The address of Hon. John Russell, in delivering the keys of the college to the president, was devoted, mainly, to a history of "This Noble Building."
President A. S. Welch then delivered his inaugural. The address was marked by genuine eloquence, profound thought, clear exposition, and all expressed in that matchless diction which characterized all of President Welch's public addresses. Only a few extracts can be given: "The novel event that distinguishes the opening of this new institution is the fact that the plan of organization which has been adopted commits it to the promotion of two great and salutary educational reforms. One of these is the withdrawal of the ancient classics from the place of honor which they have largely held in our college curricula, and the liberal substitution of those branches of natural science which underlie the industries of this beautiful State. The other is the free admission of young women, on equal terms with young men, to all the privileges and honors which the institution can bestow. It is fitting that a college dedicated under circumstances which scarcely find a parallel in history, should, regardless of precedent however honored by time, establish its laws and arrange its courses of study on the principles of wisdom and justice; of wisdom, in determining that the learning gathered in these halls shall contribute to the success and dignity of labor; of justice, in extending to a large class of students opportunities of which they have been hitherto, in great measure, unjustly deprived."
These two propositions were exhaustively discussed, and, after a few fitting words to the faculty, closed with the following beautiful words: "God give us faithfulness and devotion-God give us mutual confidence, mutual esteem and mutual helpfulness. Thus shall we be able to gather and concentrate all the elements of strength we possess-and thus with the Great Father's blessing, will the rolling years bring their full harvest of fruits."
Prof. Townsend made a brief reply in behalf of the faculty.
The exercises were closed by the reading of an original poem by Prof. H. W. Parker, of Iowa College, now of Amherst, Mass. The subject of the poem was "The Ideal Farmer and his Wife."
The closing lines of his poem embody his views on co-education:
"The manly and the maiden mind Together grow more bright, refined, That place is holy ground and sweet, Where earth and heaven together meet."
During this interval, 1861-69, corresponding improvements had been made on the farm. In January, 1865, Peter Melendy was elected farm superintendent for two years. During his term of office the farm-house was well-nigh completed, considerable fencing was done, and more land subdued. His report shows a net profit on farm produce for 1865 of $1,340. About 400 acres were now enclosed, 150 acres under cultivation, and an orchard of 400 trees and about seventy-five grapevines planted.
The improvements were continued next year under the superintendency of W. M. Robbinson.
The board, at their January meeting, ordered that no more improvements be made on the farm by the superintendent except in accordance with a general plan adopted by the board or ordered to be made by the executive committee.
H. M. Thompson was elected farm superintendent and secretary of the board, at this meeting, and held the office till October 1, 1869, he having tendered his resignation the previous August. Extensive improvements