AIMS AND METHODS OF THE STATE COLLEGE. 21 



of establishing a college on an independent basis ; which is evi- 

 dently most in conformity with the design of the original grant. 

 Among the advantages of an independent organization are the 

 absence of all invidious distinctions among students pursuing 

 different courses of study, uniformity in the requirements of man- 

 ual labor and practical studies, and greater economy on the part 

 of the students. There a^3 not such strong inducements to 

 extravagance as surround pupils in our older literary institutions, 

 where every generation seems to impose new customs, more costly 

 and imperious than those which have come down from previous 

 classes. These are the fashions that lay such a heavy tax upon 

 students, many of' whom, from their limited resources are little 

 able to bear the load. There is no need of a costly gymnasium 

 with its apparatus for physical training ; no boat club is needed to 

 develop muscular energy, with such a depletion of the purse, and 

 drain upon the morals, as usually attends such sports. On the 

 contrary, there is found a value in such muscular activity, that in 

 its ti-aining can be made useful, and thus rendered more capable 

 of ultimate utility. For the more thoroughly the idea of value is 

 attached to power, the more certainly will the expenditure of 

 power have an economic, as well as a disciplinary use. An inde- 

 pendent institution is tied down to no servile compliance with 

 antique formulas "of education. In the broad domain of knowledge 

 it is free to seize upon that which brings the most ample rewards. 

 It can heed all the lessons of experience, and have the vitality and 

 freshness of youth. 



The Maine State College is not a professional school to prepare 

 the students exclusively for any trade or occupation in life. It is 

 not designed alone for those who are to be farmers and mechanics. 

 It does not teach fully the art of farming, or any of the useful arts. 

 A full knowledge of any art, and skill and proficiency in its use, 

 can only be attained by one who gives his exclusive attention to 

 such an avocation, as the business of life. Its design is to lay the 

 broad, deep foundations of a liberal education which is best adapted 

 to industrial pursuits ; so that in whatever department of industry 

 it graduates may enter, they will be successful business men, 

 farmers or mechanics ; and also intelligent educated men ; pre- 

 pared to guide the thought and intelligence of the whole community 

 where they dwell. 



It is not a high school nor an academy ; for its course of study 

 lies beyond the range of the studies taught in these institutions ; 



