We would earnestly recommend that, as changes for any reason are found necessary in the personnel of the State Board of Agriculture, there should be placed on that Board at least one man of broad knowledge and varied experience in the field of the mechanic arts, and one who is recognized as an able educator. In making this recommendation, we do not forget that the ideal controlling board for such an institution does its most important work, 1st, in determining the general policy of the institution; 2d, in selecting the president and faculty; 3d, in giving entirely into the hands of the president and faculty, the management of that part of the work which is purely internal. But, in determining the policy of the institution and in the selection of instructors, and especially in the relation of the institution to the public, a board composed of men of widely varying business and professional experiences will, we are sure, be more efficient than a board chosen largely from any one class of citizens. Taking up the recommendations of the Committee of the Faculty in the order there given, we would suggest: 1st. The definition of the function of the institution-"A school for technical and professional training in farming and engineering”—is good, and the desirability of placing this before the citizens of the State is clear. We would emphasize the fact that this is not especially "a school for farmers' sons and daughters," but "a school for every young man and woman in the State who is ambitious to obtain an education along the lines embraced in its several courses." We believe that the idea that this is a school simply for farmers' sons has restrained very many students from accepting its proffered advantages, who might have found here what would have more fully supplied their needs than is offered by any other institution in the State. The Committee of the Faculty discuss at some length the advisability of making the earlier years of the course more technical, in order that students may sooner enter upon the scientific phases of agriculture, and to that end recommend a co-ordination and concentration of courses of study. Our observation has been too limited to pass definitely on the wisdom of the changes suggested. As a general proposition we endorse the recommendation, but would advise care that the younger and fresher students be not confused by too early and sudden a shower of technical terms and tables. All scientific study should be approached with cau tion, for it can only be understood and mastered after due preliminary preparation. The third recommendation relative to change of vacation, is heartily endorsed. The most serious objection we have heard urged against a winter term at the college, is that it would deprive the farmers' institutes of the valuable assistance of members of the college faculty. This would not, however, seem to us inevitable. With a judiciously arranged course of work in the institutes, members of the faculty could reach each county as often as once in three years without serious loss of time at the college. And if, during the absence of each professor, there were an arrangement for a few short courses of lectures to the college classes by successful farmers on the practical problems of the farm, stock-breeding, the market garden, and the orchard, there would perhaps be a gain rather than a loss, to the students by the temporary change of intellectual diet. We certainly have many men in our State whose successful experience in practical agriculture has fitted them to give valuable instruction to the prospective farmer in some phases of the subject not usually treated in the class-room. We especially call attention to the fourth recommendation relative to special training in the way of winter courses for special students. We are fully persuaded that the establishment of such special courses will be of lasting benefit to the college, as well as a great boon to many of our intelligent, enthusiastic young men and women who cannot be spared from the field and home during the busy season. No one thing would, in our judgment, contribute more towards bringing the college in touch with these young people than such an arrangement. The fifth recommendation, that an effort be made to encourage the study of elementary science in the district schools of the State, with the idea of stimulating a desire for the knowledge to be obtained at the Agricultural College, is wise, if practicable. We think a more speedy and surer way of accomplishing the result aimed at would be through supplying the school-rooms of the State with the M. A. C. Record, and from time to time with such bulletins as would interest pupils. We are sure that the commissioners, teachers, and school boards will cheerfully co-operate, if the matter be properly brought to their attention, and that it will prove to be "seed sown on good ground." The reasons for the establishment of a "ladies' course" are clearly and forcefully expressed in the sixth recommendation of the committee. Such a course or courses, should give opportunity for thorough instruction in the chemistry of the kitchen, and in floriculture, poultry raising, the care of bees, and the cultivation of small fruits, with the view of fitting many young women to engage in these occupations successfully. Michigan is fortunately situated for profitable fruit and dairy farming, and many of our young women would, if properly trained along these lines, gladly take advantage of such instruction and find profitable and pleasant employment at home, instead of swarming city offices, stores, and work-shops. We do not approve of the seventh recommendation, but would advise raising rather than lowering the requirements for admission to the college, as the establishment of a preparatory department would practically do. Whatever is cheaply bought is lightly appreciated. The regular course should be strengthened, and this can be done only by requiring a better preparation of students when entering. These requirements should be equal to those for similar courses in other colleges. While, for the time being, coaching classes may be necessary for the benefit of those who may be deficient in some studies, students should not be encouraged in applying for admission till they are thoroughly prepared for the work of the courses they wish to pursue. The other recommendations relating to abolishing or reducing matriculation fee, organization of boarding hall where board shall be furnished at not to exceed two dollars per week, better handling of text-books, the discouragement of expensive entertainments, and encouragement of plain, simple, and inexpensive social and individual life, also recommend ing the abolition of the dormitory system and calling for better terminal street car facilities, meets our approval with this modification: 1st. That economy shall not be had at the expense of good, substantial, wholesome food, properly served as well as prepared. Students may be fed too cheaply, at the expense not only of health, but of self respect and table etiquette. 2d. The same is true of social and individual life. Extravagance should be discontinued, but care should be had not to grind down to carelessness and indifference. Tastes for good entertainments should be cultivated, as well as general culture in social and individual life. 3d. The dormitory system should be abolished, but only as fast as other adequate and wholesome facilities are provided. We note that the instructive and experimental work in dairying is carried on in the basement room of the agricultural laboratory, inadequate in size and inefficient in equipment. We suggest the erection of a modest building; large enough for the actual practical dairy work, as well as the experimental and illustrative. The equipment should include complete water facilities and approved scientific and practical apparatus. We also recommend better housing of engines, boilers, and coal, and the furnishing at once of sanitary closets in buildings and on grounds. (This last is much needed.) In conclusion, we are pleased to learn that most of the suggestions made by the Committee of the Faculty have already been adopted by the State Board of Agriculture; and we shall look forward to increasing appreciation of the college and, therefore, the most beneficial results therefrom. The fact that the Controlling Board has recognized the general belief that the institution has not in years past fully commended itself to the approval of the public, is, we are sure, a sufficient guaranty that in the future we may expect such changes as will bring it into touch with the most progressive and intelligent thought of the day. We have full faith that in the exact ratio in which this is accomplished, will the college maintain its position as a school where the young, seeking education along the lines covered by its courses of study, may find it to their lasting benefit to avail themselves of the advantages here offered. All of which is respectfully submitted. Dated May 18, 1896. 51 C. A. GOWER, R. M. BATES, MICHIGAN MINING SCHOOL. REPORT OF DIRECTOR. To the Honorable Board of Control of the Michigan Mining School: GENTLEMEN-I have the honor to present my report of the Michigan Mining School for the year 1894-95. The vacant professorship of Civil and Mining Engineering was filled by the election of Frederick W. Sperr, of the University of Ohio. Professor Sperr has shown himself to be an energetic and hardworking instructor. Owing to the financial depression, the attendance during the earlier months of the year was smaller than usual, but it increased very satisfactorily later. Since the school was organized in 1886, the attendance and the number of new students entering each year, have been as follows: 1885-7 1887-8 1888-9 1889-90 1890-1 1891-2 1892-3 1893-4 1894-5 35 61 78 101 82 94 Attendance. 23 15 16 15 46 40 45 17 49 New Students. The prospect for new students is better now than I have ever before seen it at this time of the year; yet since the promises of prospective students are very delusive, I prefer to err on the conservative side. One is not to expect from this too large a total attendance next year, since our graduating classes have been large for the past two years, while the regular students who have joined the school during those two years have been few. The effect of this will show most strongly during the coming year. About forty-one of the students now in the school are expected to return next year, and I consider that it is safe to estimate a total attendance of at least seventy students next fall term. The pronounced difference between the attendance last year and that which I have estimated for the coming fall term, is caused principally by one thing-the attempt made this summer to enable the young men of this district to take a greater advantage of the shop courses than has been possible at any time in the past; and hence a number of students, who could not be admitted to any other department of the school, were taken in as specials to do shop work. This admission of such crude material was done in the way of an experiment, in conformity with the general policy of the school to help everyone who can profit from its assistance. The experiment has proved a failure, and it will not be tried again. Over two years ago the Legislature made a partial appropriation for an engineering building and for its equipment. At the time that appropriation was granted, it was expected that the Legislature of 1895 would provide the means for completing the work. This was refused by the Governor and the Legislature and, as a result, part of the rooms in both buildings cannot be used for their designated purposes. In the Engineering Hall, the machine and pattern shops, boiler room, tool rooms, lavatories, and lecture and drawing rooms, have been partially fitted up and are arranged for present use. The engine and the line shaft for the dynamo room have been set up. Beyond this, nothing has been done towards fitting up the dynamo room, electrical laboratory, and the laboratory for testing materials, although much valuable apparatus has been collected through the generous gift of Mr. J. M. Longyear. In Science Hall, or the main building, two of the basement rooms that are much needed are now dismantled, and will have to remain so until an appropriation is made. The library has been moved to its more commodious quarters on the second floor, the old library is to be fitted up temporarily for a geological laboratory, work rooms are to be provided, and the old boiler room will be arranged for a students' room. hoped to place on exhibition the materials collected in accordance with the law, to illustrate the local geology and mineralogy. It is also desired to make some needed changes in the stamp mill and furnace building. Most of these are in the way of general repairs. It is also The heating and power plant has been partly remodeled and is doing good service, although much more needs to be done, particularly in Science Hall, before it will be in the condition that can be called satisfactory. The most important events of the year have been the adoption of a complete elective system; an arrangement whereby the preparatory work for entrance can be done at the school and under its direct supervision; and the introduction of a short course for those who can not spend the usual time. Concerning the elective system, it may be said that in this country two systems have been chiefly followed in the higher educational institutions -the fixed and the elective. The latter was introduced first in this country by President Wayland of Brown University, and it has since been systematized and developed with remarkable skill and success by President Eliot of Harvard. Indeed the system has proved to be so well adapted to the needs of modern times and to be so popular that it has made its way in the face of strenuous opposition, until all or nearly all of our colleges and universities have employed it for their work in general, or literary and scientific education. In technical, or engineering education, the case has been different, since even those schools like Harvard, Leland Stanford, Jr., or the University of Michigan, which have a most liberal elective system for general education, have still only a partially modified form of the rigid system in the engineering, or technical, courses. The rigid system is disguised in most institutions in their technical work under the head of election between various fixed courses, which may or may not have a few options, or it masquerades under an elective dress to which it has but little, if any, right. |