REPORT OF THE PROFESSOR OF ZOOLOGY. XXXlll 



tions, gathering specimens of soil for analysis, and picking up what informa- 

 tion I could from those who had cultivated these plains. I am now making an 

 analysis of seven specimens of this soil. The native grasses of these plains 

 have been submitted to Prof. Beal for examination and identification. 



The people of these new counties recognize the fact that lumbering will 

 soon be a thing of the past in that region, that some new industry must take 

 its place if the region is not to be abandoned to primeval silence and savagery, 

 and they look to the Agricultural College for aid in developing the agricul- 

 tural capabilities of this large region, and the chemical department is endeav- 

 oring to do what it can in this direction. If more than a score of counties of 

 such soil can be brought into successful cultivation and dotted with smilins: 

 homes, an inestimable good will be conferred upon our State. If, on the other 

 hand, these soils are incapable of successful cultivation, this fact should be 

 known and the failure and heart-break of unsuccessful pioneering be prevented. 



METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. 



The tri-daily meteorological observations have been carried on during the 

 year. These observations have been made continuously since April, 1863, and 

 the results given to the public in the Reports of the Board. 



farmers' institutes. 



The six Farmers' Institutes under the patronage of the State Board of 

 Agriculture were successfully conducted in different parts of the State last 

 February. I attended and took part in the Institutes at Eochester and at 

 East Saginaw. 



LABORATORY REPAIRS. 



The stone coping on the new part of the laboratory has been satisfactorily 

 placed and the new tin roof on the north wing has been put on. The results 

 in both cases have been satisfactory. The laboratory as a whole is in good 

 repair. 



I conclude my brief report by congratulating you on your successful admin- 

 istration for the year, and thanking you for the cordial support you have uni- 

 formly given this department. 



R C. KEDZIE, 



Agricultural College, I Prof, of Uliemistry. 



November 1st, 1886. \ 



\ 



REPORT OF THE PROFESSOR OF ZOOLOGY AND ENTOMOLOGY. 



Agricultural College, Michigan, 

 October 1, 1886. 

 To the President : 



The past year in the Zoological Department has been exceptionally pleasant 

 and profitable. The classes have been large, the students very punctual and 



E 



