Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1884 [PAGE 194]

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198

Some work is needed in the Engineering Museum, to prepare for the reception of the Gay model, and for other engineering models. The estimate will be as follows: For sewer and connection $530 00 For ladies' closet 260 00 Forfence 600 00 For Museum of Engineering 175 00 $1,565 00

LABOEATOBIES.

I present the estimates of Prof. McMurtrie,for material for his department, and recommend that it be allowed. That $500 of it be charged against the State appropriation, and the remainder against the current account of the department. I recommend that $300 be assigned to the Physical Laboratory for the purchase of optical apparatus. Referring to that part of Prof. Burrill's report which concerns his room, I suggest that an appropriation be made for the construction of tables specially adapted for microscopic work, and that the farther fitting of the room be deferred until more detailed plans can be had at the next meeting of the Board.

LIBEAEY.

An appropriation of $150 is asked for binding books. The number of volumes in the Library is now upwards of fourteen thousand. For these we have no catalogue except the card catalogues which are kept in the Library room, and which can be consulted by only two or three persons at once. A simple list of the titles of the books will occupy a volume of about 120 pages, octavo. It would greatly add to the usefulness of the library, and I would recommend its publication. The catalogue should be sold at a price which will barely cover cost; an edition of 1,500 copies would be ample until the growth of the library would require a reissue.

THE BLACKSMITH'S SHOP.

An appropriation was asked for $2,500 for building and equipping a blacksmith's shop to be an addition to the machine shop. The plan proposed is to add a building one story high, about32x36 ft., to extend westwardlyfrom the southwest tower. The walls to be of brick upon a stone foundation. The roof of wood'with iron ties and metallic covering. The room to contain eight double forges, blast to be furnished*by a blower driven by the. shop engine, and the smoke to be taken by hoods and conveyed by iron pipes to an iron chimney. For the last, one of the iron chimneys now in the main building and out of use since the boilers were removed to the boiler-house, may be utilized. The cost of the building was estimated by Prof. Ricker at $1,250. The remainder of the appropriation will be needed for equipping the buildings with forges, anvils, flues, etc. It is part of the design to put a cupola in the end, for smelting iron for foundry practice. I suggest that the construction of this building be referred to a proper committee. The selection of machines to be placed in the Machine and Carpenter's shop, will require a little time and care. I hope, however, that we may secure at least three small engine-lathes, one shaper and one planer for the Machine shop, and a series of small wood-lathes for the Carpenter's shop, with the necessary shafting, belting, etc. It would be well to have a variety of manufacturers represented, in the choice of these tools. I present Prof. Ricker's report, and recommend that his request for tools be considered in the expenditure of the State appropriation; and that the drawing instrument be allowed. I present a report from Prof. Burrill concerning the boiler and chimney in the Greenhouse. The latter needs rebuilding, owing to decay of mortar; the boiler now in use has given much trouble to the Mechanical department ever since I have known it, and I believe it to be radically defective. Provision should be made for a better system of heating before another winter. Prof. Baker asks for an appropriation of $25 to provide for resetting a spiral for surveying classes in the college grounds. The arrangement is of very great service, and I concur in his request. Respectfully submitted, S. H. PEABODY, Regent.

Committee on State Appropriations made the following report of the appropriations for the next two year^:

For For For num. For For the payment of taxes in the States of Nebraska and Minnesota, $2,500 per annum. current repairs and improvements on buildings and grounds, $3,000 per annum. current expenses of Chemical, Physical and Botanical laboratories, $1,500 per ancurrent expenses of educational work, $1,500 per annum. University library, $1,500 per annum.