WASHINGTON, December 10, 186,4.-, 

 To the Industrial Classes: 



Occupying the position of statistician in the Department of Agriculture^ i*; }s 

 my duty to examine the letters of its correspondents relative to the crops'/ 

 Many of them, from time to time, have desired information on the best plarf to- 

 establish the Industrial Colleges, for the endowment of which land donations 

 have been made by Congress. It was not proper to overlook their requests, for 

 the reason especially that, as yet, little has been written on such plan, either as 

 to the general character of the instruction that should be given in these colleges, 

 or on their special courses of instruction, or on the plans of their buildings, work- 

 shops, and experimental farms. 



In complying with the wishes of these correspondents, and of others, it has 

 been my aim to communicate some information on all of these important topics. 

 The article is divided into three parts. The first contains my own views of 

 the general nature of the education that ought to be given in these colleges, 

 and the practical purposes such education should aim to accomplish ; the second 

 shows the particular courses of instruction given in European agricultural 

 schools ; and the third exhibits the plan of the buildings, the extent and arrange- 

 ment of the museum, &c., of an industrial college. What is stated in the second 

 part is taken mostly from the recent and excellent report of Mr. Flint, who has 

 visited these schools, to the Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture. The 

 third part has been kindly prepared, at my request, by Richard Owen, professor 

 of science in Indiana State University, a brother of the late David Dale Owen, 

 and one not less eminent in scientific attainments. It will be found to be the 

 most important part of this article, especially to legislators, and others upon 

 whom will devolve the duty of selecting plans for the buildings, providing 

 means for their erection, and for the purchase of the museum, apparatus, and 

 library. 



I have prepared this article not ignorant of the diversity of opinion that 

 exists on the subject of industrial education; but, whether opposing or concur- 

 ring in any views therein expressed, all should remember that it is only by an 

 examination of diverse opinions that those which are correct can be ascertained. 

 It has been prepared, too, not without the hope that it will aid in the successful 

 establishment of the industrial colleges, upon a basis as enlarged as is the 

 magnitude of the interests of the industrial classes in them, and upon a plan 

 that will secure their success, so that, by their success, they will vindicate the 

 right of the industrial classes to equal instruction with that claimed for the pro- 

 fessions. 



LEWIS BOLLMAN. 



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