284 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



condition. The influence upon the students can but be of a 

 healthy character. It cannot well be dispensed with, and 

 should receive the attention its importance demands. 



The farm buildings, including the barn and sheds, are now 

 in very fine condition. The erection of the sheds already re- 

 ferred to supplies a much-needed demand. They are con- 

 structed with a view of providing for the comfort of the 

 animals, and great convenience in their care ; and although 

 not entirely Completed at the last visit of the Committee, yet 

 they had so far progressed towards completion as to indicate 

 their value. 



The labor about the barn in the care of the stock, we were 

 informed, was principally performed by the students, and 

 evinced care and economy in its management. 



The live stock generally was in good condition, consisting of 

 nineteen swine and seven horses, and about sixty head of cattle, 

 largely of thoroughbreds, and representing seven different 

 breeds. 



"We, however, would suggest that this branch of the agricult- 

 ural part of the College is one which requires in its manage- 

 ment great skill and sound judgment, and in our opinion the 

 selection and breeding of stock for the farm should be entrusted 

 to the care of one man who is thoroughly acquainted with his 

 business, and who from his experimental knowledge is able to 

 determine what particular breeds and crosses are the most 

 profitable ; and especially so that when he is convinced that a 

 particular breed or animal is unprofitable for the farm, he may 

 have full power and authority to discard it and introduce 

 others in its place. 



The experiences of stock raisers in different sections of the 

 country have been so varied, owing to the difference in climate, 

 quality of food and various other causes, that no general and 

 fixed rule has been or can be adopted which seems wise or safe 

 to follow. Hence the necessity of placing the care of so impor- 

 tant a branch, and one upon which so largely rests the reputa- 

 tion of this institution, in the hands of one who himself person- 

 ally is able to trace the history and results of his experiments 

 in this regard from day to day. 



We are gratified that so much care has been already taken, 

 and that recently a new interest has been awakened in this re- 



