Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1882 [PAGE 182]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

176

After consultation with Mr. Rcott and yourself I have engaged T. F. Hunt, a special Agricultural student, to act as Foreman and Assistant on the Farm, to commence work at the close of the present term. Mr. Hunt is young, but is well informed and experienced in practical farm work. As he is desirous of continuing his practical studies in general and experimental work he is well content to receive barely more than the wages of a common laborer, or $30 per month. The farm laborers who gave good satisfaction last year have been re-engaged for this season. If it is practicable to have any definite action taken in regard to erecting a Laborer's Cottage, in advance of the Legislative action as to appropriations, it is very desirable that arrangements be made. One of the farm laborers is temporarily occupying the *'Farm House" assigned for my use, and is boarding the other laborers employed on the Experimental farm. It is desirable that this man should be as near the barns as is practicable, yet it will be highly inconvenient unless I can reside on the farm. This man formerly occupied rooms in one of the small dormitories. This arrangement is undesirable, except in a case of necessity. It would be desirable to have the dairy house this spring, but this can be dispensed with until next fall. Some embarrassment is felt in making plans as to the growth of sorghum, owing to the fact that an appropriation has been asked from the Legislature, and parties interested, to enable the University to carry, out some more costly experiments than would be practicable with the funds now available. The quantity of cane to be grown will depend on the granting or refusal of this appropriation. The following work is proposed for the early spring, aside from the ordinary routine work of the farms: 1. Placing the hedges and other fences in thorough repair. 2. The thinning and the trimming of the rows of trees bordering the Experimental Farm. 3. Enclosing a plat of seven acres on west side of roadway leading from Main Building to Farm House, and division of field of eighty acres in front of house on Stock Farm into equal parts, by fence along roadway to house. 4. Planting a row of trees on each side of roadway last named, and a few clumps of trees in the field in front of Stock Farm Buildings. Trees for shade and ornament should also be planted in a number of places on each farm. 5. Building piggery, etc., Experimental Farm, authorized at former meeting. 6. Building tight board fence enclosing yard, to eastward of Experimenal Farm Barn, with shed on north side. Also, resetting fences and narrowing lots about this barn. It is expected we will be able to do more field experimental work than for several years past. I would be gratified to have members of the Board visit the farm at their convenience. Respectfully submitted, G. E. MORROW, Prof. Agriculture.

The Board proceeded to consider the recommendations contained in the Eegent's report. The action of Prof. Morrow in regard to the Foreman of the Farm, was approved. The Eegent's recommendation in regard to Calisthenic exercises, was approved. The matter of the catalogue was referred to a committee consisting of the Eegent, Messrs. Scott and Gardner. Sixty dollars were appropriated for the purchase of gates, under direction of Prof. Burrill and Business Agent. The following assignments from State appropriations were made: Botanical Cabinet, $25; Natural History Museum, $206.12; Microscope and Section Cutter, $105; Chemical Laboratory, $191.90; Physical Laboratory, $407.96; Books and publications, $575. The following appropriations from current funds were made: Eepair of Astronomical Transit, $12; Models for Civil Engineering Department, $25; expenses in visiting schools, $50; expenses of Springfield exhibition, $150; Blue Printing for Engineering Department, $10.