Repository: UIHistories Project: Course Catalog - 1877-1878 Version B [PAGE 21]

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College of Agriculture.

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of the first half of the term is spent in the orchards, nurseries, and forests, making observations and collections, and in laboratory work, determining species, varieties, etc. A large collection of apples, pears, grapes, peaches, etc., is made each year, and the chief characteristics of each pointed out. Practice is also had in making drawings and plaster casts. Written descriptions of the fruits .are carefully made and compared with those given in the books, and systems of analysis and classification put to practical test. Students see and perform the skilled operations usually practiced in the propagation and growth of trees. Pruning and training by various methods, especially of grapes, are discussed in the class-room, and illustrated upon the grounds. Students also study the injurious insects and fungi which cause or accompany diseases of trees 'and fruits, and the methods of preventing or diminishing their ravages. The native forests of the vicinity and of the country at large are studied as a foundation for the lessons upon the influence and value of timber and other trees, and their artificial culture. For the latter, the forest tree plantation on the University grounds, and the arboretum, afford practical illustration. Downing's " Fruits and Fruit Trees of America " ; Warder's " Pomology " ; Thomas' " Fruit Culturist"; Grigor's " Arboriculture"; Brown's "The Forester"; and Bryant's "Forest Tree Culturist," are important books of reference. Plant Houses and Management.—This study includes garden and landscape architecture, the methods of construction, heating and ventilation and general management, so as to secure, under the different circumstances, the best plant growth. The classroom work consists of lectures and architectural designing and drawing. Illustration and practice are afforded by the planthouses of the University. Landscape Gardening.—Eleven weeks are devoted to this study. Lectures are given upon the general principles of the art, the history and styles, the kinds and use of trees, shrubs, grass and flowers, the introduction and management of water, the construction and laying out of drives and walks, fences, buildings, etc. The class draw first from copy, then, after the actual study of some locality with its environments, design and draw full plans for its improvement, indicating position of all prominent objects, including the kinds and groups of trees and other plants. These plans, with specifications, are to be deposited in the library of the school. Excursions are made when found practicable for the study of public and private grounds. Important reference books are: Downing's "Landscape Gardening"; Weideman's "Beautifying Country Homes" ; Robinson's "Parks, Promenades and Gardens of Paris."