78 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



time, apparatus and especial equipment. These things can not 

 be learned from books, evolved from the inner consciousness, 

 nor can they arise spontaneously from that general ability 

 which is the conceit of ignorance. There is no royal toad to 

 its possession. 



Original research is too costly for private enterprise. It 

 is too uncertain of results to be commercially profitable. In- 

 struction is expensive of apparatus, and, at the best, of the 

 student's time. The best of schools with the best of equip- 

 ment for advanced work are none too good, and this is be- 

 coming bettei understood in the more progressive sections 

 of our country. Illinois has not acted either generously or 

 early in the matter of agricultural education. With a soil 

 cax)abh' of marvelous yields of raw material she has not felt 

 the need of special training. The position was natural, but 

 persisted in is disastrous, and will place her by default 

 among those states that are inferior by nature. Illinois will 

 never realize the full measure of her natural resources as an 

 agricultural State until she educates her sons and daughters 

 to avail themselves in full of the advantages they possess. 



Speaking definitely, how much should be done at the Uni- 

 versity regarding this matter of instruction and experimenta- 

 tion in agriculture? It is eminently fitting that this question 

 receive careful consideration at this time because the proposi- 

 tion of an agricultural building, a portion to be devoted to 

 exijeriment and instruction along dairy lines, is before the 

 General Assembly for action. 



Coming to Illinois from a State that was the first to move 

 in the matter of agricultural instruction, and as Dean of the 

 College of Agriculture, and Director of the Experiment Sta- 

 tion, I should have been recreant to my high trust had I not 

 very early, as early indeed as seemed compatible with due 

 deliberation, called the attention of the Trustees, and of the 

 people of the State, to the necessity for a larger conception 

 of the position that ought to be taken by a great public uni- 

 versity regarding instruction in the ruling industries of the 

 people of the State. I should have been guilty of obtuse per- 

 ception, or of gross neglect, had I not urged incessantly from 

 the first for a stronger organization, and a larger teaching- 

 force that should compare favorably with those of our sister 



