PROF. C. U. SHEPHARD'S ADDRESS. 263 



ers here, as in Great Britain, study with diligence the principles 

 of their art. And, particularly, let them lay a broad basis for 

 the scientific training of the rising generation. Nothing short of 

 a thorough incorporation of the elements of the physical scien- 

 ces with our system of common schools, will, in the long run, 

 answer the emergency. And for accomplishing this, there must 

 also be established, a class of higher institutions for the prepa- 

 ration of teachers, as well as for the thorough education, in prac- 

 tical farming, of individuals who have before them the prospect 

 of managing large estates. 



It would be of great advantage, for instance, if the country 

 school could have the opportunity, during two half-days of each 

 week, of seeing experiments in mechanical and chemical sci- 

 ence, of being drilled with examinations, and of being stimulated 

 by suitable prizes to proficiency in these branches of knowledge, 

 under the direction of a fully qualified teacher, who might per- 

 form this service for four or five schools at the same time. The 

 young would thereby become convinced of the importance of 

 such studies ; and would early acquire habits of investigation, 

 that would both stimulate and assist, in the subsequent work of 

 self-education. 



But, leaving the more elementary schools, I proceed to speak 

 with more detail of the agricultural school, a topic which is be- 

 ginning to take a deep hold of the public mind. 



Many persons appear to think, that our college course can be 

 so modified, as to fulfil, at the same time, the literary and the 

 agricultural requisition. It does not appear to me, that such a 

 plan is likely to succeed. Heretofore, most certainly, whatever 

 else the college has afforded, it has turned out few practical 

 farmers. Even those, who enter as well drilled and expert 

 in farming operations, by the time they reach the terminus of 

 their course, if they do justice to the college studies and become 

 thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the place, become rather 

 awkward on the farm; and it very soon begins to appear, that 

 to be college-learnt, is to be farm-unlearnt. And I hardly know 

 of men more to be pitied, than those who, from feeble health 

 or any other cause, have failed in a professional or literary 

 career (to prepare for which, the college course is chiefly in- 



