Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1890 [PAGE 216]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

SPECIAL STUDIES.

219

The first half of the fall term is devoted t o the study of t h e n a t u r a l orders of flowering plants, their geographical distribut i o n , importance, etc., together with a history of a few special p l a n t s and their products. During this time, students analyze in the l a b o r a t o r y flowering plants of the more difficult orders, composite, graminese, etc., especially such as are best obtained in a u t u m n . During the last half of the term the general morphology of plants, including vegetable a n a t o m y and histology, is studied, practical l a b o r a t o r y work with the microscope being t h e basis of the instruction. The special morphology of the g r e a t divisions of t h e vegetable kingdom, their chief characteristics, their classifications, a n d t h e identification of species of flowerless plants, constit u t e the work of the second term. Special a t t e n t i o n is given t o injurious fungi. Aquaria furnish numerous kinds of fresh water algae, and the greenhouses supply specimens in nearly all t h e g r o u p s studied. Vegetable Physiology is studied in the third term. The instruction is given by lectures or text-book, and by experimental practice. The work includes: The food of p l a n t s and its absorpt i o n and assimilation; fluids, their kinds, uses, causes of movement, t r a n s p i r a t i o n , respiration, etc.; processes, peculiarities, a n d results of growth ; relations and effects of temperature, light, g r a v i t a t i o n , etc.; self and cross-fertilization, movements, " sleep of p l a n t s , " tendrils, climbing vines, etc. F o r illustration the school has a collection of a b o u t one t h o u s a n d species of the plants indigenous t o the S t a t e of Illinois, including a very nearly complete set of the grasses ; a collection of Eocky mountain and western p l a n t s ; and m a n y others obtained by exchange from various p a r t s of the United States. A collection of fungi contains numerous species. The greenhouses and out-door p l a n t a t i o n s furnish a large a m o u n t of illustrative material for the classes. Enlarged papier mache models of flowers and fruits, exhibiting structure and development, are in the cabinet. T h r o u g h o u t the course the a t t e m p t is made t o introduce the s t u d e n t s t o t h e literature of t h e various subjects a n d t o acquaint them with the authorities for the facts stated. Microscopy.—Students have in this study further practice in t h e use of the compound microscope, the management of light for particular purposes, the testing of lenses, measurement of magnifying powers and angles of aperture, drawing and photog r a p h i n g objects, the p r e p a r a t i o n and m o u n t i n g of material, etc. The application is mainly, b u t n o t exclusively, devoted t o vegetable tissues and products. The special aim is t o afford the o p p o r t u n i t y of gaining a skillful and r a t i o n a l use of the instrument, and an acquaintance with the best methods and processes of preparing and