42 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



astronomical telescope with 5-iiich object glass of Alvin Clavk & Sons, S450. 

 A sextant, provided with artificial horizon, of Fantli & Co., Wasiiington, $100. 

 A stereopticon, with ]10 views, of Milligan & Co., Philadelphia, $100. Phi- 

 losophical charts and key to the same of Andrews & Co., Chicago, $14. The 

 instruments add much to the value of the instruction given by this department. 

 Their usefulness would however be much increased could the department have 

 a class-room for its exclusive use. Very respectfully, 



H. C. CAllPENTER. 



REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 



August 31st, 1879. 

 To the President of the Agricultural College : 



I herewith submit the report of the work of the department for the year just 

 closed. 



All of our work being more or less experimental, we make no apology because 

 the orchards, gardens, etc., do not return a profit. Instead of growing one or 

 two of the most profitable kinds of strawberries, we have 70 varieties, requiring 

 at least five times the labor tiiat it would to grow an equal area of one kind. 

 The same is true of the orchards and gardens. 



The old vegetable garden near the professors' houses has been graded and 

 seeded for a lawn, except the plats of sti-awberries, and they will be moved next 

 season. The vegetables were planted in what was field No. 1 of the farm. 

 This field, containing about five acres, is being fitted for a permanent garden. 

 It was uneven, only partially drained, and somewhat stony. It was thought 

 best to get it into good shape as soon as possible, therefore it has been graded, 

 stones cleared off, subsoiled, a part of it well manured, tile drained, and the 

 remainder sowed to green crops and plowed under. As was to be expected, the 

 crops for the year have been only medium, yet sufficient to supply the boarding 

 hall and houses on the grounds. After working this piece of land one more 

 year we expect to make the vegetable garden a source of profit to the depart- 

 ment, if the experimental crops are not included. 



The farm lane fences that formerly separated the College lawns and orchard, 

 have been removed, and the whole front of the College, about 90 acres, thrown 

 into one enclosure which contains all the College buildings, lawns, orchards, 

 gardens, experimental plats, &c. Carriage drives have been laid oirt so that 

 visitors may drive to any part of the grounds to inspect the work of the 

 department. The removal of the fences has added greatly to the apparent 

 extent and beauty of the place. 



During the last fall and spring terms we set out two rows of American Elms 

 along the road in front of the College. The rows are IG feet apart, and the 

 trees were planted every 40 feet, one row alternating with the other, forming 

 an unbroken double row of trees one mile long, containing 28"^ trees. They 

 were mulched with sawdust, and only five of the entire lot died during the year. 



A new board fence has been built from the north entrance to the east side 

 of the farm, and the grading of the sidewalk completed. The walk extends 

 the whole distance, one mile, and will in time be completely covered by the 

 branches of the trees. This will add very much to the attractions of the 

 College grounds. 



