AGEICULTURAL COLLEGE. 449 



rests the responsibility of giving a thorough drill in the 

 principles and operations of elementary algebra to all young- 

 men anticipating membership in this college. 



Another obstacle is the deficiency in the apparatus for 

 illustrating sound, heat and light, branches of science which 

 especially require demonstration to the senses. An ade- 

 quate enlargement of the physical cabinet is certainly one 

 of the most stringent needs of the institution. 



The mathematics comprise the chief disciplinary studies 

 of the course ; therefore my first aim is to develop in the 

 students the mental habit of exactness, not only indispen- 

 sable for mastery of the pure mathematics, but the first 

 requisite for successful pursuit of all branches of science. 

 My second aim is to introduce such exercises as will stimu- 

 late ingenuity and originality. My third aim is to give a 

 practical bearing to all studies, by means of experiment and 

 illustration drawn from familiar fields of observation. 



The trustees and other friends of the institution will be 

 very welcome at the class exercises of the mathematical de- 

 partment. Such manifestation of interest would gratify and 

 stimulate both students and instructor. 



AUSTIN B. BASSETT. 



