222 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



This appropriation was readily granted and we now have the pleas- 

 ure of seeing it ready for use. Through the united and persistent efforts 

 of the farmers of Illinois, we have, after thirty years, a college of agri- 

 culture which we confidently trust will be an honor to this great state. 

 Notwithstanding the fact that the instructors have been handicapped by 

 want of proper facilities and equipment they have done excellent work, 

 proof of which is found in the fitness of graduates to fill responsible 

 positions, one Mr. Gardner lately having been appointed by the U. S. 

 Government to take charge of the) agricultural interest in the Island of 

 Porto Rico. But we must remember that the equipment and instruction 

 are only helps to students. Success is dependent upon personal efforts^ 



Already we have been gratified by honors won by the students of this 

 college at the Inter-Collegiate Live Stock Judging Contest at Chicago, 

 and we unhesiitatingly predict that the winning of the Spoor Trophy will 

 be only the beginning of the honors which shall be accorded to students of 

 the Illinois College of Agriculture. 



Paper Read by Mr. A. P. Grout. 



This occasion marks the beginning of a new epoch in the history of 

 Agriculture in Illinois. It is the dawn of a new era of improvement and 

 advancement in the opportunities and provisions made for a higher and 

 better education for the people — for the tillers of the soil — that great 

 army of workers who ^ire developing the greatest of all industries and 

 who have heretofore been supposed to do business on a very limited 

 amount of that which is so essential to success in almost every other 

 calling. 



Through the inspiration of this hour are we encouraged to assert 

 that the "world does move" and as an excuse for such rashness we have 

 but to point to the magificent new building — this day dedicated to agri- 

 culture — to the education of the boys and girls of Illinois in that which 

 pertains to the farm and the business of farming. 



