Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1875-01-29
The Agricultural College.

"book larnin' an't no account has been so
thoroughly exploded that we do not think
there can be found dozen persons in the
Green Mountain State who do not admit the
value, to persons Of all occupations, of good
education. Tho man who failed in life be-
cause he understood his business, in all its
details, too well, is yet to be found. On the
other hand, instances of failure from not un-
derstandng the principles and theories upon
which ones business rests may be seen all
about us. s.We not only believe that thor
ough mental training, and an education in
the arts and sciences bearing upon agricul.
ture, are necessary to the highest success on
the farm, but also that Vermont has the ma
terial with which to GIL the necessary insti-
tutiOns of learning. The youth of our state,
as a class, are eager and anxious for thor
ough education, aud where can be found
more intelligent, capable boys than these
who people the hills and valleys of Yer
mont. We say boys more from habit than
anything else, for we firmly believe in the
manifest injustice of excluding girls from
enjoying the full benefits of every means Of
information and enlightenment within reach
We intend next week to give IN whole or in
part an extract from the Hand Book of the
Kansas agricultural college which appears
to us to treat this subject of education of
girls in the broad and liberal manner which
the importance of the subject demands.
Granted, then, that thorough scientific
as well as practical education is desirable
for those who intend to be farmers, and that
the fact is appreciated and such an educa.
ton desired by the thousands OF brght-eyed
sons of farmers in our state, the question
arises, Why do they not seek such an educa.
tion in the state agricultural college, at Bur.
lington Why has that institution existed,
aud held out its opportunities, for eight
years, without student for its agricultural
course? We believe it is because of un.
founded opposition and misrepresentation by
orotchety individuals whose pet theories have
been sighted in its management, more than
from any other single cause.
Here is the opportunity for the sons Of
Vermont farmers to get such an education
as will best fit them FOR tilliug the soil in the
most intelligent aud enlightened manner.
The statements which have been assduously
circulated derogatory to the character of
those having charge Of the agricultural col
legc, aud calculated to dsparage the institu-
ton and diminish its usefulness, we have ev-
cry reason to believe are thoroughly ground
less and were prompted by the basest oimo-
tives, and we would urge upon the farmers
Of Vermont who have sons desiring cole.
gate education to try our home institution
before rushing away to other states, aud
especially if young man intends to follow
the occupation Of the farmer would we wish
to see him avail himself of the advantages
afforded by the agricultural college, and we
present the following statement of what may
be had there for the information of those
who may be in the dark as to the scope Of
instruction Afforded by the institution
First, regular collegiate course, and as
complete and thorough as in any of the
American colleges. There are many who
think that for any calling in life, farming,
mercantile life, or any pursuit or profession
whatever, this is the best preparation be.
cause it aims to bring out and discipline all
the powers of the mind. Without assuming
10 decide this question, we notice as II sig
nifcant fact that the oldercolleges, Harvard,
Yale, Dartmouth, &c, and even some of the
newer institutions, ms Michigan University,
draw more students into their collegiate
than their practical courses.
Secondly. II regular collegiate course
emitting Latin and Greek, and substituting
for them advanced studies in the modern
languages or in the physical sciences.
Thirdly, n course in the sciences relating
to agriculture. This course begins with the
mathematics which are involved in all sci
ences, and proceeds through elementary and
general chemistry, botany, the principles and
application of mechanics and physics, the
physiology of man and animals and zoology
TO the more practical branches such as the
analysis of soils, ashes, and fertilizers sur
veying, &c This course includes instruc-
ton and drill in French and German, and
studies in English.
Fourth, II course in civil engineering in all
its departments including railroad, harbor,
and river surveying, bridge construction,
stone cutting, &c. One great attraction of
the department is that young men on gradu-
ating can find lucrative employment on rail
roads and other public works
Filthy, a special course in chemistry con-
sistinr of instruction and laboratory work
This course prepares young men for the APP
plication OF chemistry to the arts in phar-
macy, manufacture of fertilizers, &c.
Sixthy, an optional or select course, con-
sistng of any of the branches taught which
the student is qualified to pursue with profit.
Seventhly, the farmers winter course, oc-
cupying this year the month of February, in
which it is designed to employ, besides the
professors in the college, the best talent of
the state in the several specialities.
The cost Of a course is about as follows !:
Tuition, slj per term S45 per year. Rooms
in college building SIS to $3.50 per year,
Table board, $3.50 to 81 per week. Incl.
dentals, about So per term. Total expen-
SEES, including board, clothing, travel, books,
&C., range from $3.50 to s4OO per year, ac-
cording to habits of students.
One Of the most commendable features of
this institution is the fact that all the cours-
es in the academic and scientific depart
ments Of the university are open to young
women upon the same conditions as to young
men, they being required to room AM board