Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1888 [PAGE 131]

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134

UNIVEKSITY OF ILLINOIS.

the agricultural schools of the country has disclosed the fact that the popular, and so-called typical schools of agriculture, are those whose courses of study contain the smallest proportion of agricultural science, and relatively the larger proportion of other matters. The University has very liberally aided the extensive course of Farmers' institutes which the State Board of Agriculture has conducted within the State. Since the opening of the new year, Professor Morrow has attended twenty-eight of these meetings and has sent papers to three others. Professor Forbes has attended nearly as many. Professors Burrill, Mcintosh, McMurtrie, the Regent, and Messrs. Hunt and Weed have also served on this line, and it is within the truth to say that at least the time of two persons has been given to this work since the present term began. I t is reported that this service is increasing the public interest in the University, and its college of agriculture. The evidence of this is earnestly looked for in increased numbers here in the near future. So much absence of Professor Morrow could not have been permitted but for the good service rendered by assistant T. F. Hunt, who is proving an excellent man in both the class room and the field. The bulletins describing his work during the past year, indicate practical ability of a high order, and skill in devising and performing agricultural experiments. Dr. Mcintosh's veterinary instruction, and especially his clinical work, is attracting much attention. The development of a full course of veterinary medicine is a subject which may demand careful consideration at an early day. The organization of the Experiment Station and its influence upon the management and uses of the college farms will be considered in another place.

THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

has absorbed the largest proportion of the accessions of the present year. Both the mechanical shops are filled nearly to their extreme capacity, while for the higher mechanical classes there are neither sufficient tools, nor the room to place them. I once before reported to you that in this department we needed more tools or more instructors. Now we need both. Extra teaching force has been required this year, and provision will be needed for its permanent employment. Should a proportionate increase be made in the number of applicants next season, recourse must be had to the legislature for additional facilities, and more room for their instruction. The first step may be the removal of the boiler to a suitable house to be made for it in the yard, thus furnishing room and light for more machines. I n such case a larger boiler will be required and one of different design. I t should be noted that the present boiler has been in use sixteen years, and that it is entirely inadequate to the duty now required of it.