Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1888 [PAGE 164]

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EEP0KTS OF DEPARTMENT OF INSTRUCTION.

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parative anatomy and the classification of animals, and by affording some opportunity for the determination and study of species in ornithology; and this is done with the hope of interesting the students to some extent in the observation of the animal life of their neighborhoods. Many of the principles of general biology are introduced and discussed from time to time in connection with those parts of the course best calculated to suggest and illustrate them. Quizzes and examinations are based largely on cyclostyle outlines of lectures and on the students' own notes of his laboratory work. The entomological work labors under peculiar embarrassment from its position in the course. I t is, in fact, one of the most difficult and complicated branches of zoology; but is now taught to students in their freshman year, before they have had any zoology whatever. I am satisfied that neither the natural history nor the agricultural students derive the benefit from this subject which they would receive if it came in the corresponding term of the sophomore year; but the difficulty of changing the position of a single study in a programme so complicated as ours makes me hesitate to ask that any change be made. I t is proper, however, that I enter this plea, to be taken into account whenever circumstances may require the arrangement of studies to be recast. At present I aim to give the students of entomology a knowledge of the general features of the anatomy, physiology, and classification of insects, chiefly by lectures; to give considerable practice in the collection, preservation and determination of specimens, and to make the class acquainted with the life history and economic relations of a moderate number of the species most important to agriculture and horticulture. The University collection in entomology—largely increased in the last two years—has been removed to the students' laboratory, thoroughly overhauled, relabeled, and rearranged, and made a model collection for reference and imitation. I am pleased to notice that with the increasing difficulty of our courses the average ability of the students in my classes, both general and special, has very decidedly improved. The spirit of the students is excellent, on the whole, and the results of the work are gratifying.

E E P O R T BY CHARLES W. E O L F E , M. S., DR.

PROFESSOR OF GEOLOGY.

8. H. PEABODY, Regent: DEAR S I R : — I herewith present my report as professor of geology and physiology for the year 1887-88: During the first term a class composed mainly of sophomores from the colleges of agriculture, natural science* and literature and science, was instructed in anatomy and physiology.