Third Term.-Astronomy, Systematic Botany, History of the United States. Lectures upon Physics, Mineralogy, the Cultivation of the Vine, of the Fruit and Forest Trees, and Useful and Injurious Insects; and Exercises in English Composition and Debate, during the year.

SENIOR YEAR.-First Term.-Intellectual Philosophy, History, Physical Geography. Second Term.-Moral Philosophy, Political Geography, the Civil Polity of Massachusetts and the United States.

Third Term.-Geology, Engineering, Political Economy.

Lectures upon Stock Farming, Architecture, Landscape Gardening, Geology, and English Literature; and Exercises in Original Declamation and Debate, during the

year.

Exercises in Gymnastics, Military Tactics, and the various operations of the Farm and Garden, throughout the Course.

THE MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, NEAR LANSING.

I proceed now to give a brief account of the Michigan Agricultural College, and without at all disparaging the Institution already described, or any other, I am constrained to award the palm of superiority to it for the practical good sense, wise economy, determined energy, and encouraging success, which have characterized its arrangement and history. In many respects it is especially worthy of being made a study by those who are anxious to establish on a sound basis, and without extravagant outlay, an Agricultural College in a new and rising Country.

In the year 1855, the Michigan Legislature made an appropriation of Forty thousand dollars, for the establishment of a State Agricultural School. A tract of Land, three miles east of Lansing, the State Capital, was purchased. It consisted of 676 Acres of heavily timbered Land, and was nearly in a state of nature at the time of purchase. A Site for the necessary Buildings was chosen, and a beautiful natural Park was formed by wisely leaving here and there suitable Trees, already well grown and firmly established in the soil; an example of what every Farmer in a new Country might do, but for that wholesale and indiscriminate Tree slaughter, which the Settler appears to regard as his first and most imperative duty. Artificial planting, with fifty years of growth, would not have embellished the Grounds of this College more richly than they have been by a judicious disposition of the original occupants of the soil. A College Building, 100 feet by 50, and a Boarding House of nearly equal size, each three stories high, and of brick, were at once erected, and the Institution was formally opened with appropriate services, on the 13th day of May, 1857, in the presence of the Governor, a goodly representation of State Officials, and a large concourse of citizens from various parts of the State. A central Building, somewhat ornamental in style, but planned with a view to obtaining the most accommodation with the least outlay, has since been erected.

This Institution, as already stated, was in an effective condition at the time that the great National Land Grant was made. It then became possessed of 240,000 Acres of Land, all located within the State of Michigan, and with a minimum price of $2.50 per Acre fixed by Law. In addition to this munificent Endowment, the State Legislature vested in the College the ownership of about 6,000 Acres of Swamp Land, considered to be worth at least $30,000, and in increasing value. As yet the Lands donated by Congress remain unsold, and thus far the support of the College has come from the State. But, the possession of these Lands has inspired the friends of the Institution with great enthusiasm, and produced an important moral effect by certain prospect of ample means to provide for the operating of the College in all time to come. From the very outset this Institution appears to have gone on prosperously, and without any serious drawback. During the past year the number of Students was eighty-two, representing twenty-six Counties of the State. Of this number, sixty-two were Sons of Farmers. Three hundred and fifty Acres of the Farm are now cleared, and in great

part freed from stumps. Roads, Fences and Bridges have been built, and a large amount of grading and ditching done. It is a peculiarity of this College that by Legislative enactment, it is required "That three hours each day shall be devoted by every Student to labour upon the Farm, and no Person shall be exempt, except for physical disability." This requirement of labour is made, not only because it is remunerative to the Students, but because it is educational, and calculated, at a period when tastes and habits are formed, to induce a love of work, and sympathy with the working classes. It is found that, as a matter of fact, Students who pursue a College Course without labour, rarely engage in industrial pursuits, and it has been urged as an objection against Agricultural Colleges, that they will tend to divert their Pupils from the actual work-a-day life of the Farm, to professional pursuits. Special pains are taken, therefore, at the Michigan Agricultural College, to render Labour honourable and attractive. The Officers of the Institution work with the Students, or personally superintend their work. The Professors of Agriculture and Horticulture, the Foreman of the Farm and Garden, and the Foreman of the Greenhouse are always out with the Students during their work, while the Professor of Chemistry and other Officers often It is aimed to connect the Labour and Studies of Students as far as possible. Lectures are sometimes given in the Fields and Stock-yards, and the principles learned from Class Books are, as frequently and fully as can be done, illustrated in the Workshop, on the Farm, and in the Garden. After a thorough trial of its merits, the Trustees and Faculty of the Institution cling very tenaciously to the Manual Labour feature of the College, and regard it is intimately connected with its prosperity and usefulness. That the system of Labour pursued here has proved a success is undeniable, while it is equally certain that in some other Institutions it has proved a failure. The reasons for this difference, as given by the friends of the Michigan Agricultural College, are these:-That requiring all Students, without exception, to labour, effectually prevents the springing up of caste among them, while participation in actual Work by the Officers of the Institution themselves does much to make Labour appear respectable and inviting to the young men. That there is much force in these considerations no thoughtful mind can deny.

are so.

The requirements for admission to this College are thus fixed by Law:-"No Student shall be admitted to the Institution who is not fifteen years of age, and who does not pass a satisfactory examination in Arithmetic, Geography, Grammar, Reading. Spelling and Penmanship." The Law also says:-"The College shall be a high Seminary of Learning, in which the Graduate of the Common School can commence, pursue and finish a Course of Study." The chief objects contemplated by the College are these:-1st. To impart a knowledge of Science, and its application to the Arts of life. Especially are those Sciences taught which relate to Agriculture and kindred Arts, such as Chemistry, Botany, Zoology and Animal Physiology. 2nd. To prosecute Experiments for the promotion of Agriculture. In this important respect very valuable services have already been rendered. 3rd. To afford the means of a general education to the Farming Class.

Tuition is free to all Students from the State of Michigan. Outsiders are charged Twenty dollars per annum. Board and washing are provided at the College Boarding Hall at cost, which was, during the past year, $3.25 per week for Board, and forty-two cents per dozen for Washing. A charge of 6.50 per year is made for incidentals. Room Rent is four dollars a year. The Rooms are furnished with Bedsteads and Stoves; what else is requisite, the Students must provide for themselves. The Terms are so arranged as to give a long Winter Vacation, affording Students an opportunity for teaching. What is thus earned, in addition to the wages received for labour on the Farm during the Term, will, if he be industrious and economical, enable the Student to defray a large proportion of his College Expenses. The annual cost of the Institution is rather more than $10,000, and as Tuition is free, nearly all this amount must be provided either by Legislative appropriation, or from the proceeds of the Endowment. There is already much pleasing evidence of the usefulness of this College and of its high and

growing appreciation by the Farmers of Michigan. A good proportion of its Graduates are engaged in Practical Agriculture. Four of its Graduates have become Professors in Agricultural Colleges. Its influence is very perceptible upon the surrounding Farm region. At present the Faculty of Instruction consists of a President, who is also a Professor of Mental Philosophy and Logic; a Professor of Animal Physiology and Practical Agriculture, who is also a Superintendent on the Farm; a Professor of Chemistry; a Professor of Botany and Horticulture, who is also Superintendent of the Gardens; and a Professor of English Literature. The Course of Instruction is as follows, occupying, when fully taken, four years, but suitable Persons may be received for a less time to pursue a Special Course of Study.

The Primary Course of Instruction is practically the same as in other Agricultural Schools and Colleges, including Declamations and Compositions throughout the entire

course.

Particular attention is called to the Course of Study as here laid down. It is believed to be sufficient to impart thorough mental discipline and such information as is required by the general Student. Its peculiar feature is the prominence given to Physical Sciences. Botany, Chemistry, and Animal Physiology are pursued from one, to two, years each. Practical Agriculture, Horticulture, Stock-breeding, Entomology and Meteorology are prominent features of the Course.

It is believed that Students who complete the Course will be qualified to follow Agricultural pursuits with intelligence and success; or should some other profession seem more congenial, they will have the discipline and scientific acquirements that will enable them to pursue with profit the studies preparatory to entering it.

As Text Books are liable to be changed, Students are advised not to purchase Books in advance, without consulting Officers of the College.

SELECT COURSE OF INSTRUCTION IN DEPARTMENTS OF THE MICHIGAN COLLEGE.

Persons of suitable age and acquirements, who desire to pursue one or other of the branches of Study more closely related to Agriculture, such as Chemistry, Botany, Animal Physiology, etcetera), may be received for a less time than is requisite for the full course.

As affording evidence of the comprehensive and exhaustive character of the teaching at this College, I subjoin the Programme of Topics, published by the Trustees of the Institution. It is an admirable synopsis of what requires to be taught in a School of Agriculture.

Elementary Chemistry. The primary forces,-Heat, Light, Electricity, Magnetism, etcetera; Chemical affinity and Laws of Chemical combination; Elementary Substances, their history, properties, combinations and uses; Application of Chemistry to the Arts and Manufactures; Organic Chemistry. In the study of Elementary Chemistry, the facts and principles of the Science are illustrated by experiments.

Lectures.-Public Lectures, by Members of the Faculty in rotation, are given to the Students in a body. These Lectures are delivered every Wednesday afternoon not occupied by public rhetoricals of the juniors and seniors. Up to this date the subject matter of these Lectures has been as follows:-President Abbot, on how to use the Eye; Professor Miles, on how to construct the Farm House, and how to construct Farm Buildings; Professor Kedzie, on the Chemistry of Projectiles and Gunnery, and on the Spectroscope; Professor Prentiss, on Motion in Plants; Secretary Howard, on Permanent Pastures; Professor Fairchild, on the Reflex influence of School-keeping; Professor Cook, on the Honey Bee; and Instructor Tracy, on how to beautify the House and its surroundings.

Labour. Each Student, not exempt for physical three hours a day on the Farm, or in the Garden. increased to four, or diminished to two and a half. of defraying expenses), is allowed; but the Labour is

disability, is required to labour The number of hours may be Some compensation, (see means regarded as an essential part of

the Educational System of the College, and is performed with special reference to illustrating and applying the Instructions of the Lecture Room. Students are not employed in those kinds of work only in which they may be most proficient, but, as the work is classified, each is made acquainted with all the operations of Farming and Gardening. The Sophomore Class Work the entire year is under the direction of the Professor of Horticulture. The juniors spend the year under the direction of the Professor of Practical Agriculture. The other Classes alternate between the Farm and the Gardens.

MEANS OF ILLUSTRATION TO BE USED IN THE COLLEGE.

1. A Farm of 676 Acres, of which about 300 are under cultivation.

2. Botanical Gardens of Trees, Shrubs and Herbaceous Plants, and a commodious Greenhouse.

3. Vegetable Gardens, small Fruit Garden, Apple Orchard, general Lawn and Grounds.

4. Galloway, Ayrshire, Devon and Short Horn Cattle; Essex, Berkshire, Suffolk and Chester, White Swine; Southdown, Cotswold, Spanish Merino and Black-faced Highland Sheep.

5. Chemical Laboratory and Apparatus.

6. Philosophical and Mathematical Apparatus.

7. A Museum of Animals and Minerals.

8. The Cooley Herbarium,-a very valuable collection of Plants.

9. Museum of Vegetable Products.

10. Library and Reading Room.

11. Buildings, Workshops, Tools, etcetera.

THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT AT WASHINGTON.

In accordance with your instructions, I visited the United States Department of Agriculture at Washington. The Commissioner, Honourable Horace Capron, being absent on a tour in the Southern States at the time of my visit, the Chief Clerk, Mr. McLain, and the Entomologist, Mr. Townsend Glover, did all in their power to promote the objects of my visit, and showed me much attention. I found that the Department had but recently become established in a spacious and beautiful five-story Edifice newly built for its occupancy, and that the Grounds and surroundings were under process of laying out and being improved. Additional Buildings were under construction, especially a most extensive glass Conservatory, in which it is intended to test and propagate every description of new Plant, whether useful, or ornamental.

The Chief business of the Department at Washington, as at present conducted, appears to be to collect and diffuse useful information in regard to Agriculture and Horticulture. Correspondence is had with all parts of the Country, and investigation is kept up of European records of Experimental Science, the transactions of Agricul tural and kindred Societies, and Official Bulletins and Publications. The matter thus collected is condensed, arranged, tabulated, and the gist of it embodied in a Monthly Report. There is not, as I had been led to suppose, a net-work of remunerated agencies all over the Country, for supplying Crop Statistics and Reports, but the Department depends upon unpaid correspondents, who furnish information voluntarily and gratuitously. As might be expected, the work is done irregularly and imperfectly; so that only approximate Returns can, at any time, be given. As with ourselves, the need is felt of some systematic and trustworthy mode of collecting facts, especially during the Seeding, Growing, and Harvesting seasons. A yearly Volume of great value is published by the Department, which embodies, in a permanent form, the results of the enquiries and investigations pursued from time to time, and is particularly useful from its furnishing information as to the best methods of Cultivation, and the newest improvements in the manipulation and management of matters pertaining to the Farm

and Garden. These Volumes, as thus far issued, are in themselves a most varied, comprehensive, and instructive Library of Agriculture and Horticulture.

The Washington Department has under its supervision a Chemical division, which is constantly engaged in the examination of Minerals, Ores, Earths, Products from various Manufactures, special investigations in Technical branches of Industry, and analysis of Field Products. A recent work undertaken by this division, has been the Chemical Analysis of average samples of the Cereal Crops collected from all parts of the United States and Territories, with a view of determining their relative richness in food elements. A thoroughly furnished Laboratory and every appliance of modern art and science, enable the Department to pursue investigations and try experiments which no individual society, or Institution could successfully prosecute. A Mineralogical Cabinet has been commenced in connection with this division, which already contains a large number of choice speciinens.

The Entomological division, under the care of Professor Glover, is in a state of great efficiency. I know of no Insect Collection comparable with that which has been brought together by the labours of the Gentleman just named, who united with high competency as an Entomologist, rare skill as an Artist, and can not only set up the actual Insect specimen in the very best manner, but produce life-like illustrations of it, doing with his own hand the work of both draughtsman and engraver. The ravages of Insects have of late years entailed immense losses upon Agriculturists and Horticulturists, and it is impossible to overestimate the importance of the service rendered by this division of the Department to the interest of the Farm and Garden. Professor Glover carries on an extensive scientific correspondence with Entomologists in various parts of the world, and it was with no small pride and pleasure that I learned from him, that his most valued and useful correspondent was a Canadian amateur, Mr. William Saunders, of London, Ontario. A Museum of Natural History, native and foreign Vegetable and Flower specimens, and Seeds is an adjunct of this division.

The distribution of Seeds and Plants is another method by which the Department seeks to promote the farming interests under its supervision. During the year 1868, no fewer than 592,398 packages and papers were distributed, including 32,127 sacks of Winter Wheat, specially imported to furnish the Country with a change of seed. This extensive distribution was made through the following channels:-Members of Congress, 223,672 packages; Agricultural and Horticultural Societies, 98,861; Statistical Correspondents, 86,391; individuals on application, 183,474; total, 592,398.

The investigation of diseases among Farm Stock has been by no means the least important service rendered by the Department to American Agriculture. On the breaking out of the Texan fever among Cattle, the Commissioner promptly engaged the services of Professor John Gamgee, of the Albert Veterinary College of London, England, to investigate its character, causes, and means of prevention and cure. speedy and effectual check put upon the virulent malady, is largely to be attributed to the energetic and thorough manner in which it was dealt with by the Department.

The

Lastly, I may mention the Experimental Garden, under the care of Mr. Saunders, which, although only five acres in extent, is marvellously comprehensive and varied in its contents. Here new Vegetables, Flowers, ornamental Plants, Shrubs and Fruits, are carefully grown and thoroughly tested, under the eye of one of the most intelligent, skilful, and experienced Horticulturists of the age. Among many other new aspirants to favour in the world of Horticulture, I was pleased to find here specimens of Plants of the new hybrid Grapes and Raspberries originated by Mr. Charles Arnold, of Paris, Ontario, and to hear from Mr. Saunders very flattering and hopeful opinions in regard to them.

The Department finds itself cramped in every direction by want of means to render itself widely and thoroughly useful. In the United States, as here, the farming interest is not sufficiently represented in the halls of legislation to secure that attention to the great foundation source of a nation's strength and wealth, which its intrinsic