54 DEPARTMENT. REPORTS. 



During the fall term the sophomore agricultural students worked in the 

 blacksmith shop in four sections, three weeks each. For their instruction 

 Mr. A. Manne, a blacksmith from Lansing, was employed, and their prog- 

 ress during the short time spent was very gratifying, speaking well both for 

 their attention and for Mr. Manne's zeal and aptitude as a teacher. 



During the past year the patterns have been made for a new forge for the 

 outfit of the blacksmith shop, those first put in being only intended for tem- 

 porary use. The change will be made during next year and will add much 

 to the general appearance and utility of the shop. 



During the summer term the mechanical freshmen were given some 

 instruction in plain moulding and casting. A brass furnace was put in dur- 

 ing the spring term, and we are now enabled to make our own brass castings, 

 a saving of some moment, in addition to the educational value of the work. 



The great need of our shop-course, as a whole, is an iron foundry. With 

 that, we should have the complete chain in the development of a machine. 

 In the class-room students learn the theory and practice of design, and 

 make drawings general and detail. In the wood shop they make patterns, 

 and in the iron shop elaborate castings into the finished machine. The link 

 connecting the pattern with the casting is unfortunately omitted at present. 

 This, it may be hoped, the near future will enable us to rectify. 



At the State Fair held in Jackson, a display of the work of the students 

 in shop work and drawing was made, which attracted much attention and 

 favorable comment. The exhibit included the shop engine referred to 

 above, four lathes, several smaller engines made by the boys as their personal 

 property, and many small tools and articles in wood and metal. 



As a whole the work of the students during the past' year has been very 

 gratifying. Our constant effort will be toward an elevation of the grade 

 and standard of work, and an increase of its educational value. 



During the winter I attended Institutes at Centreville and Albion, as 

 appointed, and lectured on "The Farmer as a Mechanic." 



Very respectfullv submitted. 



W". F. DURAND, 

 Prof, of Mechanics and Supt. of Shops. 



