G8 9TATE BOARD OF AdRICULTURI';. 



ability of the teachers to whom (he material eciuipment is entrusted. 

 With poor and inetifteient teaching the best equipment is of little value. 

 On the other hand, good teaching may make great engineers with a 

 very poor equipment. 



Kespecting the otiicers and faculty of this institution, I can happily 

 say that they have always been men of character and reputation, and 

 because of the work done by these men the institution owes the advanced 

 position which it occupies to-day. The work of a college is in a very 

 large measure influenced by the character of the president, and it is 

 very nearly im]>ossible for a college to sncceed Avhen the executive office 

 is weakly or badly administered. In this respect your college has been 

 it seems to me, remarkably fortunate. It has been my good fortune to 

 know personally and quite intimately four out of the six presidents which 

 this institution has had. All of these men have been of great ability 

 and thoroughly devoted to the interests of the institution. The second 

 president, T. C. Abbot, administered the affairs of the college for a 

 long time successfully and carried the institution through periods of 

 development during which time its life and stability were threatened and 

 until its value as an educational institution was fully recognized. He 

 Avas a man beloved of all and doubtless all here are familiar with the 

 history of his administration. 



The present administration has been one of signal, material develop- 

 ment, during which time the number of students has trebled and the 

 property and material equipment of the institution have been greatly 

 improved and enhanced in value. 



I am delighted that the necessity for engineering education has been 

 recognized and that so much has been done to upbuild a strong engineer- 

 ing department. 



For the future I can only predict that good results and a steady 

 growth are certain and that the engineers from this institution will 

 make a reputation for the course which will bring additional students 

 and give to the Alma Mater glory and renown. 



EErORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEER- 

 ING. 



Dr. J. L. Snyder, President, Michigan Agricultural College: 



Dear Sir : — I present, herewith, my report as professor of mechanical 

 engineering for the year ending June 30, 1908. 



In the teaching and administrative work of the department I have 

 been assisted by Prof. L. L. Appleyard, Messrs. Poison, Mehrtens, 

 Chappelle, Wilcox, Krentel, Smith, Holmes, Baker and Crawford, all 

 of whom have rendered hearty and efficient cooperation in the depart- 

 ment work, and Miss Clara B. Purcell whose services as clerk have 

 been of great value, owing to her familiarity with the office routine 

 and her conscientious attention to the tasks of the office. 



