Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1869-12-07
PER YEAR
sE ssx Vol. q, NO. u.
Agriculture at the University.

The Western Farmer has an account
OF the Agricultural Department of
the University of Wisconsin, of which
the more interesting portion is here
given
"The Department of Agriculture
of the university of Wisconsin is
designed to be the work of, and in
some sense corresponds with the Ag-
ricultural Colleges of some other
States. The University received
tue Congressional land grant of 240,-
900 acres, and the proceeds of the
sale of this land will be applied to
giving instruction in the sciences
"relating to agriculture and mechan-
ic arts" As none Of the proceeds
of this land can be applied to the
purchase of land or the erection of
buildings, land for an Experimental
Farm was purchased with money
furnished in accordance with a vote
of the citizens of Dane county. This
land lies adjoining to and is connect
ed with the former University
grounds, and, with them, comprises
about two hunured and thirty acres.
No2e of this land, when purchased,
had been cultivated. Most of the
work thus far has been, necessarily,
preparing the ground for future crops
and experiments. There are now
about thirty acres under cultivation.
During the summer of 1868 a fine,
large barn was built. 1t is we'll ar
ranged, has cellars for fruit, roots,
manure, etc. In the fall Of the same
year good farm house, for the use
OF the Farm Superintendent, was
built
The farm has variety of soil and
exposure, and is thus better adapted
for its chief purpose-experlment-
ing. A large number of evergreens
have been planted, as well as two
evergreen screens, designed for wind
breaks. Attention has wisely been
given to tree planting at an early
day, instead of postponing it, as is
sometimes the case, for years, and
thus losing years Of growth. An
orchard of 545 apple trees has been
planted the present year 500 having
north exposure, and 10 Of cores
ponding varieties having south ex-
posure. All the trees are doing well.
A vineyard containing 1,000Concord
and 500 Delaware vines has been
planted this year. This has a south
exposure. Different methods of plan
ting at different distances, were prac-
ticed in setting this vineyard. Exper-
iments have been tried with four va
rieties of oats, three varieties of win
ter wheat, seven methods of planting
corn for fodder in hills and drills, in
destroying insects, etc.
One of the greatest wants of the
farm now is q good collection of do
mestic animals. To proftably con-
duct farm, additional stock is need
ed, land as basis for valuable expert
ments they are essential. as a means
Of educating the agricultural students
in an important study, collection Of
good specimens of the different breeds
of farm animals would be highly val
udUl0s LII IIlS CCHuGCGlOH we WOulu
commend to the enterprising stock
breeders of Wisconsin the example
of their brethren ia the other states
La the case ola number OF agricultur-
al colleges a considerable proportion
Of the stock has been the gift of friends
OF the institution. The remark APP
plies also to the makers of agricultu- |
raj implements and machines.
The total amount received up to
this time from the Congressional
land grant is $4,000, and Of this but
81 900 has been expended 1t will |
be seen from this that had this fund |
been the only reliance, nothing could |
have been done. What has been ac-
complished is due to the University
and to tbs liberal action OF Dane |
county. We are glad to learn that
the land is now selling freely, and |
that considerable increase oflncome |
is certain for the future. This will |
give the University, and perhaps e.
specially, the Agricultural Depart
ment much better facilities for their
work"