60 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



naturally centres in and about this laboratory, so that chem- 

 istry as here taught in its various applications is seen to have 

 a meaning and a value that do not appear elsewhere. The 

 chemistry is, in the most intense meaning of the term, prac- 

 tical. 



As students gain knowledge by the study of different de- 

 partments of nature, they should also acquire the power of 

 expression, both written and oral. This is to be gained in 

 several ways. 



1. By insisting in every recitation upon clear and inde- 

 pendent statements. 



2. By frequent written exercises in connection with class- 

 work in all the departments. In a college course, practice 

 in writing should accompany all other work. Finished and 

 rounded sentences, imitated from Everett or some other 

 famous writer, should not be the main object of the stu- 

 dent's endeavor, but the ability to speak one's own thoughts, 

 and to pen them with accuracy and ease. Style that results 

 from conscious imitation is never fitting. It clogs thought. 



3. The power of expression is also gained by the careful 

 and critical study of the great masters of English. 



It is not easy to estimate the value of the thought, the feel- 

 ins; and the endeavor treasured for us in our mother tonmie. 

 He who acquaints himself with the best literature of the 

 English people, takes hold of the imperishable thought of 

 the race foremost in the progress of the world, and shares 

 the best product of that race. The uncertain extent of 

 empire, the splendor of royalty, the movements of armies 

 and the brilliant succession of petty politicians that pass in 

 review as one considers the more striking events of history, 

 all seem dim and insignificant when compared with the 

 steady light which a great author throws upon the retreat- 

 ing and shadowy past, while with prophetic glow he illumes 

 even the future. 



Chaucer is worth more to us than all the martial glamour 

 of his sovereigns. If Spenser's sweet music had not reached 

 us, if Bacon had not appeared as a teacher of his own and ot 

 all subsequent times, if Shakespeare had not given us his al- 

 most superhuman revelation of human nature, if Milton had 

 not swept from his lyre strains that can never die, the Eliza- 



