Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1869-10-27
GBe frseman.
MONTPELIER, VI:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER p, 1869
Reports of State Officers.

From the Report of the Trustees of the
Agricultural College we make the following
extracts
Ali the departments of the institution
have been carried on, during the last aca
demic year, with gratifying measure of sue
cess. An increasing interest in our work has
been evinced by the citizens of our State, ana
by our friends in other parts of the country
This interest has been manifested by dona-
tions of books to our library, and of speci-
mems in natural history to our museum, by
handsome additions to our subscription, by
numerous letters of inquiry concerning our
operations, by visits to the University, and
especially By the appearance at commence
nent OF an unusual number of applicants for
admission to the incoming class.
During the year the Presidents mansion,
which has been chiefly paid for by contribu-
tions of the citizens of Burlington, has been
structure, and is admirably adapted to the
purpose for which it was built
IG has been found necessary to erect new
cases in the museum to accommodate our in
creasing collection. Plans have been per-
fected By which these collections will be
rapidly enlarged by valuable additions from
various parts of this country and from
abroad.
There was a good Attendance upon the
medical courses, and class of twenty-three
received the degree of NJ ID.
TIC academic department has been con-
Quoted with vigOr and care, and with very
satisfactory results. In addition to the in
struction by the regular professors, lectures
on Physiology were given by DR.. ). W.
Thayer, and Geology by Rev. John B.
Perry, of the Museum of Comparative Il )ol-
ogy, Cambridge. Mass. Mr. Perry discussed
bis subject with special reference to the rocks
of Vermont and Of northeastern New York
and thus made his instructions Of particular
interest and value to his hearers Besides
the undergraduates, a considerable number
of ladies and gentlemen from Burlington and
the vicinity attended his lectures
Regular drill in light and heavy gymnas-
tic WAS introduced this year, and the students
were required to take part in it. We believe
that this systematic exercise proved cOndu-
Give to their health.
In the agricultural and scientific depart
ment, We have been making steady progress:
In January, Mr.. V. q Barbour, who received
his training at the Sheffield Scientific School,
was appointed instructor in civil engineering,
and he has since been elected professor. Two
young men graduated in this department at
Commencement, taking the degree of Bache-
lOr Of Science. They propose, however, to
remain and study for the higher degree of
Civil Engineer, which the Trustees offer for
more prolonged course of study.
We have gratifying evidence that the pcO-
pie of the State are becoming apprised of the
fact that we have well equipped laboratory
and competent instructors in the various
branches of physical scis nee. Inquiries
come in to our professors from all parts of
the State and from adjoining states, on scien-
tifc questions of practical Importance. Our
Professor of Analytical Chemistry and Me-
tailurgy has been called, during the year,
TO make thirteen analyses of ores, and twenty |
six analyses of mineral waters, and nearly all
from this State r.
There are indications that thero will bv an !
increasing demand for instruction in these
courses. The vast expansion of the Ameri- /
can railroad system, and the rapid develop /
ment of the western mines, call for large |
number of thoroughly trained men in civil /
and mining engineering. Any of our young
men, who have that familiarity with the com
mon English branches, and with algebra, |
which can be procured in cur high schools
and academies, are fitted to enter upon the
scientific studies in this department
The act of Congress, which provides for
the organization Of agricultural colleges,
calls for reports Of any scientific observations
which may be made at such institutions.
We accordingly append to this Report sum-
mary of the Meteorological Observations for
1868, made at the University by Prof. Mex
Petty The Importance of careful meteoro-
logical reports Is everywhere recognized.
We have upon our books about S15 900 Of
the $50, 600 we aim to obtain Immediately
About $500 more have been pledged, and
we expect to be able to announce soon that
the whole sum, and even more, is subscribed.
We believe that the prospects of the Uni
yeTsity were never 50 bright as they are now
We are striving with all the means at our
command to deserve the support and co per-
alton of the people of this commonwealth
We sincerely hope that their favor and aid
NAV be accorded to us, SO that this institu-
tion may in the future bring even more
honor than it hiss brought in the past to the
State whose name it bears.
The Auditor of Accounts states in his re-
port that he has within the year effected a
settlement with the United States of the out
standing war claims of the State, on which
the sum Of S103 ,05G 81 has been received
and paid into the Treasury. This includes
the entire expense of Sloan Hospital at Mont
pcIier. SI0S.82 Il of the claims presented
are still unadjusted, but the Auditor does not
expect the United States government, as the
laws now are, will allow more than about
$34 900 90 of this claim.
lHe reports Vi the OOHlIIlls>iOHeT Vi the III
sane, and that Of the Tru stees, and Superin-
tendent, show that Irstitution to, Gin ia
vorable condition, although several suggestion
Of improvement are made, TO which the at (
tenti0n of the Legislature called. There
were 1877 State Benefciaries in the Asylum.
Aug. 1st., last 4G have been admitted during
the year, ii discharged recovered, 8 discharged
not recovered, and Is died The number OF
transient insane at the Asylum at the date of
the report, SO
The reports of the Officers of the State
Prison show that the expense of the Institu-
ton has exceeded the income during the past
year The Directors recommend the aboii-
ton Of the contract system when the present
contract for the labor Of the copvicts expires.
as it does in May and august 1871. There
are 81 convicts in the Prison, five more than
one year ago OF the VII lie number only
3 are females.