Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1882 [PAGE 170]

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164

The east boiler under the main building should be replaced by one of more power and better construction. This opportunity should be taken to collect the heating boilers from the main and chemical buildings in a suitable boiler-house in the rear of the main building. Fires will be removed from the buildings with their accompanying dust and smoke; danger of fire will be lessened; the firing of both buildings can be done a t o n e place, and competent service will be utilized; steam can be used for one or both buildings, as desired, and a boiler can be kept in reserve against accident, or for extreme cold weather, as may be necessary. The matter has been carefully considered, plans drawn, and estimates made, which will be laid before you. Prof. Baker asks that the needs of his department may be considered. Several years ago an appropriation was made for a high grade instrument for geodetic work, but for some unknown reason the instrument was not ordered, and the appropriation lapsed. An altitude and azimuth instrument is now asked for, at a cost of $1,000. and $200 for needed repairs to the observatory. The students of this University have always been favorites with the officers of the Lake and River Surveys conducted by the Government. Anything which will give them more complete training will be usefully applied. Respectfully submitted, S. H. PEABODY, Regent, pro tempore. CHAMPAIGN, I I I . , December 10,1880. Dr. 8. H. Peabody, Regent: SIB: During the present term I have taught classes in elements of Agriculture, and Agricultural Engineering and Architecture; the classes number 12 and 6. Nearly all the members of each class have made gratifying progress, and manifested much interest in their work. The experience of this term confirms my conviction that good results come from the offer of the One Year Farmer's Course. For three years past our Agricultural Institute has been held during the latter part of January. Good results have been manifest. I would respectfully ask that authority be given for holding one during next month, and for the expenditure of such money, not exceeding$100, as maybe necessary to give proper notice of the Institute, and to pay expenses of persons who may be invited to assist in its work. I would also ask that authority be given to make announcement, as was done last year, that young farmers or others interested may attend the Agricultural, Horticultural and Yeterinary Lectures, and make use of the library during the three weeks of next term which precede the Institute without examination or payment of any fees. A considerable number of experiments have been tried; others are in progress or being prepared for. The work in Sugar-making from Sorghum in which Profs. Weber and Scovell have heartily interested themselves and to which they have given much time, has been as successful as could have been expected. The results as reported by Prof. Scovell to the Convention of those interested in this industry, just held at Springfield, awakened much interest, and resolutions of appreciation and calling on the Legislature for an appropriation for this specific work at the University were heartily adopted. Mr. Lawrence having the understanding that the term of his active services closed at the first of this month, I have given such directions as seemed necessary about the work on the farms. The experienced farm laborers now on the farms ^will be able to do all that is needed during the winter months. I would recommend, however, that authority be given for the employment of a working Foreman, with the concurrence of yourself and the Farm Committee, as it may be desirable to have one at work before the next meeting of the Board. Especially for assistance in experimental work, it would be desirable to secure some one who has had instruction in the department. Some repairs are needed on and about the farm buildings, but they probably can best be decided upon by the Farm Committee. I would again respectfully suggest the importance of the erection of a laborers cottage on the Experimental Farm at an early date. During the coming year the farms will have a stock of near fifty cows—pure and grade Short-Horns and Jerseys. Quite a number of them will be in milk before the next meeting of the Board. I have no doubt the profits of the farms could be increased, as well as opportunity given for some valuable and timely experiments, if I could be authorized to engage in butter-making. The work of the farms during the year will be reported to you by Mr. Lawrence, Head Farmer. Respectfully submitted, G. E. MORROW, Professor of Agriculture.

COLLEGE OF AGKICULTURE,

E. L. Lawrence, Head Parmer, presented his tenth annual report, accompanied by detailed statements of expenses, receipts, cost of experimental work, etc., also inventories of the salable property, and of teams and tools.