THE FRUIT FARM ON LAKE MINNETONKA. It is proper to state that this enterprise originated with the members of the State Horticultural Society, who felt the need of having more systematic experiments in fruits than those conducted by themselves individually. Their deliberations led to the conviction that in connection with the Agricultural College these experiments could be most judiciously prosecuted. Within a short time after the passage of the act referred to the Board undertook the duty prescribed. The tract of land of one hundred and sixteen acres, well-adapted to the purposes, has been secured, Under the authority of the second section of the act you appointed Peter M. Gideon, of Hennepin county, to take charge of the farm and experiments. His work will show that a most promising beginning has been made. FINANCES. The report of the Treasurer of the University is herewith transmitted. All the items have been inspected and compared with the vouchers by the auditing committee, and the report has been approved and accepted by the Board. The resources of the University consist of the income from sales of land granted by Congress, and appropriations of money by the State. The Treasurer's report exhibits the receipts and disbursements in detail, The total accumulations of the productive fund derived from the sales of land and timber are reported by the State Auditor at $416,187.74. GENERAL OUTLOOK. The Board respectfully report that the institution is in a satis factory condition. The attendance, as already noted, for the academic year closing June last, was far in excess of that of any previous year. The University is steadily and rapidly growing. The Board feel the importance of responding to the demands made by the people for the higher education of their children. To meet this requirement expenditures are inevitable, and many of the wants are immediate and pressing. The reports of the President of University and other officers through him, are respectfully referred to for more definite information. All of which is respectfully submitted. |