Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1894 [PAGE 22]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

PROCEEDINGS OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

23

I t is believed valuable help could be given by officers of the State Board of Agriculture, the State Dairymens' Association, editors of agricultural or live stock papers, etc. In former years much work has been done by members of the faculty of the college of agriculture in the way of lecturing before farmers' institutes, dairy and horticultural meetings, etc. Good has been done. One necessary limitation to the highest usefulness ot" farmers' institutes has been in the fact t h a t the instruction given has been fragmentary brief addresses or discussions on each of a considerable number of separate subjects. Interesting and useful as these have often been, it is believed much greater good would result if it were practicable so to arrange them t h a t series of lectures, demonstrations, or discussions could be given on different phases of one subject. Several courses of lectures on subjects directly connected with agriculture are offered by members of the faculty of the University and of the Experiment Station staff in the announcement for university extension work by this University. There are practical difficulties in arranging for the regular University extension work in rural communities. I believe it possible to combine the farmers' institute and the convention or annual meeting of agricultural, dairy, or horticultural associations with the universitynextension idea and work in a way t h a t would enable the University, through the college of agriculture and the Agricultural Expsriment Station, to reach a larger number and give more valuable instruction than we have yet found practicable. Without now attempting to give details of the plan, I suggest that, in connection with the societies or associations most interested, at least three special "schools" be held during the coming winter in different portions of the State. One, preferably in the northern part of the State, could be devoted to dairying; one to general agriculture or stock-breeding, and one to horticulture. These "schools" might continue one or two weeks each, and in them instruction could be given daily by lecturers representing t h e University; t h i s to be combined with the presentation of practical experience by members of the societies co-operating. I t is believed the expenses of such meetings might be largely borne by those interested in the localities in which they would be held, the University paying the expenses of the lecturers furnished by it. These general suggestions are respectfully submitted,

G. E. MORROW.

Professor Morrow also submits the following, and the suggestions merit favorable action:

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, Sept. 12, 1892.

Dr. T. J. Burrill, Acting Begent, DEAR SIR:—As chairman of the committee appointed by t h e faculty to advance the work of preparing the exhibit to be made by t h e University a t the World's Columbian Exposition, I respectfully request t h a t the attention of the board of trustees be called to the desirability of having a small fund from which payment may be made, as needed, for services rendered or purchases made in preparing this exhibit, in advance of payment by the Illinois Board of Commissioners; all money so paid to be returned to this fund as final payment is made by the commissioners. In some cases inconvenience is caused by the present arrangement. The sum of $500 would probably be ample. I would also respectfully call attention to the fact t h a t the annual meeting of the Association of American Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations is to be held at New Orleans, beginning Nov. 15th. I t has been the custom to appoint some one as the authorized representative of the University at these meetings, and to provide for payment of his expenses. The University and the Experiment Station axe each entitled to one delegate.

G. E. MORROW.