452 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



MILITAKY DEPARTMENT. 



James C. Greenough, 



President of the Massachusetts Agricultural College. 



Sir : — I have the honor to submit the following brief 

 report, and to append the theoretical and practical course of 

 the military department, with the names and grades of those 

 holding official places in the present battalion organization. 



It is a pleasure to note a general improvement in all which 

 pertains to this department. A building enclosing recita- 

 tion-room, office, armory and an ample drill-hall has finally 

 been completed. Its tasteful design adds much to the 

 appearance of the grounds, and it at once embodies and 

 supplies the needs which have been particularly apparent in 

 winter, a season which inclines the student to the least exer- 

 cise. Much of the old regalia, as hats, plumes, sashes, has 

 been replaced by new. A small but growing military library, 

 thoroughly interesting to all, has been established. A few 

 samples of powder, shells, fuzes, etc., form the basis of a 

 museum which, improved, will materially aid in giving the 

 student proper ideas of Ordnance. The interest, discipline 

 and information of the students are constantly improving, 

 and the present assurance of larger classes is the sure pre- 

 cursor of still greater advancement. In considering the 

 scope of this department, the plan thus far followed has been 

 to take a middle course in discipline and instruction between 

 a distinctly military institution like our National Academy, 

 and the ordinary literary college. Due recognition is given 

 to the claims of the United States, its purpose in founding 

 this and similar colleges, — and to the fact that the student 

 after graduation is not identified with, dependent upon or 

 especially aided by the government. The tactical instruc- 



