152 [AiSSEMBLTT 



MOUNT AIRY AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL. 



Mount Airy Agricultural Institute, 

 Germantow7i, Pa , Feb. 22, 1849. 



Hon, Henry Meigs, Dear Sir: — Knowing of no more appropriate 

 or efficient medium of informing the intelligent public of the progress 

 and success of my Agricultural School, than through the popular an- 

 nual report of the American Institute, I hare decided to forward you 

 the following summary account of it for publication in your report 

 for the year 1848. 



I removed my agricultural school from Dutchess county, N. Y.y 

 (where I had been in operation for the last three years,) to Mount 

 Airy, Penn, in April last. We had but nine pupils during the summer 

 term, but our number has now increased to fourteen, and from present 

 prospects, we shall have as many as we can accommodate during the 

 coming summer term. 



The present class are all, but one, from the United States. Their 

 ages range from fifteen to twenty-seven years ; they are young gen- 

 tlemen of good capacity and very amiable character, from families of 

 the highest respectability of the atlantic states, from Maine to Florida 

 J. Tell Ferras, Esq., a Brazilian gentleman of the highest respecta- 

 bility, and liberal acquirements, has been with us since we opened y 

 and intends remaining until he has availed himself of a complete 

 course, when he is to return to preside over an agricultural college in 

 his own country, which that government design founding on his arri- 

 val, under his special direction. 



Our course includes thorough practical instruction in every branch 

 of husbandry to which the climate and soil are adapted, with the use 

 of the best modern improved implements, vehicles and machinery ^ 

 most economical means of fertilizing soils, management of the dairy 

 on the soiling system ; tillage, draining, and fencing jthe principles of 

 breeding, training, fattening and slaughtering stock, curing meats, &c. 

 &c. The students all participate in every branch of farm labor, in 

 which they are occupied about one half of each day, and are taught 

 to perform every thing in the proper manner, and with the greatest 

 ease and facility. They are also required to keep a replete diary or 

 farm journal throughout the year, to survey and map the farm with 

 all its divisions, and keep a separate account with each lot in culture^ 

 b order that they may be able at the eiid of the year to exhibit a full 



