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Michigan State Agricultural College BY PRESIDENT ABBOT
Mr. Cleveland Abbe, M. A., of the University of the city of New York, came as instructor in civil engineering and drawing. Mr. Abbe is now the meteorologist of th'e signal service at Washington, and well known to readers of astronomical and other scientific journals.
Silas A. Lane was steward of the boarding hall. Towards the close of the year visitors were appointed: Perley Bills, of Tecumseh, and T. T. Lyon, of Plymouth.
NEW DEPARTURE, 1860
There had been in 1859 a good deal of discussion as to what an agricultural college ought to be, and to teach. Hon. John M. Gregory, ex officio secretary of the board, at last developed a, plan to make the college more strictly a technical school, like the medical school. The plan is given in detail in his report, as superintendent, for 1860. pages 41 to 59. It was to advise with the board regarding these changes, that visitors, Mr. T. T. Lyon and Mr. P. Bills. were appointed.
The scheme embraced a course of one year preparatory study, and two years professional study, in six departments. 1. Theory and practice of agriculture; 2. Agricultural chemistry; 3. Civil and rural engineering; 4. Botany and vegetable physiology; 5. Zoology and animal physiology; 6. Horticulture; and 7. Practical farming.
In November, 1859, the board met in Lansing, and after discussion, adopted the new plan. The professors at once resigned their places, and their resignations were accepted. In December, 1859, the boarding hall— always a source of trouble—was let out for the year 1860, to Mr. Silas A. Lane, with an engagement to give good board at $2. 50 a week.
Michigan State
Page 37
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