Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-10-23
TIE AeRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT
ofths state University Discussed by Prof.
T. william Rane.


give q more detailed account OF this de-
partment of the University.
At the outset l wish to emphasize the
fact that although agriculture and its
allied branches have been taught more
or less since the founding OF the instl-
tuition, no distinct and representative
chair of agriculture was established I'M
I'll two years ago. At that time Prof.
Atkinson, now president Of the State
Board of Agriculture, was maze full
professor in charge. Since then the de-
partment has been strenuously endeav-
oring TO get on Its feet, and offer all pos
sIble advantages to students desiring
such an education.
realize that as yet we are In our
embryonic stages, and that 1t takes
time and earnest effort on the part OF
somebody to marshal these latent forces
together. The success or failure oil
this department cannot be attributed
TO any single person. Each and every
one in the State of West Virginia
should have pride and interest enough
in such noble vocation as agriculture
and horticulture TO at least show their
respect and good will to ward them.
What is there that would be more in
spring and elevating to the minds OF
the public throughout this State than
to know that our youths are gaining an
education that will reap It's reward?
Already we are justly proud OF our law
yerS, clergymen, teachers, engineers,
etc., who point back to their institu-
tion as the birthplace Of their respec-
tive vocations in life. Would we not
likewise be proud OF a similar number
OF earth's educated noblemen, dot
ting the various sections OF
our State In the pursuit OF
agriculture and horticulture? The
prevalent idea that we teach young
men how to plow, plant corn, ETC.,
where they pursue the agricultural
course here at the University Is correct
so far as it goes. We do not stop with
that only, but we aim to graduate
young men, who are as fully capable OF
filing positions OF rank In the general
sciences as those from the other collie
giate courses. A man taking adegree
OF Bachelor OF Agriculture (B. Ayr
here at the University differs from an
other taking the degree OF Bachelor OF
Science (B. S. J, only in that his olec-
tives are chosen during the latter two
wears Of the course In agricultural or
horticultural subjects instead Of the
other sciences. 1t is indeed to be re-
GREETED that there are so many people
who have a fair idea OF educational
progress, but who are ignorant OF the
great field open to earnest, enthusiastic
scientists along this line. Where are
the graduates in agriculture
and horticulture of our various
colleges? You will find
them mainly filing professorships OF
Agriculture, Horticulture, Entomology,
Botany, Veterinary, Zoology, Chemis-
try, ETC., in tie various States through
out the Union. As an example, one Of
the class uf eight graduates in Agricul-
ture from the Ohio State University,
four are connected with State univer-
stiles as teachers; one is secretary and
general manager OF one OF the largest
fruit companies in the South; another
| is running large fruit and vegetable
farm near Cleveland, Ohio; the seventh
| owns a LOCO acre fruit farm the State
of Missouri, and the eighth is In expert
ment station work. OF six special stu
dents taking advanced work in Hor-
tlculture at Cornell University in 1892,
five hold professorships in the State
universities in as many States and the
other has gone into the business or hor-
ticulture between New York and Phila-
delphia. These examples are not ex-
ceptional as numerous other State
institutions can furnish like reports.
This shows for itself that such men ara
In demand everywhere.
emphatically believe that when our
farmers and people in general throw of
this false conception OF agriculture and
horticulture and look at ii in the right
light, as many of our sister states do,
we will begin to build up Il department
of agriculture here at the University
that the State will be proud Of.
The University offers at the present
time a general collegiate course run
ming through period OF four years, at
the expiration Of which time IT gradu
ates students, who have passed salts
factory examinations In the prescribed
work, with degree Bachelor Of Agricul-
ture Oh. Agr.,) This course aims TO
give young man a general collegiate
education and also an opportunity to
specialize along some particular line.
Now we realize that many OF our
boys throughout the State are not able
either to stand the expense or spend
the time for full course. Therefore
it is so arranged that any young man
with fair, common school education
can come here, take a one or two years
course, and select those studies which
he most desires. 1t is In this manner
| that we feel we are doing our part, and
we assure the public, particularly those
interested in the promotion OF educa-
ton, that, if they do their part by
sending us students who are worthy Of
the occupation, the Department OF Ag-
riculture will grow. Otherwise, how
can we make progress? Let us have n
| University that we can be proud Of In
every respect, aud one that shall pro-
mote our interests in every department
As our population increases and soils
] wear out, some Of us must look for the
soluuon Of the great State and national
questions OF human consumption. Why
not realize the importance OF solving
| these problems as We progress? II Is
with these aims In view that the United
! States Government has donated money
to each State to be used in the agricult-
ural experiment stations and also in
teaching agriculture and its allied
branches in the universities. These in
situations are both round here at the
West Virginia University. Beautiful
greenhouses afford students practical
work with plants, seeds, etc., during
the winter months, and in fall and
spring other arrangements will be pro-
vided exactly in proportion as the de-
mands require.
Now the question naturally arises,