236 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



master, thought we now know h e would have learned facts which were 

 not facts, and would have had subsequently to unlearn a not inconsider- 

 able amount of the coveted information so gained. 



Professor Bliss" took up the task assigned him with much hesitation. 

 He knew the situation well enough to appreciate the difficulties in the 

 way. He was by no means one of those who dared to tread where angels 

 feared to go. Actual contact with the matters involved did not decrease 

 the recognition of obstacles. The affairs of his own farm did not prosper 

 in his absence, and at the end of his first year he considered it necessary to 

 return to the less exacting if humbler duties at his own home, whence 

 he hasi not since been tempted a way. 



On November 27, 1867, Jona than Priam was appointed head farmer, 

 the first regular employe in the earliest instituted office of the University. 

 He served in this capacity until March, 1869. During this time there arose 

 some discussion as to the scope of his duties', resulting in adding to his 

 title that of superintendent of practical agriculture, and he was told to 

 report directly to the committee on agriculture of the Board. But his did 

 not prove to be a. path of roses, and he resigned after a service of one year 

 and four months. Even in farm management there was too little unani- 

 mity of ideas to make life agreeable to one under employment, with sev- 

 eral persons esteeming themselves higher in authority but differing with 

 each other in views. 



In June 1870, durnig the day upon which the resignation of Professor 

 Bliss was accepted, the appointmeiit of Dr. Manly Miles was made as pro- 

 fessor of agriculture with the understanding that he should serve during 

 the fall and winter months, thus d ividing equally his time between the 

 Michigan Agricultural College and this institution. No one else in 

 America at this time enjoyed anything comparable with Dr. Miles in the 

 public estimation of competency to give instruction in scientific agricul- 

 ture. He it was said had been called the only professor of the subject in 

 the country. The trustees and others considered themselves in great 

 good fortune when it seemed he was to lead the way out of the dilemna in 

 which they found themselves placed. But it was not to be. Arrange- 



