282 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



most effectual medium through which the value of the collegiate 

 education is to be made known to the world. 



The power of communicating and transmitting ideas with the 

 human voice in an interesting and impressive manner, is one of 

 the greatest gifts bestowed upon man, and its culture in an in- 

 stitution like this should not only be encouraged, but carefully 

 guarded and earnestly recommended. 



The graduating class, consisting of twenty-seven members, 

 acquitted themselves with great credit in their several examina- 

 tions and graduating exercises. Their uniformly gentlemanly 

 bearing and manly appearance were noticeable in a marked de- 

 gree. No one could look upon that company of young men 

 without realizing the wisdom and foresight of those minds that 

 originated the idea of requiring " military tactics " to be taught 

 in agricultural colleges. The influence of their military train- 

 ing was so manifest, not only upon their general physical health 

 and development, but also in those indispensable attributes 

 which help make a true gentleman, that we do not believe too 

 much importance can be laid upon this branch of their educa- 

 tion, both as exerting a healthful influence upon the students 

 themselves, and as a safeguard for the protection of our country 

 in the future. 



We regard the professors in the several departments to bo 

 eminently qualified for the work assigned them, — earnest, zeal- 

 ous workers for the interests of the College ; and no one more 

 so than the honored President, whose very being is inseparably 

 connected with the best interests of the College and farm. For- 

 tunate indeed that its management has fallen into so able hands. 



We are happy to say that the recommendation of your pre- 

 vious committee relative to the establishment of a professorship 

 of veterinary science has been heeded, and such professorship 

 has been established, an appointment made, and the science 

 will hereafter be thoroughly taught. 



The farm itself has been examined with considerable care, 

 with a view of determining what was the mode of farming 

 adopted, and the practical result to the College and community 

 of any experiments that may have been tried for the purpose of 

 ascertaining what crops to raise and how to raise them, so that 

 they should return the greatest profit to the producer. 



The farming has been under the immediate supervision of 



