a()2 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



In 1860 its charter was transferred to several enterprising 

 citizens of Springfield, who determined to raise b}^ subscrip- 

 tion $75,000 for the opening of the school in that city, re- 

 lying upon the Legislature for a further endowment. This 

 project would probably have succeeded, had not the call to 

 arms absorbed public attention. ^ 



Plan for an Agricultural School. 

 On Jan. 30, 1861, Mr. Calhoun of Springfield was instru- 

 mental in getting the House of Representatives to adopt the 

 following order : — 



Ordered, That the Committee on Education consider and 

 report on the expediency of granting the aid of the Common- 

 wealth to any effort made or making, by an organized associa- 

 tion or corporation within this Commonwealth, for the estab- 

 lishment of an Agricultural School — such effort having the 

 concurrence of the Board of Agriculture; and the system of 

 study and practice, to be pursued, being such as shall have the 

 approval of that Board. 



It appears that a printed petition was prepared and circu- 

 lated for signatures, the wording of the petition being as 

 follows : — 



Your petitioners, citizens of Massachusetts, respectfully rep- 

 resent that a College, for the purpose of more full and perfect 

 instruction in the science and practice of agriculture and kin- 

 dred branches, is much needed in this Commonwealth. 



That the establishment and endowment of such an institu- 

 tion has been repeatedly recommended by the State Board of 

 Agriculture, and by all classes of persons, in many different 

 ways. 



That an effort is now making in Springfield and vicinity, 

 with very flattering success, to raise at least $50,000, for the 

 purpose of laying the foundation of such an institution. 



That a location in that city or vicinity is peculiarly favor- 

 able for such an institution, being central, easily accessible and 

 affording land of the best quality and greatest variety, at a 

 moderate price. 



> History of Higher Education in Massachusetts, by George Gary Bush. 

 United States Bureau of Education, Washington, 1891, p. 364. 



