ys. Here one was really in communion with Nature, so
different it was from the massive specimens of architecture, the clatter
of horses on the cobblestone pavement, the rattle of elevated trains,
and the activity of commercial life of the Western metropolis from which
I had come. As we reached high elevations glimpses of the institution
came into view.

Tuskegee was a surprise to me; it surpassed my fondest hope. The
majestic buildings, the monuments to the fidelity and building skill of
past classes, the well-designed landscape architecture, made me feel
that I had at last found the place where I could be prepared for real
life. I received a cordial welcome from the teachers; also from the
students, especially from those connected with the religious and
literary organizations, of which there are quite a number.

When asked the industry I wished to learn, I chose that of agriculture.
Like hundreds of boys confined to city environment, I had a craving for
Nature, a fondness for live stock, and for all that I should come in
contact with while taking that course. I worked during the daytime the
first year and attended school at night, thereby acquiring experience
and accumulating a credit to apply to my board when I should enter the
day-school. Soon after entering the agricultural department I had made
such progress that I was placed in charge of the hotbeds and grew
vegetables all winter. It was a marvelous accomplishment with me, for I
could not have grown them even in the summer before I entered that
department. The care of the various seeds used on the farm was also in
my charge.

This privilege afforded me opportunities for seed-testing and for
observing plant development; it was all very instructive. While
attending the academic classes at night, the daytime was devoted
entirely to study in the various divisions of the agricultural
department.

At the expiration of my first year as a night-school student, I entered
day-school, devoting about equal time to academic and agricultural
classes, and a small portion of the time to the study of music, being a
member of the Institute brass band, and in my last year a member of the
orchestra.

During my second summer's vacation I went into the southern part of
Montgomery County, Ala., in search of a school to teach. There was no
schoolhouse, no school fund, nor any appropriation available except for
a three months' term during the winter. After further canvass I was
per