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 37]

Caption: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1876
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37 making observations and collections, and in laboratory work, determining species, varieties, etc. A large collection of apples, pears, grapes, peaches, etc., is made each year, and the chief characteristics of each pointed out. Practice is also had in making drawings and plaster casts. Written descriptions of the fruits are carefully made and compared with those given in the books, and systems of Analysis, and classification put to practical test. As fully as possible, students see and perform the skilled operations usually practiced in the propagation and growth of trees. Pruning and training, by various methods, especially of grapes, are discussed in the class-room and illustrated upon the grounds. Students also study the injurious insects and fungi which cause or accompany diseases of trees and fruits, and the methods of preventing or diminishing their ravages. The native forests of the vicinity and of the country at large are first studied as a foundation for the lessons upon the influence and value of timber and other trees, and their artificial culture. For the latter, the forest-tree plantation on the University grounds, and the arboretum, afford practical illustration. Downing's "Fruits and Fruit Trees of America;" Warder's "Pomology;" Thomas' "Fruit Culturist;" Grigor's "Arboriculture;" Brown's "The Forrester ;" and Bryant's "Forrest Tree Culturist," are important books of reference. Plant Houses and Management.—The work this term is upon garden and landscape architecture, the methods of construction, heating and ventilation and general management, so as to secure, under the different circumstances, the best plant growth. The class-room work consists of lectures and architectural designing and drawing. Illustration and practice are afforded by the plant-houses of the University, and by such others as can be reached by class excursions. Landscape Gardening—Eleven weeks are devoted to this study. Lectures are given upon the general principles of the art, the history and styles, the kinds and use of trees, shrubs, grass and flowers, the introduction and management of water, the construction and laying out of drives and walks, fences, buildings, etc. The class drawT first from copy, then, after the actual study of some locality with its environments, design and draw full plans for its improvement, indicating position of all prominent objects, including the kinds and groups of trees and other plants. These plans, with specifications, are to be deposited in the library of the school. Excursions are made as found practicable for the study of public and private grounds. Important reference books are : Downing's "Landscape Gardening ;" Weideman's "Beautifying Country Homes ;" Robinson's "Parks, Promenades and Gardens of Paris." Floriculture—Fourteen weeks are occupied in the study of the kinds, propagation, growth and care of flowering and other ornamental plants. Each student has practice in propagating by cuttings and otherwise, in potting and shifting, and care of plants requiring various treatments. Insects and diseases with the remedies are thoroughly treated, and the means of securing vigor of growth, or abundance of flowers, are studied and illustrated by practice. —4