Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1878 [PAGE 78]

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78

department. Will not the appropriation for buildings and grounds be properly chargeable with the cost of the lawn mowers needed to keep the grounds in good order? The plants in the green houses are presenting a fine appearance, and the florist has on hand a large number for beautifying our own grounds and for sale. H e has succeeded by exchanges in adding largely to the collection, and in making the green house still more useful for the purposes of study.

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS.

The work authorized to be paid from the state appropriation has not as yet been all accomplished. T h e painting in the chapel, and the setting of the new gates have been delayed for various reasons, but it is hoped they may be soon completed. It has been suggested that a high and close board fence, built from one of the wings of the main building to the other, so as to inclose the rear quadrangle, would prevent the eddies of wind which carry so much dust into the rooms facing upon this court, and would also prevent the intrusion of persons who sometimes ascend the rear balcony and piazza.

MILITARY PROFESSORS.

In accordance with the instruction of the board, application was made to the war department for the detail of an officer of the army, to act as military instructor. This application was actively endorsed by Hon. J. C. Cannon and Hon. H. C. Burchard, of this state, resulted in procuring the detail of Lieut. W . A. Dinwiddie, of the cavalry, who entered upon duty as professor of military tactics the —- day of January. I present herewith a request of Prof. Dinwiddie, for an appropriation for the purchase of 11 swords for the captains of the companies. T h e expense will not probably exceed $150, which I recommend to your favorable consideration if the funds of the department will allow it.

T H E N E W CHEMICAL BUILDING.

T h e new laboratory building will doubtless be finished before our next annual commencement. I would suggest the propriety of connecting some appropriate inauguration or dedication of it, at the time of commencement. I t will be one of the largest and finest laboratory buildings on this continent, and we may well ask attention to it as adding immensely to our facilities for instruction in this department.

VETERINARY CLASSES.

T h e classes in veterinary science have been suspended during this term, Dr. Prentice having leave of absence. He has now returned and the class will be reorganized. The model of the horse in papier mache, ordered from Paris, is now on its way here, the shipping papers having been received a week ago.