142 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



It is quite unnecessary for me to give at this time a de- 

 tailed statement of the work of the college, since this was 

 fully set forth in a paper read last year at a meeting of this 

 Board, by Professor Brooks, which paper was published in 

 the secretary's report for 1892. I desire particularly at this 

 time to call attention to that report, and to that article upon 

 the work of the Agricultural College. It is sufficient to say 

 that the college is holding strictly to the o])ject so clearly 

 stated in the act under which it was established, viz., "to 

 teach such l)ranche8 of learning as are related to agricult- 

 ure, ... in order to promote the liberal and practical edu- 

 cation of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and 

 professions in life." During the last year changes, designed 

 to raise the standard of attainment in the college and thus 

 to increase its usefulness, have been made in the four-years 

 course, while a two-years course and a graduate course have 

 been added. There are now one hundred and sixty-two 

 students enjoying the advantages that the college offers. 

 Of these I iind that l)ut six are from Berkshire County. 

 Do the citizens of Berkshire appreciate the opportunity 

 which this college offers for the education of their sons ? 



There are two questions that may arise in the mind of one 

 who wishes to give his son educational advantages in addition 

 to those already enjoyed in the public school : First, "Why 

 should I send my boy to the Agricultural College ? " Sec- 

 ond, " Can I afford to send him there? " This question, of 

 course, I do not presume to answer ; but there is in the 

 minds of some an erroneous impression respecting the ex- 

 pense of a course at the Agricultural College. At the risk 

 of repeating what is stated in the college catalogue, will you 

 allow me to present a few facts ? 



Tuition at the college to students whose homes arc within 

 the State of Massachusetts is practically free. Room rent, 

 board, fuel, laundry and military suit will amount to $200 

 the first year. The military suit, costing $15.75, will last 

 through the course. A student who wishes to avail himself 

 of the advantages of the labor fund can earn $50 during the 

 year without encroaching upon the time necessary for study. 

 Now, I put that sum very low. I say $50, without encroach- 

 ing upon the time necessary for study, which practically 



