76 * STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



positions for them in the summer vacation, which resulted in the plac- 

 ing of six men in milk plants, creameries and on dairy farms for the 

 summer of 1906. 



• Yours respectfully, 



ROBERT S. SHAW, 

 Professor of Agriculture. 

 Agricultural College, June 30, 1906. 



REPORT OF THE MILITARY DEPARTMENT. 



President J. L. Snyder: 



Sir — I have the honor to submit my report of the military depart- 

 ment for the year ending June 30, 1906. 



I reported for duty at the college September 15, 1905. At the be- 

 ginning of the fall term, September 19, 1905, I found the battalion 

 very much disorganized and the drill at best very indifferent. The first 

 condition was due to the seniors dropping out of drill. Last school 

 year they were obliged to drill, this year it was made optional, as a 

 result all dropped out but seven. The indifference in drill, I believe, 

 was due to a condition of affairs in this department which has gradu- 

 ally developed until this inefficiency and lack of interest became most 

 glaring, as shown by the report of inspection of last yesir. 



During the fall and winter terms I have divided my time among the 

 various organizations, striving to acquaint myself with the men and to 

 observe the effort made by them individually. The last half of the 

 fall term and first half of the winter term the new men only drill, the 

 drill being held in the armory. In order to get in the prescribed time, 

 three companies drilled each day instead of one as had been done in 

 previous years. Drill was held five times a week during this period. 

 As there are five companies, each company drilled three times a week. 

 The last half of the winter term all cadets are due for drill and on 

 account of the increased strength of the companies only two companies 

 drilled each dav in the armorv, the third hour being devoted to theoreti- 

 cal work. During the fall and winter terms the band practiced five 

 hours a week, thus putting in a good deal more time than actually 

 scheduled, but which resulted in developing a most creditable band. 



I feel quite encouraged as to the result of my work. I believe the 

 increased interest and consequent improvement to be quite marked. 

 The work of the corps is far from that degree of efficiency which I de- 

 sire, but which I believe is being gradually attained. 



Major J. S. Mallory, General Staff, U. S. Army, inspected the corps 

 May 16th last, a month previous to the close of the college year. The 

 military exercises ordered by the inspector were as follows: Review, 

 battalion inspection, dress parade, battalion drill in close order, com- 

 pany drills in close and extended order, signal drill, and litter drill. 

 The inspector stated that the ceremonies in general were well 



