THE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. 95 



tion of the scientific experiments made there, and its impor- 

 tance as a permanent scientific station. 



"The 'leading object' of the College is, as its charter 

 declares, ' to teach such branches of learning as are related 

 tc agriculture and the mechanic arts, in order to promote 

 the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes 

 in the several pursuits and professions of life.' From this 

 it seems that the primary purpose was to give to farmers' 

 sons and others of the industrial class such useful and prac- 

 tical training as would best fit them for their contemplated 

 pursuits in life. Other branches of scientific and even clas- 

 sical study might also be pursued ; but apparently they were, 

 in the mind of the Legislature, but auxiliary to the main pur- 

 pose of this particular school. Without saying whether one 

 course of study is more or less important as a general rule 

 in society, this institution was not founded as a classical, a 

 medical, or a theological school, but simply as an agricultural 

 college. With its splendid endowment, its large and noble 

 farm, its healthful and admirable situation, its convenient 

 and ample buildings, its admirable and salutary military dis- 

 cipline, its corps of accomplished, scientific, and enthusiastic 

 instructors, it ought to occupy a high position in the agri- 

 cultural world ; it ought to be 'a burning and a shining 

 light,' attracting the attention, and becoming the pride and 

 admiration, of every son of Massachusetts throughout the 

 land." 



The Committee of 1877, O. B. Hadwen, Esq., chairman, 

 reported at considerable length upon the management of the 

 farm, and say, "The productive capacity of the farm is 

 rapidly increasing, the acres yielding larger annual returns. 

 Unproductive lands are being renovated, and brought into 

 profit ; rough places being made smooth ; the preliminary 

 labors with view of improvement are nearly completed; and 

 the whole outlook of the lands is more pleasing to the eye 

 in all respects. As far as we are able to form an opinion 

 from observation, we are satisfied that the Agricultural 

 College will instruct and turn out men who can use both 

 head and hands, — men pre-eminently fitted for the business 

 relations of life ; and that agriculture will be exalted and 

 stimulated by men trained to close and exact observation in 

 the varied departments of rural and farming pursuits." 



