Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1890 [PAGE 36]

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PROCEEDINGS O F BOARD O F TRUSTEES.

39

an engagement as first assistant chemist of the Experiment Station in September last. He has thus far acquitted himself well both as an investigator and as an instructor. No other changes have occurred in the working force of the University.

FINANCIAL REPORTS.

I present herewith the usual report of the work of the University in its business departments during the year now closing. I t will be seen t h a t in each of these departments, except the machine shop, there is a small balance on the credit side of the account, and t h a t the aggregate also shows a credit balance. The machine shop does very little of what has been styled commercial work, and most of t h a t has been in the nature of repairs on University property. No profit can be charged upon such work, yet it is a convenience and a saving to have the work so done. But while the activity of the department is confined to such, work and to instruction, it is hardly possible t h a t it shall be even self-supporting. The much larger volume of work shown by the carpenter shop appears from the fact t h a t the building on account of the Experiment Station has all been done through this department. This is reported as "work for other parties," because the accounts of the University and of the Experiment Station are carefully kept distinct. I t is hoped t h a t improving seasons and markets for farm products, will hereafter enable us to show a better report from the farm, in as much as the stock-farm is no longer required toD carry the expenses of agricultural experiment, except as all farm work is an experiment. Some confusion of thought has grown in the public mind out of the fact t h a t this institution has managed two distinct farms. The one, a very considerable body of land, has been used chiefly for experimental work, which is always costly and seldom remunerative. The other farm, a valuable property, has been managed as a business operation, but has always had to carry the losses of the experimental farm, and has therefore never been able to present a full account of its real service to the University. I n regard to the horticultural department, mention should be made of t h e fact t h a t it has annually furnished a stock of plants for bedding'in t h e grounds, which, if quoted at even wholesale market prices, would materially enlarge the credit to t h a t account. I t is, however, not probable t h a t the plants would be bought if they had to be paid for in cash.

FINANCIAL REPORT. The Department of Agriculture. 610 acres 100 " 100 " 410 " 105 " 110 " 195 " 6,000 2.550

$700 00 2,900 00 1,840 00

The University farm contains Occupied in public grounds, etc The Experiment Station has occupied during the last year... The department of agriculture has used about In meadow was In pastu • e In tillage The products in 1888, farm and Station, were—corn, bushels. Oats Seeds and ensilage Value of gra n and forage produced Hay, 240 tons