568 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Mr. Harrison then moved to strike out all that part of the report relating to 

 Ayrshire cattle. A lengthy discussion was had on the question, in which most 

 of the members took part. 



The ayes and nays were called for, and the motion was lost by the following 

 vote: 



u4yes— Messrs. Sterling, Chamberlain, Harrison, and Gilbert— 4. 



iViays— Messrs. Rising, Hanford, Ball, Lessiter, Mitchell, Hyde, Reed, Smith Bur- 

 rington, Wood, Parsons, Angel, Howard, Butterfield, Anderson, the President, 

 Treasurer, and the Secretary — 18. 



The report was then on motion adopted, as follows : 



To the President and Executive Committee of the State Agricultural Society: 



Gentlemen — Your committee charged with the responsibility of examining into 

 the management of the Agricultural College and College Farm, and reporting to 

 your honorable body, beg leave to say, that their opportunities for observation and 

 examination have been too limited to make such report as will meet your expecta- 

 tions, or do justice to the great interests involved, yet they have from their own 

 personal observations and inquiries, positive views and convictions in relation to 

 this Institution and its usefulness to the State. As you are well aware, the location 

 in point of natural richness of soil was unfortunate, much of the cultivated part of 

 the farm being of light soil, requiring constant enrichment to secure satisfactory 

 returns. Of course, under no circumstances was it ever expected that the enterprise 

 would be in an\' sense pecuniarily remunerative. The design in each and every step 

 the institution lias taken, has been "educational" and the results secured in relation 

 to individual graduation do not by any means or in any principal degree, measure its 

 wise, favorable influences upon the State. For a long period it occupied a doubtful 

 position, lacking tlie confidence and earnest sympathy of the very interest it was 

 established to subserve. It was a first experiment in the whole country — looked 

 upon with jealousy by our own State, the needed funds required for development in 

 its early history being often withheld. It thei-efore, encountered hostility and dis- 

 couragement. It had a trial period — less severe, perhaps, than institutions sustained 

 by the voluntary contributions of the public, but still of a nature to materially hold 

 ill question the wisdom of its establishment. It lias, however, passed through that 

 crisis, and the universal verdict of those most familiar with its methods of impart- 

 ing instruction, and its efforts to develop into a noble manhood the students brought 

 imder tlie influence of the facultj-, is that it has vindicated its right to existence, and 

 to the material aid the State has extended. It is no trifle to build up an educational 

 institution under most favorable circumstances, and especially where precedents are 

 to be established and a new track laid out. It seems to have been a step in the 

 right direction, and a wise one for the farming interest of the State. It is estimated 

 that fifty per cent of the students graduated make farming the occupation of their 

 lives. Admitting this to be true, tlie practical and wise influence over the State of 

 such a power, can hardly be overestimated. It broadens and elevates the agricult- 

 uraUnterest, giving character, independence and self-assertion. Those best acquainted 

 with the intellectual and practical development resultant from the courses of 

 instructian in this college believe that its failure would be a serious public calamity, 

 and that its support in this great farming State should be willing and generous. 



The institution appears thorough and satisfactory, and the hearty accord which 

 exists between the faculty and students is an evidence of the high character of the 

 institution and its duo appreciation. The influence for good of this institution is 

 not confined to the college proper. The series of Farmers' Institutes under the con- 

 trol of the faculty are a rich boon to all who come under their influence. Thus far, 

 your committee, without any undue prejudice in favor of this institution, areof 

 opinion that it is wisely managed, and is steadily answering the ends of its organiz- 

 ation; but we believe it has another duty to perform in the establishment of a 

 department of mechanics. The law which created the college authorized this 

 department. It is of recognized value in similar State Institutions, and we earnestly 

 recommend its consideration by the legislature now in session. 



The stock at the college has"^ been greatly improved. We find them kept in fair 

 breeding condition and they are economically fed. Some cattle have been added to 

 the herds tiie past year. The Hereford and the Holstein cows are very fine speci- 

 anens of these breeds. 



After looking at the cattle and examining the milk records published in the report 

 of the superintendent, we are inclined to the opinion that the resolution of the 



