Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1876 [PAGE 95]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

95

The paper marked " D" shows the cost and value of the different crops. The experiments directed by Mr. Flagg were all undertaken and carried out as near as the season would admit, together with a view suggested by myself, all of which will be shown in the report of Mr. Johnson, Superintendent of Experiments. I would call your attention to the fact that there has been no provisions made for giving the Agricultural Department credit for the time of the Head Farmer spent in superintending the field work of the experiments from March to September. Whether or not, a part of the salary paid the Head Farmer should be charged over to experiments, W not my province to decide. Had the season been such that we might hare accomplished more, I could have with«A better grace asked that this might be done. Considerable time was also spent in directing and assisting in the work of grading the grounds about the New University Building, for which no charge has been made. At the close of last year there wag found a balance in favor of the Stock Farm of $897 85, after paying all expenses and for all improvements. Taking this into the account and charging back to the farm the permanent improvements made the present year, gives a balance of $1,562 73 to be carried to next year. As will be seen from the following statement there is also a surplus of SI,340 in the present inventory above that of March 1st. Total expenses including improvements $7,018 57 Cash and Credit by blooded stock ** • 742 50 Balaoce found (to go to next year) : 1,562 73 $9,323 80 Balance from last year Cash receipts and credits Keeping blooded stock

H E V I E W O P T H E SEASON.

$897 85 7,525 96 900'00 $9,323 8G

I took charge of the work on the Experimental Farm, by direction of the Board of Trustees March 16th. At this time the extra help needed was not engaged, and it was near the close of the month before the whole force was in working order, I had fears that we would be late with our work but spring proved so favorable that the lost time was soon gained. I think it a matter of vast importance to always be in season with all farm work, "drive the work" and not let the work drive you, is a good motto. We commenced planting corn May 1st and commenced haying J u n e 18th and finished before any of the crop was too ripe. The rye, oats and wheat were cut early, thus giving the best quality of straw. The chinch bug injured some of the corn on the Experimental farm but none on the stock farm. I think the stocking of farms heavily, and giving cattle and horses the range of the whole farm in the fall and winter, will be found the best preventive of depredations of this pest. They will be eaten out of "house and home" and trodden to death in the bargain. In the four years that I have had charge of this farm chinch bugs have scarcely made a show, which I attribute to the fact that they have been kept in check by keeping the farm well stocked. Taking all things into the account, I am gratified with the result of our labors during the past year. The land is in the best possible condition for the next crop. All the manure on both farms has been hauled out, and a large amount has been hauled from the city. More fall plowing has been done than formerly, and we have all the experience of former years, in failures as well as success, as reserve capital, to use as the case may demand. In closing, I would express my appreciation of the interest taken by yourself and other members of the Board of Trustees in the welfare of the Agricultural Department. All oi which is respectfully submitted. E. L. LAWRENCE, Head Farmer Illinois Industrial University. P. 8.— Since the date of this report two Short-horn heifers have been purchased for $285. This purchase was made more as an investment from which to realize, than with a view of having something to show as a representative of the breed. The latter is still needed, and the fund set apart for that purpose is yet sufficient to purchase something more desirable. A yearling Ayrshire bull has been sold for $40, and a Jersey calf (bull) for $50. E. L. L.

INVENTORY OF SALABLE PROPERTY.

Dec. 1,1874 33 steers, 35,530 lbs., 4c 46 hogs, 7,630 lbs., 6c 30shoats, $5 9 breeding sows, $15 28 pigs, $1,50 lboar 1,100 bushels corn, 50c 400 shocks corn, 75c 60 " " 50c 60 tons of hay, $11 400 bushels of wheat, 80c 20 tons of straw, $4 3 tons of bran, $17... 3 tons of beets, $8 % acre of parsnips 75 bushels of potatoes 1 young colt 10 acres of rye 100 bushels of oats, 45c 1 pair of colts $1,421 20 457 80 150 00 135 00 .42 00 15 00< 550 00 300 00 30 00 660 00 320 00 80 00 51 00 24 00 30 00 75 00 60 00 40 00 30 00 45 00 10 00 300 00 410 26.

,

: