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Michigan State Agricultural College BY PRESIDENT ABBOT
It was a dangerous experiment to establish such-an institution on any farm, not already, in part at least, capable of the highest cultivation, and ready to yield the maximum of production. "
In accordance with this system, but one man was regularly employed on the farm. Mr. Hiram Hodges, the farmer, occupied the present herdsman's house, only it was then situated upon the plank, some half mile east of the college hall. The students were to do about all the work, and this work was mostly clearing up land. For the first four or five years the students were divided for work into three divisions; one went out to labor as early as half past six, for the first term at half past five. After three hours of labor, they transferred their tools and-teams to the second division, and went in to lectures and study; a third division worked three hours in the afternoon. Classes, of course, also, were distributed throughout the day. Three hours' work was required on Saturdays, as well as other week-days. Students were paid for their labor according to fidelity and ability. The maximum rate the first year was ten cents, the second year nine cents an hour. The following are examples of rating of those times:
In the summer term of 1858, 33 students received the maximum rate of nine cents an hour for labor; 30 received eight cents; 15 received seven cents, and 7 received five cents. In 1850 the rating was very minute.
Sixty acres of land were brought under cultivation the first year.
The price of board the first term was $2. 50; the second term $2: 10; in
1878 $l. 75, with 25 cents extra for tea and coffee if used, and
? cents a week for washing, heating, and lights.
Michigan State
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