Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1880 [PAGE 201]

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In making this exposition of the work of the University, I have not stopped to notice specially the points brought to my attention by the reports of the several Professors in -charge of schools or departments. I submit these reports to you in connection with my own, with the request that they shall be read and considered by you as their merit demands. I present herewith a summary of the various requests, together with other recommendations suggested by myself. J. M. GBEGOBY, Regent.

EEPOET FEOM AGEICULTUKAL DEPAETMENT.

Hon. J. M. Gregory, Regent: SIR: During the term now in progress I have had two classes, one of sixteen and one of thirteen young men, whose work has been quite satisfactory, with very few exceptions. It is worthy of notice that about half the members of the larger class are taking a special course, of from two terms to perhaps two years, and that probably not more than one-third of the class will be able to complete the full four years' course. Having received letters from nearly all the members of the Board signifying their approval, notice has been given, through a goodly number of agricultural and other papers, of the holding of an Agricultural Institute, or lecture course, at the University, the last week in January. It is recommended that this meeting commence on Tuesday afternoon and continue until Friday evening; that the Presidents of the State Agricultural, Horticultural and Dairymen's Associations or Societies, and editors of leading agricultural papers of the State, be invited to deliver addresses during the Institute; and that such time as can be spared, each day, be assigned for general discussion. The expenses of gentlemen invited to deliver addresses snould be paid. It is believed such expenses would not exceed $50. As an extension of the opportunities for giving some instruction to those who cannot take the larger course, it is recommended that authority be given to announce free courses of lectures on agricultural and veterinary topics, during the three weeks preceding the Institute. These lectures can be given by Dr. Prentice and myself, with the aid of other members of the Faculty of the College of Agriculture, without increased cost, or interfering with the regular class work; and it is believed they would prove useful and reasonably popular. I have felt that my first and chief work was in the class room. .This work has now become so systematized, that I shall be able to give more time to plowing and experimental work. Two things which seem to me very desirable, would involve some expenditure, and I would be glad to have an expression from the Board of Trustees as to their views: 1 The work done in sugar manufacture from sorghum, during the present year, gives much ground for encouragement. I would be glad to test some varieties here and in the autumn experiment, in the modes of manufacturing. It seems to me this is the most promising new branch of agriculture for our State. 2. An experiment in grazing and grain-feeding steers, of different breeds, would have value, and would be of general interest. I think it certain that high-grade steers of the Herford, Devon, Ayrshire, Holstein, and, of course, Shorthorn breeds, could be obtained a t very reasonable rates, as breeders have expressed an interest in such a trial. The total net cost of such attest would not be large; and the presence of the steers would partly fill another want—that of representative animals of different breeds of cattle, for illustration to students and visitors. This I consider very desirable. The principal extra <?ost and trouble involved in keeping different breeds would be obviated, by purchasing a good female of each, making crosses, and repurchasing as necessary. Or, a bull of desirable beef breed, as the Herford, might be purchased, and crossed on the grade cows. Of the two plans, I would recommend the steer-feeding experiment, if both be not thought advisable. Among the Agricultural students, are some who would be much interested in, and profited by, assisting in experimental work. Their labor could not be employed quite so economically as that of regular laborers, but this seems to me not the most important point. . Yery respectfully, G. E. MOBBOW, Professor of Agriculture.