200 



entific perfection of our scheme of studies demand it. We shall do this 

 independently of any consideration as to the disposition of the lands 

 appropriated by the State for agricultural education. Our aim is to 

 make the University one of the first in our country, and, if we can, se- 

 cond to none in the world ; and therefore, there is no branch of know- 

 ledge that we can lawfully omit. 



If you ask for my private sentiments iu regard to a separate AgTi- 

 cultural School, I will state them frankly, for I have nothing to conceal 

 on this subject. Having no property interest in this State, I certainly 

 may claim to be free from all sectional and local jealousy and compe- 

 tition. My judgment is, therefore, that whether we consult economy, 

 or the possibility of creating any great and perfect institution of learn- 

 ing, we must concentrate our means and endeavors. We may establish 

 one Univei-sity when we cannot establish half a. dozen. And it is bet- 

 ter to have one great institution, than half a dozen abortions. One 

 gj-eat institution must be located somewhere, because we cannot locate 

 it everywhere ; let us not split it into little pieces, which shall have no 

 strength and value anywhere. An agricultural department belongs to 

 the University. We aheady have the apparatus, the books, and the 

 Professor, for this coui'se of instruction. Why then begin an entirely 

 new institution ? It is impossible to conceive of any benefit in separa- 

 ting. Manifold and apparent are the benefits to be derived from con- 

 centration. 



If other countries have separate agricultural institutions, it must be 

 recollected they are older and richer, and have already concentrated 

 ample means in creating great institutions. If divisions become expe- 

 dient in time, they cannot be expedient in the early existence of edu- 

 cational institutions. Besides, even in the older countries, as I have 

 already stated, comparatively few are educated at the separate agricul- 

 tural schools. 



The inhabitants of Detroit might have established the Observatory in 

 their own city, and they might have pleaded the Observatorj- of Green- 

 wich as a precedent. But they have wisely placed it in connection 

 with the University, thus adding a glorious pillar to the great temple of 

 knowledge which we are endeavoring to build for the honor of our 

 State, and our whole country. 



