DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 49 



has been impressed upon us for some time that to meet even in a small way 

 the opportunities before the institution, some specialization must be made 

 in farm mechanics. An option in farm mechanics was therefore arranged 

 by the addition of one subject, Cement and Concrete, and by increasing the 

 credits in three others. We now have a fairly complete group of subjects 

 and teaching personnel. A possible addition would be the outlining course 

 in Agricultural Engineering in which the major part of the undergraduate 

 work is basically engineering. 



Meeting the varied demands in the short courses has become a difficult 

 problem with limited space and equipment located in several buildings. 

 In some cases it has been necessary to carry on two laboratory sections at 

 one time in the same room. Tools, material, and equipment require a high 

 overhead expense for keeping in place and condition for class work under 

 these conditions. 



The attendance in the Tractor Courses was excellent considering the trac- 

 tor situation. It has been our purpose in this course to train tractor opera- 

 tors, and to present the tractor in such way as to encourage its development 

 from a sound business basis. 



The Farm Mechanics Special Eight Weeks' Short Course had an attendance 

 of thirteen. Good interest was shown and it is believed that the special 

 training given in this course can be made immediately applicable to farm 

 and home problems. 



It has been my good fortune to have the heartiest cooperation in the de- 

 partment from all the staff, and I wish to express my appreciation of this 

 support in the highest terms. The transfer of Bert Sangster, Laboratory 

 Assistant, to the Mechanical Engineering department as instructor in black- 

 smithing upon joint recommendation of myself and Professor Dirks, has 

 been a loss to the department but it is thought that Mr. Sangster's experi- 

 ence in machine shop, blacksmithing, and farm repair work should especially 

 fit him for the position assumed. 



In Farm Drainage the course of instruction has been revised and now in- 

 cludes the relationship of the single farm as a drainage project to the town- 

 ship, county, and state. 



Some work in Land Clearing is to be included in the new course in Farm 

 Drainage. It is hoped that the employment of an extension specialist, Mr. 

 Lawrence F. Livingston, in this field will stimulate interest in it and con- 

 tribute to the subject matter in the course. 



POWER AND FARM MACHINERY. 



The work in gas engines and tractors during the past year has been very 

 satisfactory. The student enrollment in this work has been very gratifying 

 to the department, and we believe the results obtained in our instructional 

 work have been largely due to the fine spirit of cooperation of the gas engine, 

 tractor, and accessory manufacturers who have gladly made loans to us of 

 their equipment. We are indebted to these people as well as to Dean Bissell 

 and Professor Dirks of the Engineering department for the splendid assis- 

 tance given us in the use of their equipment. 



In addition to the regular courses in gas engines given in the fall and winter 

 terms, there were two courses offered in trucks and tractors each of four weeks 

 duration. Out of an enrollment of 150 students attending these special 

 classes, fifty were men of Russian parentage who were preparing themselves 

 along mechanical lines that they may later assist their home land in a more 

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