Repository: UIHistories Project: Course Catalog - 1893-1894 [PAGE 28]

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

Shorter courses are provided for those who already have a good scienti6c education, and for those who desire to pursue the technical studies with special reference to their practical applications. This college has the advantage of a close connection with the other colleges of the University, especially with the College of Science. The libraries, laboratories, museums, and collections of the University are a part of its equipment.

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION.

So far as is practicable, the professional studies are taught after a study of the sciences with which agriculture is most closely related. They are taught mainly by lectures, with use of text-books, where suitable ones are available. Readings are prescribed in standard agricultural books and periodicals. Large use is made of the publications of agricultural experiment stations. Frequent written or oral discussions of the principles taught are required of the student. Principles are also illustrated by observations in the fields, stables, orchards, gardens, etc., of the University, or in the vicinity. The constant aim is to aid the student in forming habits of careful and accurate observation and investigation; to lead him to seek the reasons for agricultural methods, as well as to learn rules of practice; to teach him how to use the sources of knowledge concerning agriculture; and to help him to become an intelligent, progressive citizen and business man. The Agricultural Experiment Station, with a farm of 170 acres and suitable buildings, exhibitsfieldexperiments in testing the different varieties and modes of culture offieldcrops, and in the comparison and treatment of soils. It carries on experiments in agriculture, horticulture, dairying,and 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. A dairy house, fitted with a cream separator, apparatus for deep and shallow setting of milk, churns, etc., is used in illustration of dairy processes. 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, models, and skeletons of domestic animals, charts, and other apparatus, including a large number of models of agricultural machinery.