The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-09
THE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES.
A Convention Experimental Farmers-Ad-
dress by Commissioner Colman.

of representatives of agricultural colleges
and experiment stations, which began
here to-day, was called to order at
1880 by Hon. W. f. Switzer, of Missouri The
meeting is held in the seed room of the Depart
ment of Agriculture, hall of considerable size,
In the new building in the agricultural grounds.
There were present at the opening between fifty
andssixty delegates, representing all the leading
agricultural colleges and experimental stations
of the United States. Commissioner Colman
was chosen temporary chairman, and Professor
George Fairchild, temporary secretary A COM
mittee credentials was named. Commissioner
Colman in his opening address of welcome,
briefly sketched tha discussions in Congress
which preceded the magnificent grants of lands
for the endowment of agricultural colleges IN
the several States and said it would be conceded
that the general public protested degree OF
disappointment in the outcome OF the appropria-
tlons TIE idea IN Congress was that OF inter
esting young in farming operations, and IN
the Fundamental principals of plant culture
Facts were submitted to Congress showing that
the average OF yields was gradually diminishing
in quantity and the soil was being rapidly ex
hausted of plant food. To arrest this somewhat
alarming tendency it was deemed advisable to
encourage institutions where the results OF
scientific investigation in vegetable physiology
would be exemplifed, and their practical applca-
lions clearly illustrated. The results had not
been commensurate with public expectations.
Complaint was made that comparatively few
graduates became farmers and the truth or TINS
must, to some extent be admitted. 1t was
nothing strange. especially in cases where
the maintenance noted as tax upon the
funds of the college, that graduates should AVOID
calling demonstrated TO be unprohtable After
abiding in detail to some of the branches which
should be fundamentally taught in all agricul-
tural colleges he referred at length to some OF
the operations and plans which might be carried
out on college farms, by the college faculties,
ana which would be more particularly under the
auspices of the Department of Agriculture, and
for its special use and advantage, operations and
plans involving problems which could only be
solved by Investigations carried on slmultan-
eously in different localities. The peculiarities
consequent upon changing seed from one soil and
climate to others strongly suggestive
that good would result from well-eonducted
series of experiments, made over widely dlversl-
fed climates and conditions. The wider the
system of interchange of seeds, and the greater
the number of simultaneous tests, the more
satisfactory would be the tabulated results.
The department could collect the seeds of many
varieties of cotton, and assign them to all col
legeS III the cotton States, with instructions
which would secure similarity of treatment
throughout their growth. Semi weekly inspect
tions might be made. when every Detail of pro-
gress connected with rain fall, temperature,
time of first Towering, continuation of the
blooming period, quantity and quality of lint.
should be carefully noted. These processes should
be continued for series Of years, but when com
pleted, could not fail in being of great benefit
to all engaged in the culture of the crop.
The first fact to be evolved by such experiments
would be the elicitine of the knowledge neees-
sary TO the intelligent crossing Of varieties for
the purpose If combining in one the exceencies
of many. The principles governing the relation
Of crops the naturalization of plants, and the
study of the diseases Of plants. were touched
upon. Upon the general subject, and In con-
clusion, the Commissioner said there was moth
Ing which would so attract and rivet the atten-
ton of the agricultural public to the colleges
experimental work Farmers would hope and
expect 70 be directly benefited On the college
farms should be tested every variety of fruit,
cereals, grapes, timber trees and even do
mestic animals; and those found in all re-
spects adapted to the locality should
be disseminated by the college Thus col
lege farm would be trying experiments for hun
dreds of thousands of farmers. Who could enjoy
ths benefits and not suffer the losses in money,
labor and time, of making the tests for them
selves He proffered the services Of the Depart
Inent in obtaining from abroad seeds and plants
Of any product we are now importing, whenever
the faculties of any college wished to test the
cultivation of the plant in this country. He
could see the necessity for a great national eXpe
rimentai farm, also, and, If he might go further
lie would establish upon it a permanent national
sr worlds exposition, where the products of this
and other nations might be exhibited.
After the conclusion of the Commissioners
opening address, the temporary officers were
made permanent Commissioner Coleman then
announced that he had received a letter from
Miss Cleveland of the executive mansion, which
he did not think was intended private com
muucation. He said Miss Cleveland had mani
Tested laudable interest in of the industries
In which the country was interested. The letter
read as follows
II venture to ask if the subject of silk culture in
the United States is which will receive attention
from the agricultural convention. find myself feel
deem interest the industry, only because
it right and fitting that should produce
own silk in successful competition with the old
world but because this industry, when so
established, as 1t may be by encouragement
of tho government will afford one of self
see such avenues increased in worthy and legitimate
ways am hoping to have the pleasure of visiting
your bureau before long.
Very truly yours,
"RoSE ELIZABETH CLEVELAND"
The letter was received with applause and
the following resolution unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That this convention has listened with
pleasure to the sentiments expressed by Miss Rose
Elizabeth Cleveland in her letter addressed to Com
missioner Coleman, the subject of silk culture in
the United States; that in sympathy with those
sentiments. and that Miss Cleveland is most cordially
invited to honor this body with her presence and to
take part i'll its debera atoms.
Mr.. K. Tamari, japanese official commissioner
of the Worlds Exposition, was introduced and
spoke of the interest of Japan in agriculture. A
recess then taken.
AT the afternoon session an invitation from
President Cleveland to visit the White House
to morrow afternoon was accepted.
Messrs. Willetts, of Michigan, Lee of Missis-
sippi, 4. Burton, of Pennsylvania, Fairchild, of
Kansas, and Dwlnelle, of California. were made
vice presidents
A resolution favoring the passage by Congress
of the Cullom bill for an appropriation for agri-
cultural experimentation was passed The
recommendations of the Commissioner of Agri-
cultural, in his address were approved by reso
lution.A A discussion followed, in which the
IL e IL
nothing of their value condemned. The
evening session was devoted to the reading of
paperss%
a Huntsville Society Sensation