Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes - 1861 [Begin page 72] Lansing. Jan. 15, 1861. The Board of Education met at the office of the Secretary at 9 o'clock A.M. Present. W.J. Baxter. Edwin Willits and the Secretary. [W.J. Baxter Prest. Bd. of Educatin] On motion of Mr Willits. W.J. Baxter was elected President of the Board for the year 1861. The Secretary made the following report which was accepted and ordered to be [spread?] on the records Gentlemen of the State Board of Education. By resolutions of the Board passed July 5th, 1860. Certificates of the Board were authorized to be issued for not exceeding $9000 for the Agricul- tural College, and not exceeding $5000 for the Normal School, to be used in negotiating loans or advances for these Institutions respectively, and the Secretary was authorized to negotiate such advances at an interest not exceeding 10 per centum, per annum. [Report on Loans] In accordance with these resolutions, I issued to the Auditor General, Certificates of the Board for the following amounts, and received from him Warrants on the State Treasurer payable the 1st day of May, 1861, which I procured to be discounted as follows, for Agricultural College. Aug. 1. Three Warrants for $1000 each discounted by P. Bach of Ann Arbor at 10 per cent, net proceeds $2790.69 Aug. 1. One Warrant for $1000 discounted by B. Follett at 10 per cent, net proceeds $930.23 Sept. 10th One warrant for $1000. by B. Follettt at 10 per cent - net proceeds $940.30 Nov. 1. Two warrants for $1000 each. by D.McIntyre at 10 per. ct. Net proceeds $1904.75 The amounts received on all these warrants were paid to the Treasurer of the Agricultural College and a warrant has been drawn on him and placed to the credit of the Board for the amount of interest paid on these warrants. Jan. 1st, having obtained from the Auditor General another warrant of $1000. payable. Nov. 1st 1861. for the Agricultural College; I negotiated the discount of the same with Dr. C.H. Gregory at 10 per cent and the net proceeds, $923.08 have been paid to the Treasurer of the Agricultural College. [End page 72] [Begin page 73] On the 1st day of October last I procured from the Auditor General, two warrants for $1000 each which were discounted by B. Follett Esq at 10 per cent. . to May 1st 1861. and the net proceeds $1894.75 were left in his hands as Treasurer and paid by him, on proper warrant to the teachers of the Normal School. L M Gregory. Secretary. The members of the Board went in the afternoon to the college to inspect the work of the masons in replastering the walls of the Boarding Hall. [Plastering Boarding Hall] Evening Session. The account of Geo. W Palmer, and John LaDavidson for replastering Boarding Hall. on Contract was allowed as follows. Cost of labor/materials as per Contract at 27 cents per yard $730.53 Cost of lime, (excess over 30 cents per bush.) 48.70 For patching walls & materials therefor 35.50 Total $814.73 Paid them in farm produce $14.04 Lath 1.75 15.79 Balance due Contractors $798.94 [Accounts] Jan. 16. Board in Session. Present same members as yesterday Settled account of James Bayley, Farm Superintendent, and allowed balance due him as per bill on file. $177.60 ________ Evening. Examined the accounts of S.A. Lane, late Steward. Allowed balance due him as per bill on file 55.76 Balance of bill audited Nov. l. unpaid 153.38 Due him on Settlement. $209.14 Jan. 17. Board in Session. present Baxter, Willits & Sec'y Examined accounts of Prof. T.C. Abbot. Allowed postage bills paid by him 11.04 Balance on salary etc as per bill on file 84.03 $95.07 [End page 73] [Begin page 74] Examined accounts of Prof L R. Fisk and allowed balance salary etc, as per bill. $101.28 [Legislature] Board employed a part of the day in conference with members of the legislature on the interests of the Institutions under their charge. Jan. 18th Board in session. Present Baxter. Willits & Sec'y The general affairs of the College were discussed and certain amendments agreed upon to be asked for in the law provided the College should be left in the hands of the Board Messrs. Baxter & Gregory having been authorized to audit the afc of J.C. Holmes [their?] afc was allowed as followes [Accounts] For moneys paid by on him for College $28.95 " Salary. 1 quarter to Jan. 1 1861 187.50 $216.45 Cash advanced him per Warrant $10.00 " received by him for brick sold 29.00 39.00 Balance due him on settlement $177.45 Allowed Salary of Prof. Geo Thurber to Jan 1st, 61 250.00 " Dr M. Miles cash paid for blank books for museum & freight on glass ware $6.00 " Tompkins & Co. balance on old afc 14.38 L.M. Gregory Secretary [End page 74] [Begin page 75] [State Board of Agriculture] Meeting of the State Board of Agriculture April 1861. In pursuance of notice previously given by the Governor of the State, the State Board of Agriculture met at the City of Lansing on the fourth day of April 1861 and some of the members of the Board being absent the organizaton of the Board was postponed until tomorrow. April 5th [NOTE: The following sentence appears to be "X'd" out in the original.] Board [conversed?] and organized by the appoint- ment of Austin Blair President and Charles Rich as Secretary Pro-tem. April 5 Mr President laid before the Board [Organization] The Board convened and there were present Davis Carpenter, Justus Gage, Silas A. Yerkes Charles Rich and Austin Blair Governor of the State; and there were Absent Hezekiah G. Wells and Philo Parsons. [Blair Prest. Rich Secty.] On motion the Board organized by appointing Austin Blair President of the Board and Charles Rich as Secretary Pro-tem. [Terms] The Board then on motion proceeded to draw for periods of Service of the Several members of the Board the numbers being prepared by the Clerk, the members, under the direction of the President, Severally drew numbers as follows. David Carpenter Drew for four years Justus Gage Drew for two years Silas A. Yerkes Drew for Six years Charles Rich Drew for Six years Wells & Parsons being absent the President drew for them as follows. For Hezekiah G. Wells the Period of four years for Philo Parsons the period of two years. [Inventory] On motion of Mr. Yerkes, the President was requested to notify J.C. Holmes and request him to furnish this Board a list or inventory of all the property belonging to the Agricultural College. The President laid before the Board a com- munication from L.R. Fisk that he was prepared to [End page 75] [Begin page 76] make a report to the Board of the condition of the Agricultural College. On Motion the Board voted that the said L.R Fisk be requested to submit his report to the Board tomorrow at 10 O clock in the forenoon. The Board adjourned to meet tomorrow morning at 10 Oclock at the College Buildings. April 6th. [Fisk, Report] Board met at the College Building: as per adjournment L.R Fisk submitted his report to theBoard and after hearing the same read, the same was accepted by the board – After having spent some time in viewing the the College Buildings and Farm, the Board adjourned to meet at the Governor's room at 9 Oclock on morning monday morning next. Monday April 8th Board met as per adjournment at the Room of the Governor. [Berry. Treasurer] [Bond $5000.] On motion the Board proceeded to the election of Treasurer of this Board. Langford G. Berry was duly elected Treasurer. Ordered by the Board that the Treasurer be required to enter into execute a Board to the Board in the Sum of five thousand Dollars with good and Sufficient Securities to be approved by the Board, for the faithful performance of his duties as Treasurer. [Vacating all positions] The following resolutions were adopted by the Board Resolved – that this Board regards all the profes- sorships & offices at the Agricultural College as vacant from this date, and will proceed to choose Such professors tutors & employers as the necessities of the College demand at their earliest convenience – [Term & Course of Study] Resolved – that the Board determine that the next term of the State Agricultural College Shall com- mence on the 7th day of April [illegible in original], and the course of instruction therein Shall be the Same as provided by the law creating this [illegible in original] Board & the previous rules and regulations of the College so far as the same are not in- consistent with said law. Resolved – That the four Professors heretofore employed at the College are hereby reappointed to wit: [End page 76] [Begin page 77] [Re elections] Lewis R. Fisk A.M. Professor of Agricultural Chemistry T.C. Abbot " " " Civil & Rural Engineering George Thurber M.D. " Botany & Vegetable Physiology Manly Miles " Zoology & Animal Physiology; to hold their professorships during the pleasure of this Board to be paid Salaries at the rate of one thousand dollars per year each. Board adjourned to meet at the College Buildings to morrow morning at 10'Oclock Tuesday April 9th Board met at the College Buildings as per adjournment _ The following Resolutions were passed by the Board [Course of Study] Resolved _ That the Board approve and establish the following course of Study to wit: Preparatory Terms First Higher Arithmetic Physical & Mathematical English Grammar Geography – advanced – 2 Algebra Natural Philosophy Rhetoric 1st Year 1 Geometry Meterology History 2 Trigonometry & Elementary English Literature Surveying Chemistry Book Keeping 2nd Year 1 Physics Vegetable Physiology & Rhetoric Horticulture 2 Civil Engineering Botany Horticulture & Inductive Mineralogy Logic 3rd Year 1 Drawing & Rural Geology Mental Philosophy Engineering 2 Astronomy Zoology Moral Philosophy 4th year 1 Analytical Animal Physiology Political Economy Chemistry 2 Agricultural Entomology Veterinary Agricultural & Geographical Chemistry Medicine. Economy of Botany, Technology [Household?] Domestic Animals Breeding etc & Rural [Economy?] [End page 77] [Begin page 78] [Abbot, Secty p.t.] Resolved – That Professor T.C. Abbot be requested to act as Secretary Pro tem – of this Board until a permanent Secretary Shall be chosen. [Bailey, Supt. Farm & Boarding Hall] Resolved – That this Board retains the Services of James Bailey as Superintendant of the farm to continue during the pleasure of the Board at a Salary at the rate of Eight hundred dollars per year. He shall take charge and have control of the farm and boarding hall under the direction of the Board – and it is understood that Mr Bailey will move into the boarding hall and will be entitled to occupy the same free of rent & have the board of himself and wife free of charge and will be entitled also to keep his team at the expense of the Col- lege and will use it for its benefit and Subject to his order or control _ If at any time the board Shall be of opinion that the interest of the college will be promoted by making Some other disposition of the boarding hall then said James Bailey shall vacate the same upon reasonable notice. [Clearing] [Barn Re Roof College Hall Re Roof] [Kitchen] Resolved – That the Superintendent of the farm be and he is hereby directed to cause to be chopped chained & fenced twenty five acres on the College farm & that he contract for the same to the best advantage not to exceed twelve dollars per acre – also that he cause the Brick barn to be newly roofed & the roof of the college building to be repaired so as to be freed from leaks; also that he employ such assistance in the boarding hall as may be necessary to carry on the same – [Buy Oxen] [Groceries {oc?}] [Sell Stock] Resolved – That the farm Superintendent be authorized and directed to purchase a yoke of Oxen & tools for the farm such as he may deem necessary and Supplies for the boarding hall rendering from time to time a true account of the same to this board, also to sell such of the Cattle & horses on the farm as he may think proper. [Bridge] Resolved – That the Superintendent of the farm be authorized to contract with [Alwan?] Harrison to build a bridge across the Cedar River on the farm at the price of Seven hundred and fifty (750) dollars [End page 78] [Begin page 79] payable at any time within one year. Said Bridge to be one hundred and fifty feet in length and Sixteen feet in width and according to a plan and specificatons to be prepared, to be located as near as may be to the center line of the farm running north and South. [Bills] Bills Audited & allowed by the Board To I.H. & H.D. Bartholomew Bill on file $23.05 " " " Bill on file .42 L.R. Fisk Postage & Stationary 4.50 P.C. Ayres Repairing Buildings 47.58 No. 16. Resolved by the Board [Thurber Horticulture] That Professor George Thurber be requested to take charge of the department of Horticulture until the Board find it convenient to make some other disposition of the Same. [Funds] Resolved – That the Treasurer of this Board is hereby directed to obtain from the State Treasury one thousand dollars of the unexpended balance of the appropriation to the Agricultural college for the year 1860 and hold the Same Subject to the disposition of the board. The Board adjourned sine dine Chas Rich Sec'y Pro tem State Agricultural College May 29. 1861 The first regular meeting of the State Board of Agriculture was called to order by Gov. Blair, the President, at 2. P.M. in the museum of the Agricultural College: Present Messrs Blair, Wells Gage, Carpenter, and Yerkis. [Reports] Report of Prof. Fisk, in behalf of the Faculty, was read by him, and accepted. Report of Dr. Thurber, on the interests of the Hor- ticultural Department, was read by the Secretary, & accepted. [Accounts] Resolved – that the various sums charged, and cred- ited Students for Board and work, this Spring, before the opening of the College, be charged, or allowed them in Settle- ment, at the close of the first quarter of this term. Mr James Bayley's account was audited and allowed at $504.57. (Warrant No. 8) [End page 79] [Begin page 80] Adjourned to meet at same place tomorrow at 10 A.M T C. Abbot Secretary. State Agricultural College, May 30, 1861 St. Board of Agriculture met according to adjournment There were present Messrs Wells, Gage, Carpenter, Yerkis, Rich, and Parsons: the President being absent Mr. Gage was made chairman. After discussion, the following Resolution was adopted. [T.C. Abbot Histy & Eng. Lit.] Resolved – that a Professorship of History and English Literature be established in the College Resolved, - that Prof. T.C. Abbot be transferred to the Professorship of History and English Literature; with the understanding that he do not enter upon its duties, but continue to give instruction in Civil and Rural Engineering, until instruction in the latter de- partment be otherwise provided for. [Board Committees] Resolved, that there be constituted of this Board the following Standing Committees to consist of two mem- bers each: Committee on Accounts and Supplies " " College Property " " Offficers & Employees. [Labor 4 hours] Resolved that the Faculty of the College be empowered to employ students in labor four hours a day whenever they shall deem it necessary. [Credits] Resolved, that in place of payment of wage for the work of students by warrants, the Secretary of the Board be authorized to give credit for such wages in the quarterly settlement, made with students for board. At 1 P.M. the Board took a Recess of one hour, at the close of which time; and an hours delay caused by a review of the Military Company of the college the meeting was called to order by the President Gov. Blair. The official Bond of Langford G. Berry, Treasurer of the Board, elect, was submitted and approved. [Sell Garden truck] Resolved that D. Thurber be authorized to dispose of the surplus products of the Garden. The President then announced the members of the Standing Commtitee, constituted by Resolution of the Board [End page 80] [Begin page 81] adopted by the Br in the forenoon to be as follows: [Standing Committees] Committee on Accounts and Supplies Mr. Parsons " Carpenter Committee on College Property Mr. Wells " Rich Committee on Officers and Employees Mr. Gage Mr. Herkis [Sell Swamp Lands] Resolved that James Bayley be authorized to sell Three Hundred and Twenty (320) acres of the Swamp Lands granted by the Legislature of Michigan to the "Agricultural College" at an amount not less than Five Dollars per acre, and that on payment of the purchase price of said Land to the Treasurer of the Agricultural College that the President and Secretary be author- ized to execute and deliver a deed for the same. [Accounts] Mr. Parsons, Chairman of the Committee on Accounts and Supplies then presented the following accounts, as having been examined by the Committee, and found correct. They were thereupon severally by the vote of the Board allowed. [illegible in original] Grove and Whitney (per Jas Bayley $91.84 34 " " " (" D. Thurber) 9.04 Geo. K. Grove 6.46 33 L.R. Fisk 2.38 (10) T.C. Abbot 81.42 (11) George Thurber 20.71 (9) J.C. Holmes 187.50 (5) H.D. Benhamx 6.00 Parsons & Johnson (1) 104.27 (7) " " (2) 25.70 (6) P. Parsons (3) 27.49 D. Carpenter 21.20 (13) J. Cage 21.251 (14) Charles Rich 19.001 (12) L.A. Yerkes 13.80 (15) [Salary Warrants] Resolved that the President and Secretary be authorized to draw warrants at the End of Each quarter for the Salaries of Professors. [illegible in original] Resolved that the remainder of the unexpended appropriation for the Year 1860 be, and the same is hereby placed in the hands of the Treasurer of the Board and set apart for the payment of Current Expenses, to be drawn x Pd. by allow. on afc. College Bills. on Ledger A. [End page 81] [Begin page 82] from the State Treasury in such sums and at such times as shall be convenient and advisable [Board Rate] At the informal request of several members of the Board, [revolves?] the Committee, on whom ^ the duty of fixing upon the price of board in the College; consisting of Gov. Austin Blair President, T.C. Abbot Secretary, and James Bayley, Superintendent of the Farm, having met, the President, as chairman reported, that two dollars per week was fixed upon as the rate of board for the first quarter of Eleven weeks, and submitted the report for approval to the Board of Agriculture. The Report was accepted and approved. [Diplomas] Resolved that a Committee of three be appointed, con- sisting of two members of the faculty and one member of the board to determine upon the graduating Diploma – said Committee to be appointed by the President, and have au- thority to procure blanks for Diplomas. The President announced the names of the committee as follows: – Messrs Parsons, Thurber and Fiske. [Catalogues] Resolved that a Committee of three be appointed by the President, to consist of one member of this Board and two members of the Faculty, to prepare for publi- cation a Catalogue of the Agricultural College; and to procure the publication of 2000 copies, ready for distrib ution by the middle of the present College term. Messrs Gage, Miles and Abbot were appointed to constitute the Committee. Adjourned, T.C. Abbot Secretary State Agricultural College, Michigan Aug. 28 1861 The Second regular meeting of the State Board of Agriculture was called to order at 4 P.M. Present Messrs Wells, Rich, Gage and Carpenter. The President being absent, Judge Wells was elected President Pro-tempore Records of last approved meeting were ^ Adjourned to Tomorrow at 9 A.M. T.C. Abbot Secretary State Agric. College, Aug. 29, 1861 Board met according to adjournment. The Records of the last meeting were read and approved. Present as Yesterday [Account] Mr. Parsons of the Committee on Accounts being absent, Mr. Gage was appointed by the President pro-tem to act tempora- rily on that Committee Account of J. Turner & Bro. allowed $6.08 [End page 82] [Begin page 83] [Bridge] Resolved that the Board accept the Bridge built by Mr. Almond Harrison, under Resolution of the Board passed May 8, 1861. Resolved that a warrant be drawn in behalf of Mr. Almond Harrison, payable the 10th of April, 1862, for the Sum of $750.00 , in full payment for building the Bridge. A Communication was received from the Faculty of the College, requesting, by the unanimous vote of the Body, a decision respecting certain rights of jurisdiction A Communication was received, purporting to be from a Committee of the Students, requesting a "hearing before the Board" The Request was granted, and the interview at once took place. [Boarding Hall Jurisdiction] The Board then took a Recess of one hour prior to the Communication reserved from the Students; on being called to order again, the Board adopted the following Preamble [illegible in original] Resolutions The State Board of Agriculture having had under consideration the Communication addressed to them by the Faculty of the Agricultural College have embodied their Conclusions in the following Resolutions. 1" Resolved. that the Entire Boarding House is not put under the Exclusive control of Mr Bayley: for such control would involve this disciplinary management of the Students, which should, of right, belong to the Faculty. 2" Resolved that Mr. Bayley has entire and exclu- sive Control over that part of the Boarding House which is necessary to be used in preparing and furnishing board for the Students and other members of the College, including all the rooms in the basement, and on the first floor of the Board- ing House, and room No. 11, on the Second floor, for the use of his family, and his boarding house employees, and such per- sons as may call on business, or visits to Students. 3" Resolved that the Faculty have no authority in directing the manner in which the table shall be furnished by Mr Bayley, acting under the direction of the Board of Agricul- ture, except as advisory for the time being 4" Resolved that the Faculty have entire control over that part of the Boarding Hall devoted to the use of Students, as dormitories, or rooms for study, and also power to make all such rules, and regulations respecting the moral deportment of students and their general propriety of conduct in said boarding Hall as they shall deem necessary in the premises. The Board then took a Recess until 8. P.M. [End page 83] [Begin page 84] [T.C. Abbot Treasurer Report] On being called to Order. Mr Carpenter of the Committee on accounts presented the final Report of T.C. Abbot, as Treasurer of the Agric. College: when it was Resolved that the final Report of T.C. Abbot, as Treasurer of the College be accepted. - _ that a warrant be issued in his favor for Forty Four Dollars and Eighty Four Cents ($44.84), to balance his account; - and his Bond be discharged. In answer to a Communication received from the Com- mittee to fix the rate of board and wages of students, the three following Resolutions were adopted. [Wages] 1) Resolved that the rate of wages to be paid to Students for ordinary labor be not more than eight cent, and less than one cent (8 to 1) per hour [(vide?) Records Aug 26th 1863.] [Board] 2) Resolved that in estimating the price of students hundred board, they shall be charged at the rate of three ^ dollars per year for rent of buildings exclusive of room rent: and at the rate of Two Hundred Dollars per year on Mr Bayley's Salary. [Board] 3) Upon request of the Committee to fix the price of board of students, that they be allowed to revise their action in relation to the price of student's board, presented to the Board of Agriculture and approved [at?] the previous meet- ing of the Board, Resolved that said request be granted. [Accounts] Account of D. Thurber was allowed $11.45 " " " " " " 13.91 [Commencement] Resolved that the Commencement Exercises of the College be held on Wednesday, two weeks previous to the Legal close of the term. [Clearing] Resolved that James Bayley be authorized and direc- ted to conclude a contract for the cleaning and fencing a piece of land on the South side of the Cedar River lying South of the Section line, forty one (41) rods in width from North to South, and East from the Center line of the Farm to the East line of the Farm, it being about from twenty to twenty four acres, at a rate not to exceed twelve dollars ($12.00) per acre, and that said job of clearing and fencing be completed by the 1st day of August, 1862. [End page 84] [Begin page 85] The Board then adjourned to meet tomorrow at 8. A.M. T.C. Abbot Secretary St. Agricultural College, Michigan August 30, 1861 The St. Board of Agriculture met according to adjournment. Members present same as yesterday. [Record?] were read and approved. [Stock] Resolved that Mr. Bayley be authorized to purchase such a number of cheap, young cattle, and milch cows, as he shall from time to time deem for the interests of the Institution, not to exceed in number the amount which can be wintered on the Farm without the purchase of any additional fodder. Resolved that Mr. James Bayley be allowed the sum of Twenty Dollars ($20.00) for one red Cow purchased by this Board from him, for the use of the farm, and that an Order in his farm be drawn on the Treasurer for that amount. [College Basement] Resolved thatMr Bayley be authorized to put a brick wall with door through the basement of the college building East and west at the Second range of [paces?] from the North; to replaster this Cistern in said basement, and make the windows frost proof. [Accounts] Allowed afc of Justus Gage (May meeting Expenses) $17." " ' " Mr. Carpenter 13.33 ' " " Rich 13." " ' [Gardener] Resolved that D. Thurber be authorized to employ one of the Students as head gardiner for such time during the coming two months, as he may deem proper, at an expense not exceeding fifty cents per day; and that he be authorized to purchase glass and material for hot bed purposes. [Farm Barn] Resolved that Mr. D. Carpenter be, and he is hereby appointed a Committee to report a plan and estimate of a farm barn – and to make his report at his earliest convenience [Reports] Resolved that an invitation is hereby extended to the Faculty of the college to make a detailed report of their views in regrd to the general interests of this Institution, as to its working machinery in its different departments, - as a basis of future action on the part of the Board. [Ramsdell Book keeping] Resolved that the action of the Faculty in procuring the Services of J.G. Ramsdell to give instruction to a class in [End page 85] [Begin page 86] Book Keeping, and lectures on Commercial law be approved: and that a Warrant on the Treasurer be drawn in favor of said Ramsdell for the sum of One Hundred Dollars, pursuant to the agreement made with him. [Paint Bridge] Resolved that Jamie Bayley be directed to purchase a sufficient quantity of white lead, oil, and coloring ma- terial to paint the railing on the Bridge erected by Mr. Harri- son on the premises, a stone color as near as may be: the labor in painting same to be performed by the students. [Ditching Swamp Lands] Resolved that James Bayley be authorized to com- mence a System of ditching in connexion with the Swamp lands belonging to the Agricultural College, confining himself, until further ordered by the Board, in his expenditure for the same, to such sum of money as he may realize in sale of lands belonging to the College, and heretofore ordered by the Board. Resolved that we now adjourn to meet again at the Agricultural College, on Monday the 11th day of November next T.C. Abbot Secretary of St. B. of Agriculture State Agricultural College. Michigan Nov. 11, 1861 Mr. Gage, being the only member of the State Board of Agriculture present, spent the day in attendance on the Examinations of the College Classes. T.C. Abbot Secy. St. Agric. College, Michigan Nov. 12, 1861 Messrs Gage and Parsons, without organizing, spent the day in attendance on the Examinations of the College, and the Evening listening to the Declamations of the Junior Class T C. Abbot Secretary. State Agricultural College Nov. 13. 1861. Messrs Gage, Parsons, Wells, and Carpenter spent the Forenoon in attendance on the Examination of the College classes. In the Afternoon, the Board of Agricul- [End page 86] [Begin page 87] met; and Mr. Wells was made President Pro-tem. The Secretary being Excused from attendance that he might settle with students, Mr. Parsons was made Secretary Pro-tem. These were present Messrs Wells, Gage, Carpenter, and Parsons. [Reports] A report of the Faculty in relation to the general interests of the Institution, made in [illegible in original] with a request of the Board of Agriculture, as expressed in a Resolution passed on the 30th of August, last, was received, read, and accepted. [ " ] Mr. Bayley presented a verbal minority Report, for himself, as the only member of the Faculty, desenting from the Report presented by the Faculty. Adjourned to meet at 8½ A.M. tomorrow the 14th inst. T.C. Abbot Secretary Pro tem. State Agricultural College. Mich. Nov. 15. 1861 Board of Agriculture met pursuant to adjourn- ment. Present Messrs Gage, Parsons, Wells, and Carpenter On motion of Mr. Gage [Clearing] Resolved that the action of this Board at its last meeting, authorizing the farm manager to enter into contract for clearing twenty four acres new land at twelve Dollars per acre be reconsidered and rescinded. [ " ] Resolved that the Farm Manager be authorized to employ during the coming winter one or two hands, as he may deem needful, giving preference to young men desiring to apply their wages in payment of board and other charges against them as students in attendance at the College : and that he be instructed so to direct and apply the labor on the farm, whether of students or others, as to effect the clearing off and preparing some Six- teen acres, more or less, for a corn and wheat crop during the coming year; and that the clearing be done on rescinded. the west part of the tract located in the Resolution above ^ [Appropriatn.] Resolved that the President and Secretary of the Board of Agriculture be authorized to draw from the State Treasurer the amount of the State Appropriations for the State Agricultural College for 1861; and place the Same in the hands of the Treasurer of this Board. The Board took a Recess for dinner until 1:30 P.M. P.M. A. communicaton from the Faculty. recommending [End page 87] [Begin page 88] [Faculty Suggestions] the appointment of a Professor of Civil and Rural Engineering; and a Tutor, before the commencement of next term. Also recommending the Expenditure of One Hundred dollars for cases for museum; fifty dollars for furniture for museum, [illegible in original] etc.: also twenty five dollars for presentations; - was received, and ac- cepted; [ " ] A Communication was received from the Faculty rec- commending that the Senior class receive their Degrees, and be graduated, without further attendance at College, in consideration of leave of absence granted them to enter a Corps of Engineers to serve under Gen. Fremont. [Class Graduated to join Army] Resolved that the Degree of Bachelor of Science be conferred upon Albert F. Allen, Adam Bayley, L. Verna Beebe, Henry D. Benham, Charles E. Hollister, Gilbert A. Dickey, and Albert N. Prentiss, members of the Senior Class of the Agricul- tural College, who were excused before the close of the College Term to enlist in the Corp of Engineers from Battle Creek under command of Capt. Howland. to be attached to the army of General Freemont, and that Diplomas be granted to them. [Experiments] Resolved that in order to carry out the ends and objects of this Institution, a system of measures should at once be devised, in accordance with which the best methods for the preservation of manure, and their application to different soils in the culture and growth of plants may be determined; and by which the principles of Science here taught relative to the propagation and growth of animals and plants may be fully tested and determined, with a view to their ultimate adop- tion in farming operations here and elsewhere Resolved that the Professors of Agricultural chemistry and animal Physiology be requested to report to this Board at its next meeting, plans and arrangements in reference to the views contained in the foregoing Resolution, graduating the same upon a Scale commensurate with means at the dis- posal of the Institution, and the present undeveloped condition of the arm, and such as will fall within the [Compass?] of their own personal supervision and Control, for the instruc- tion of the several classes in such studies: and the results of which they may be able to embody in the annual Reports from this Institution. [Educational Labor] Resolved that Students will not be entitled to pecuniary compensation for services, or labor performed as a class, under instruction from the professors; such [End page 88] [Begin page 89] labor being considered as experimented Tests in Science conducted by themselves as in the Chemical Laboratory: - nor will the time thus spent be considered as an off- by law set against the usual amount of work required ^ to be performed by Students. [Fencing] Resolved that the Farm Superintendent be in- structed to secure the fences and gates so thoroughly and effectually, that swine belonging to the Farm, and also those belonging to neighbors will be kept entirely from the Ornamental grounds and Gardens of the College. [Classifying Labor Accts.] Resolved that the Farm Superintendent and the Horticulturist be [severally?] requested [illegible in original] to arrange the account of Students labor and that of others on the Farm, and in the Garden, and Fruit Yard, as that the Amount of labor and other Expense bestowed upon each crop shall distinctly appear; and also the Expense of labor or money Expended in permanent Improvements and Repairs upon the premises; and that they render such accounts so arranged Semi monthly to the Secretary of the college. in order that the same may appear in the Yearly Reports. emanating from this Institution, as required by Law. [Manures] Resolved that Professor Fisk be allowed from the Farm a team and man to procure three or four loads of Bones, and as many loads of manure from Lansing: Also facilities for making a compost heap to test the value of manures: that he be also requested to take early steps for the proper care of the manure, or slops derived from the Kitchen depositing swamp muck after clearing out the present deposits, and with additions of manure from the Barn and application of the slop preserving fertilizers now wasted. [Com. on Officers & Emp] On motion of Mr. Gage, Professor Fisk as made an additional member of the Committee on Officers and Employees, (See Records May 30, 1861.) [Museum Cases] Resolved that Sixty Dollars be appropriated for cases, furniture, and preservatives for the Museum. [Sell Furnace etc] Resolved that the Farm Superintendent be authorized to sell the Endless chain machine, and the furnaces. Mr. Gage, chairman of the Committee on Pre- paring and publishing a Catalogue made the following Report, viz:- [End page 89] [Begin page 90] [Catalogue] The Committee on Preparing and Publishing a Catalogue of the State Agricultural College for the year 1861 by leave to report – that they have attended to that duty and present the printed catalogue as the result of their labors. The Report was accepted and adopted. [Barn] Mr. Carpenter, Committee by Resolution of August 30, 1861. to report Plans and Estimates for a Farm Barn, presented a Plan and Estimates. His Report was accepted. [ " ] Resolved that Messrs Parsons, Wells, and Mr Bayley, Farm Superintendent constitute a Committee, with authority to take such immediate measures for the Building of Barn, as shall by them be deemed necessary. [Accounts] Mr Parsons, Chairman of Committee on accounts, presen- ted for allowance the following accounts which were allowed by the Board Parsons and Johnson for $65.28 35 Johnson and Wheeler 31.68 39 Grove and Whitney 61.70 40 D" " [D?] 12.71 40 John A Kerr [H?] (catalogues) 45.80 41 P. Parsons 45.04 42 H.G. Wells (Expenses, Aug 61) 21. " " 43 D. Carpenter " 13. " " 44 P. Parsons " 9.26 45 Justus Gge " 17.25 46 L.R. Fisk 91.21 48 M. Miles 108.68 49 T.C. Abbot 115.36 50 A letter was received from Charles Rich. member of the Board, explaining, and regretting the necessity of his absence. T.C. Abbot Secretary of the Board Nov. 27th. 1861. Memorandum. In meeting of the State Board of Agriculture was held. T. C Abbot Sec y. [End page 90]