Daily Kennebec journal., 1879-01-16
The state College-of A griculture.


The Trustees of the State College of Agriculture, at
Orono. state that that the financial pressure of the
times has had the effect TO diminish the number Of
students. Still l0l students have entered the college
for the full of four years, and several pur.
suing special studies. These students from all
portions of the State The College has out 100
graduates, most of whom have entered upon active
and useful pursuits Its professors working 10
obtain the highest point of -efulness and eff ency.
Mr. J. x. Harrington, the former Farm Supeiint
dent having been appointed instructor in the depart
men OF agriculture, relinquished the OF the
early in the season Mr.. I. q. Rich. an experienced
aud successful farmer was appointed 10 succeed Mr..
Harrington He entered upon his duties on the first
of APRIL and has devoted his time to practical farm
ing. During the summer the area of pasturage has
been considerably enlarged, and the grounds around
the Farm buildings have been improved. Mr. Far
rngton ha, devoted his time to giving instructions
yarons subjects pertaining theoretical and pfac
tca farming, and ha- carried on variety of impor.
tant experiments, in which he has been aided by
the class in agriculture.
Prof Pike mas made small beginning in shop in.
strucion on the Russian plan. The students have
supplied their own tools and material TO work ln
tere>ted parties assisted and the lumber being pro-
vided, the students made their own benches. An in
sirucor was obtained from the Boston School of
Technology Finally the students erected building
have extemporized forees. and have placed a sma |
steam engine in the building. Skilled workmen will
always be wanted The Russian system, which, afer
Massachusetts,, Maine l. the first TO adopt, promises
10 come into use AT a most oppor'une time. Its en-
tire praciicabiy and ninen capacity for usefulness
nave been demonstrated both in Massachu usetts and
Maine, An expenditure of few thousand dollars ju
dicously applied to the construction and equip
ment of the necessary shop would be of great ad
vantage to the young men of the state.
The Treasurer's report shows Il balance in favor of
the college Of S6a5ls. There unpaid bills amount
ing to about the same sum. The institution is there
fore. nearly or quite free from debt
With the application of most rigid economy in
every department. an appropriation OF 5000 will be
needed meet the necessities of the Institution the
coming year. There Is urgent need of more appara
tus in the chemical laboratory, for the want OF
which the usefulness of that department is serouly
abridged. Additions to the apparatus of other de
partments are are also much needed.
TO pay for instruction, in addition TO the revenue
derived from the Endowment Fund, there will be
needed, $1,000
For Apparatus, 1000
For current expenses, 1000
The President Dr. Allen. in his closing annual
report, speak, in high terms of the institution No
diminuiOn made In the number of teachers,
without impairng the efficiency of the college. a
higher standard of scholarship should be attained by
those who enter the College.
In the autumn term the Freshmen study
rhetoric The regular textbook recitations ac-
companied with copious explanations and illustra'
tons by the teacher; and written exercises re-
quired Of each of the students. In this way the
science is practically applied The great deficiency in
the knowledge of grammar on the part OF those eli
terng college, makes it extremely difficult to teach
the art of English composition in the brief time al
lowed from the pressure of scientific studies Exer-
ciscs in composition are continued through the whole
college course In elocution, after a short prelimi-
nary drill in the elements of vocal culture, all the
students have regular exercises In defamation,
whlch alternate win their exercises IN composition
Declarations and essays are too important exercises
to be passed over without much time and care on
the part of the teacher. The especial drill for public
occasions is no inconsiderable item in the outlay of
time and labor.
All the Sophomores have recitations In English
Literature during the spring term and the study Of
American Authors is pursued by part of the Juniors
in the succeeding term. The intention in this study
is to develop correct literary TASTE to direct the
attention 10 the best authors, and TO lay the founda
tion for subsequent profitable reading.
The seniors not in the Engineering courses study
the History of Civilization in the autumn term. The
neglect OF historical reading common among stu
dents before they enter college, makes il necessary TO
supplement the lessons with such lectures on general
history as are requisite for the full comprehension OF
this important study. The same students attend to
Mental and Moral science during the spring term