Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1894 [PAGE 21]

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22

UNIVERSITY

OF

ILLINOIS.

the honor and advantage to himself. If it should be thought best to make such a scholarship good for four years, one should be still offered each year. Another similar method of bringing the University before t h e people has been suggested: viz., the award of a scholarship in the preparatory department to the pupil who passes t h e best examination in each of t h e township examinations now held under t h e county superintendent in a good many counties. Here, also, t h e annual offer should be made for reasons above mentioned. Should you deem it wise to authorize procedure in one or both of these ways, I suggest t h a t the subject be referred to the faculty for elaboration. But scholarships for the preparatory school can be thought of in connection only with a reorganization of our preparatory instruction. Last year authority was given to procure a certificate to be presented to each of our accredited schools. I t was, however, found impossible to secure what was deemed desirable within the assignment made for t h e purpose, and nothing was done. By leaving out the cuts of t h e buildings, which it was then proposed to have on the certificate, it is now found t h a t 200 copies from a suitably engraved plate can be had for $67.50. Your approval of t h e purchase is solicited. A silver medal was awarded the University of Illinois by t h e Paris Exposition three years ago. I t has not been received. A recent communication from Dr. Peabody gives the information t h a t this is because the price, 35 francs, was not forwarded. The faculty has referred t h e subject to you with the opinion expressed t h a t the medal should be obtained, if still possible. Will you direct what action shall be taken? I herewith present a report by Professor Morrow, of t h e agricultural department, containing, besides t h e usual business statements, suggestions in regard to plans of instruction to which your considerate attention is asked.

AGRICULTURAL R E P O R T . U N I V E R S I T Y OF ILLINOIS, Sept. 12, 1892.

Dr. T. J. Burrill, Acting Regent, D E A R SIR:—I respectfully present the following report for the three months ending Sept. 1, 1892: The receipts from the University farms were. $960 25 T h e expenditures were 1,106 17 Balance against the farms $145 92 The yield of hay was more than usually large. About 200 tons were secured in good condition. The yield of wheat was good, but t h e quality of the grain was inferior. The army worm seriously reduced t h e yield of oats. About 1,800 bushels were threshed. The corn crop promises a fair average yield, unless injured by frost within ten days. The live stock is in a good health and condition. In regard to the work of instruction in the college of agriculture i t has been earnestly hoped t h a t the changes made in the course of study; offering greater freedom of selection and a choice of several lines of scientific work would bring some increase of students. The experience here, and at other institutions of somewhat similar character, seems to make it certain, however, t h a t for the present it is to short courses t h a t we must look for any considerable number of students of agriculture. The changes made in t h e short course offered here are believed to be such as will make it more useful and popular. I respectfully recommend t h a t special efforts be made to attract attention to the three months' winter course by securing a brief course of lectures or addresses by men of reputation as stockmen or general farmers.