Physics. The relations of physics to the many applications of seience, make it imperative that this science should receive the fullest development in this college. Civil and mechanical engineering are closely dependent upon it, while the new branch of applied science, electrical engineering, is in fact a direct practical outgrowth from it. Agricultural Experiments.—It is hoped that year by year a larger number of experiments can be carried on. Plans for these have been made, including the investigation of soil temperatures, the percolation of water through soils (lysimetry), subterranean irrigation, and the problems connected with the question of the most economical feeding of animals. All these require a good deal of time for their completion, and should be commenced at the earliest possible date. It will be necessary to bear in mind the fact that for the feeding experiments and those in lysimetry a good deal of chemical work will be required, and that it will soon be necessary to make provision for work in this branch of the science, i. e., agricultural chemistry. Horticultural Work.—The immediate future should see the development of the botanic garden from its present small dimensions to something more worthy of the college. Every tree and shrub which will endure this climate should be found in it, plainly labeled, with both the scientific and English names. There should be, also, upon the farm extensive plantings of those fruit trees which have been shown to be the most desirable for growth for timber and fuel. It is fitting that we should have upon this state farm a creditable example of what a forestry plantation should be. In connection with these suggestions as to horticultural work, I should like to urge that such assistance be furnished to the professor of geology and allied sciences as will make possible the development of economic entomology in his department, a thing not now possible simply for want of time. No training in horticulture can be considered as complete which does not include a thorough course in economic entomology, and the fullest provision should be made for it. The proposed Veterinary School.-Throughout nearly the whole biennium suggestions have come to us that there should be a veterinary school in the Industrial College, for the benefit of that great class of agriculturists in this state whose farming finds its highest work in the growing of stock. A year ago the regents appointed a committee to inquire into the expediency of taking steps toward the establishment of such a school. This committee consulted with the State Agricultural Society, the Nebraska Fine Stock Breeders' Association, and with many prominent men in the state, and finally reported that there appeared to be a demand for such a school. At the spring meeting of the regents (in 1886) I presented a plan of action as to the proposed school, essentially as follows: 1. That a competent man be appointed at once to begin the work of investigation of animal diseases, and to mature plans for a veterinary school. 2. That the legislature be asked to make provision for the establishment of a first-class veterinary school, including (a) A veterinary building, (b) Proper buildings and enclosures on farm, (c) Apparatus, (d) Salaries of three or four professors, (e) Current expenses. In accordance with the first part of the plan outlined above, Dr. F. S. Billings was appointed, and has been for some months engaged in investigations, and in the study of plans for the school. I am but doing my duty to the great stock-growing industry of this state when I express my settled conviction that the legislature will act wisely in making liberal provisions for a veterinary school. Military Instruction.-The act of Congress making provision "for the benefit of agriculture and the mechanic arts," under which the Industrial College was founded, expressly requires that military instruction shall be included in its work. This requirement is imperative, and cannot be evaded. It rests, therefore, with the state to make. proper provision for this important branch. CHARLES E. BESSEY, Dean of the Industrial College. December, 1886. |