Repository: UIHistories Project: Course Catalog - 1889-1890 [PAGE 43]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

APPARATUS.

41

For details as to the study of botany, chemistry, zoology, entomology, geology, and meteorology, see statements in College of Natural Science.

APPARATUS.

The college has for the illustration of practical agriculture, a stock farm of 400 acres, provided with a large stockbarn fitted up with stables, pens, yards, etc.; also an experiment farm of 180 acres, furnished with all necessary apparatus to illustrate the problems of breeding and feeding. It has fine specimens of neat cattle, Shorthorns, Herefords, Holsteins, and Jerseys, and of Poland-China swine. The Agricultural Experiment Station, recently established as a department of the University, exhibits field experiments in the testing of the different varieties and modes of culture of field crops and in the comparison and treatment of soils. It includes experiments in agriculture and horticulture, under the direction of the professors of agriculture and horticulture, and experiments in feeding animals of different ages and development, upon the various kinds of food. In common with similar departments in the several agricultural colleges of the country, it attempts to create positive knowledge towards the development of an agricultural science. Surveying and drainage are illustrated by field practice, with instruments and by models. Agricultural chemistry is pursued in connection with laboratory practice, in the analysis of soils, fertilizers, foods, etc. The college has fine collections of soils, seeds, plants, implements, skeletons of domestic animals, charts, and other apparatus, including a large number of models of agricultural machinery. Upon the grounds devoted to the use of the college there are: A very large specimen apple orchard, planted in 1869, and originally containing about 1,000 varieties—many varieties of pears, cherries, grapes, and small fruits. A forest tree plantation, embracing the most useful kinds of timber. An aboretum, in which all hardy indigenous and exotic trees are planted as fast as they can be secured, and which now contains nearly 100 varieties. The ornamental grounds which surround the University building contain about twenty acres, and are kept in neat and attractive style.