The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1901-12-05
SHORT COURSE IN
AGRICULTURE.
DEAR TRIBUNE:


words concerning the Short Course in
Agriculture.
Most of the readers of the Tribune
may be aware that there are three
courses in agriculture at our State
School of Technology; one, of four
years duration, leading to the degree
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture,
ot of two years, and one of eleven
weeks. These courses of training,
differ, not only in duration, but they
differ in purpose, and in efficiency.
The popular conception of four years
course in agriculture is somewhat dis
torted, at least it used to be, even I'M
derthe enlightenment of Marshall coun-
ty civilization. 1t still remalnsa ''last,
long lingering" hope of the writer,
that he may grow to be man enough
to return to old Marshall County and
spell out the true meaning of four
| y COuIoc 10
not man enough to do it yet.
But the Editor asked for Informal
tion, not about the long course, but
about the benefits of the winter term
The only objection to be raised against
the short course is that it is not long.
1t is impossible to arrange it so that
it may give full rounded education.
The writer believes thai occasionally,
in this regard. too much is expected
of eleven weeks of training. But the
fact remains, that eleven weeks of
time properly spent, may serve as an
eye opener, as to the possibilities of
farm life.
The Winter School of Agriculture,
is arranged for men and women, who
would be benefited by some college
training, but who cannot spend a
term or years in preparation. The
schedule of studies is almost entirely
practical, " and aims at teaching the
most improved methods of husbandry.
1t is rare opportunity for practical
farmers to make their business more
pleasing and profitable-in this lies
its mission, and its efficiency is seldom
disputed.
Tillers of the soil, learn to till the
soil better than they had known. They
learn something about the compo-
sition and properties of the rock
beneath their feet, and the
wave by which it feeds plants, and
how it is helped by proper kinds of
fertilizers. They learn what kind of
fertilizers to use and when to use
them.
Raisers of live stock, find out new
things about animal form, and how to
intensity the most profitable points.
They study how and what to feed. SO
that for instance when they hear the
word bean, it suggests proteid aud
milk fail, and corn suggests carbohyd-
rate and lard. AS thorough a train
ing as possible is also given in veter-
mary science.
The shop work in both wood and
iron is calculated to make the farmer
more adept in the use of tools, so that
he may do work for himself, or super
intend the work of others with great
er intelligence.
The instruction in dairying gives a
satisfactory working knowledge of the
industry. Ample opportunity is given
to students, for actual dairy practice
in the handling OF milk from the pail
to the butter print. A considerable
study is made of testing milk, and of
the changes it undergoeS in Souring or
developing bad tastes or off colors or
what not.
A special lecturer is provided in
rural law, who gives attention to high
ways, bitches, stock laws and tres
passing. Opportunity is given the
students to ask questions upon any
matter relative to the subject.
The short course has secured the
services of Miss Laura c. Day, as in-
structor in domestic science. Miss
Day can tell the girls of Indiana,
some things that have not been dream
ed in their philosophy. A similar OPP
portunity is not given elsewhere in
our state, and it is one which girls of
city and country cannot afford to dis
regard.
A little time is devoted to Art, and
the lectures in botany by Prof. STAN
ley Coulter, and the English work,
under Prof. Emma Mont McRea are
broadening influences indeed.
The. writer believes that the most
valuable part of the course are the
Especial lectures, by farmers of recogni-
zed standing. These men know bust
ness methods of farming better than
anyone else, because they keep in
touch with them on their farms.
1t is impossible to-enumerate more
opportunities presented by the writer's