8 Royal Agricultural College of Cirencester. 



As evidence of the value of the system of training pursued in 

 the Collegfe, we venture to make a few extracts from the con- 

 eluding observations of a course of lectures delivered by Mr. 

 Robert Russell, the Editor of the ' Highland Society's Journal * 

 and an examiner of candidates for the diploma of that Society, 

 which have already appeared in print. Mr. Russell observed t© 

 the students : — 



" 1 trust you will accept this imperfect sketch of the principles on which a 

 rotation of crops is founded, as a token of my good will towards the success of 

 this Institution. I am only sorry that my business prevents me from entering 

 more minutely into the subject. I am glad, however, that I have had the 

 opportunit}^ of visiting the College, and examining its workings. It is a great 

 privilege, I consider, that you enjoy in being educated where you can learn all 

 that literature or science has as yet done for the art of cultivation. The 

 greater ptart of the knowledge at present available can, I am persuaded, be 

 picked up here with less expenditure of time and labour than in any other 

 institution, where anything bearing upon agriculture must be taught in a very 

 indefinite way." ..." Having had the opportunity of seeing the character 

 and completeness of the education given at Cirencester, I confess that I have 

 envied the privileges of its recipients. As one of the Examiners for the High- 

 land Society's diploma, I, along with some of my coadjutors, have been struck 

 with the rare proficiency of some of our diploma holders who were educated 

 here. This fact so far satisfied me that this institution is effectually answering 

 the end its supporters have in- view. For my own part, I do not see any 

 reason why you should not yearly turn out diploma holders by the dozen^ 

 instead of, as at present, in ones or twos ; nor why many more of you shoiild 

 not take the Higliland Society's diploma, were it to secure no other end than 

 to show your parents or guardians that a good use has been made of golden^ 

 opportunities. There never was so great a thirst or desire for agricultural 

 knowledge as there is in the present day, and I do not know where it can be 

 satisfied as at this Institution. Any honorary distinction, which you have the 

 means of acquiring here, will certainly be looked upon as a good omen or 

 promise of your future success in life, as it will afford a strong presumption 

 that you will display the same diligence in business as you have done aS 

 College. ..." I am very glad, indeed, that I have snatched a little time 

 from business to visit this Institution. It has given me much pleasure to 

 observe the order and discipline which j^revails, and I have no doubt that, in 

 after years, this will form one of tiie most pleasant and profitable aspects 

 in which you will view your residence here. You have the best opportunity 

 of acquiring the most liberal education ; and from personal observation and 

 examination since I came here, I am glad to find so many students far advanced 

 in the knowledge of what relates to tlie Art of Agriculture." 



Having received from Mr. Baldwin, the Professor of Agricul- 

 ture at the Glasnevin Institution, near Dublin, written answers 

 to an inquiry wuich we hastily addressed to him as he was about 

 to enter the train after the conclusion of a course of lectures 

 delivered to the students, we venture to make the following- 

 extracts. After stating the opportunities for daily personal inter- 

 course with the students and Professors afforded by a residence 

 for the delivery of two courses of Lectures in 1863 and 1864, 

 Mr. Baldwin writes : — 



" My own habits of thought and action induced me to give the fullest 



