spring in arboretum and grounds about new building. Much more than this might be profitably used, but with the supply now ready in nursery, it is believed a good show for the year can be made with this sum. For seeds, bulbs and small plants of many varieties for the green house, including small hardy roses, to be transferred to the ornamental grounds, when grown, the sum of thirty dollars is hereby requested. Some additions to the forest-tree plantation should also be made. The arbor-vitse secured for the forest two years ago, and set in nursery, have not been planted on account of the wetness of the location designed for them. This is now drained, but the trees are now so large and valuable for other planting that the purchase of small ones for the forest is advised. The chestnut before planted have entirely failed. Another trial is desirable. The oaks have not been procured at all. If acorns can be obtained now, their purchase is recommended. It is considered desirable to try a large growing variety of apple-tree—probably Yellow Bellflower—in the forest. We can prepare the grafts of these at little cost. An estimated amount of thirty-five dollars is asked for these purposes. On account of the number of trees we now have to move, an implement known as a tree-digger is greatly needed. It will save for us in labor this year more than its cost, u which is estimated at twenty dollars. It can readily be made by the Mechanical Department, and may be for less than the amount stated, but a few spades will also be needed.

R E C A P I T U L A T I O N OF AMOUNTS STATED.

Fences Seeds and stocks (Fruit) for nursery Ornamental plants and kinds for collection in nursery " " " " " '* on grounds Green-house plants, &c Forest Implements, tree-digger, $20; spades, $6

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$25 0Q 40 00 100 00 30 00 35 00 26 00

$256 00 If the unexpended balance of last year is renewed to us I think we can get along. Our labor expense will be about the same as last year. Respectfully submitted, T. J. BURRILL, Professor Horticulture. CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT.

J. M. GREGORY, L. L. D., Regent Illinois Industrial University: • DEAR SIR—The undersigned begs leave to submit the following brief statement, showing the condition of the Chemical Department during the last and the present term: The class in Elementary Chemistry for last fall term numbered 104. Of these 94 passed examination at the close of the term, the remainder having either changed their studies or left the institution before examinations commenced. The number of students being too large for a single class, two divisions were formed, each having five recitations per week. During the term the principles of Chemistry and Chemical nomenclature were taught, and the non-metals taken up in their turn and studied. The class in Mineralogy numbered eight, seven of whom passed examination, one member being absent on account of sickness. The whole number of students in the Laboratory last term was twenty-seven. Two of these began in qualitative analysis. The rest were advanced students, who made quantitative analyses of various kinds, as well as chemical preparations. The number of students in Elementary Chemistry this term is fifty-three, reciting in two divisions. The work for the present term has been the chemistry of the metals. Particular attention was given to the different metallurgical processes of obtaining the metals from their ores, as well as to tne commercial products obtained from them, and their use in the arts. The whole number of students in the Laboratory this term is 85. Of these 62 are new students, who are now engaged in qualitative analysis, and occupy the lower room in the Laboratory. Of the 23 advance students, who occupy the upper room, 5 are in the AgricultulturaL course ; 3 are studying Toxicology and the Micro-Chemistry of Poisons; 2 are engaged in making chemical preparations, and the remainder assaying and analyzing various ores and minerals. The want of a new Laboratory has been very seriously felt this winter. The freezing up of gas pipes and the water tank was a source of a great deal of annoyance and interfered materially with the progress of the work. It is unnecessary to mention that by crowding 62 students into the lower room, conditions are brought about which are detrimental in a sanitary point of view, especially to the instructors and assistants, who are obliged to be present all day, not saying anything about having two students work at the same desk, which for a great many reasons is a very unsatisfactory arrangement. According to your request, we have gotten up plans for a new Laboratory building. Mr. Ricker has kindly given us his assistance and completed the drawings, which we herewith submit to you. Very respectfully, H. A. WEBER.