30 DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 



amount be in the regular appropriation bill. Mr. Hatch did not discover the 

 error in the haste of the closing session (I was not present, the college then 

 being in session), and the omission was not noticed till after Congress 

 adjourned. The comptroller of the treasury holds that the money is not 

 appropriated. But the law is the law of the land, and under it we have the 

 claim for the $15,000 a year as completely as any United States official for 

 his salary. The matter will need looking after, however, and it is to be 

 hoped that we shall not only at the next session of Congress obtain the 

 appropriation for next year, but as a deficiency for this year. We shall 

 know by the opening of the next spring what the fate of this year's appro- 

 priation may be in time for the initiation of the work. 



This act, if rendered efficient by the requisite appropriations, opens up a 

 wide field of usefulness for the college, which should be maturely considered 

 and systematically entered upon. The second section of the act gives the 

 scope of the experiments. The details of a plan for the work will in due 

 time be presented to you for your consideration. All the heads of depart- 

 ments of the college relating to agriculture are studying the subject and will 

 in the plan submit suggestions. 



Before concluding, I feel that I ought to add a few words in commending 

 the very valuable services of our secretary, Henry G. Reynolds. The wisdom 

 of his appointment has been demonstrated. A thorough book-keeper, he 

 has kept all the complicated accounts and the different funds in such a state 

 of daily accuracy as to show at any moment their true standing. As our 

 purchasing agent he has been conservative, economical and firm in his adminis- 

 tration. Being a graduate of the college, he knows thoroughly all its wants, 

 and has been of great assistance to us all, and to me especially. He is popular 

 with the students and with the alumni. He is a hard worker, and keeps well 

 in hand all the details of the business part of the institution. With him 

 standing guard over the finances, we need not fear the closest scrutiny at any 

 moment. 



In conclusion I have only to add my gratitude for the continued hearty 

 support of the board and the facultv. 



EDWIN WILLITS. 



June 30, 1887. 



REPORT OF THE PROFESSOR OF AGRICULTURE AND SUPERINTENDENT 



OF THE FARM. 



To the President of the College: 



Deak Sir, — I herewith submit my report of the work of the Agricultural 

 Department for the nine months ending June 30, 1887: 



INSTRUCTION. 



The whole number who have received instruction in Practical Agriculture 

 during the time covered by this report is as follows: Freshmen, 71; 

 Sophomores, 60. 



