430 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



experiments, and to suggest new lines of experimental in- 

 quiry in regard to improved methods of practice. 



The applications of science to agriculture have, therefore, 

 been discussed with reference to their bearing upon questions 

 of practical importance, and particular attention has been 

 given to the results of experiments which have been made 

 for the improvement of the art. 



One of the leading objects, in the course of instruction in 

 agriculture, is to develop in the student correct habits of 

 observation, and give him a knowledge of the exact methods 

 of experimentation which are required for the solution of the 

 many problems that may present themselves in his practice. 

 Empirical knowledge is thus brought in contact with a con- 

 sistent interpretation of natural laws, and practice and 

 science are thus made to go hand in hand in the class-room, 

 as they must in the work of the farm, if the student is to 

 receive the full benefits of an agricultural education. 

 Theories are discussed with reference to their legitimate 

 use as a means of investigation, and they are not presented 

 as representing the aggregate of established truths. 



In the second term of the year, lectures were given to the 

 sophomore class (two hours a week, or nineteen exercises) 

 on the history of agriculture, tracing the development of 

 rules of practice, — pioneer farming and mixed husbandry, 

 — and the properties and management of different soils. 



The junior class had a course of lectures on animal hus- 

 bandry (one hour each week). 



The course of the senior class (two hours per week, or 

 nineteen exercises) embraced methods of agricultural im- 

 provement, including experiments and how to conduct them, 

 the methods and results of hio;h farming:, and the nitrification 

 of soils, with the practical applications indicated in the 

 results of experiments. 



In the third term, lectures w^ere given to the senior class 

 (five hours per week, or forty-five exercises) on stock-breed- 

 ing, mixed husbandry, drainage and a general review of the 

 course. 



In the first term, the sophomore class had twenty-six 

 exercises in stock-breeding and animal motors, partly by 

 lectures and partly with text-book. 



