56 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



stimulating manures ; or if a summer drowth is apprehended, its 

 deleterious effects may be avoided by the earliest possible planting 

 and by deep tillage, so that the crops may be well rooted and grown 

 before the soil becomes dry. 



Mathematics, Surveying, Engineering and Mechanics. This 

 department would involve instruction in algebra, geometry, trigo- 

 nometry and conic sections applied to surveying, leveling, topo- 

 graphical surveying and plotting, with the use of compass, level 

 and other instruments in the field ; in mechanics and engineering 

 especially as applied to agricultural machinery and processes, to 

 rural architecture, arches, framing, road making, bridge building, 

 etc., with drawing and design. 



In the course of instruction, declamation, composition and de- 

 bating would be included ; and it is extremely desirable to add all 

 those branches that are most closely allied to manufactures and 

 commerce, and thus afford an education to the sons of our mechan- 

 ics and merchants as well as the farmer. 



Although we deem it inexpedient now to determine upon any 

 fixed definite plan, for which ample time is allowed, yet we enter- 

 tain no doubt that the very terms of the act donating the lands 

 indicate an institution entirely distinct and radically different from 

 any other heretofore founded in the State ; for had it contemplated 

 or desired its connection with any other schools, the grant would 

 have doubtless been expressly made for the purpose of increasing 

 the facilities of those already in operation. 



It is also equally clear that a scientific education will as efiect- 

 ually prepare our young men for practical life, as a classical train- 

 ing would qualify them for literary pursuits or professional life. 

 Hence there is no necessary connection between the two systems, 

 and it is sufficiently obvious that an independent college was 

 designed. We therefore append to this report a series of resolu- 

 tions which comprehend the leading features indicated by the act 

 or which are palpably necessary in themselves. 



As we look through the long perspective aisles of the future, we 

 catch a glimpse of a coming golden age ; when every branch of 

 natural science, every art, every weapon of obsolete warfare, shall 

 contribute to bring the art of agriculture to -perfection ; when our 

 vast area shall become one great, fertile garden, teeming with busy 

 manufacturing villages and cities, and our keels shall plough every 

 sea, transporting our surplus materials, enhanced in value by the 



