BROWN UNIVERSITY.

President Robinson has announced as the subject of the prize essay to be competed for by members of the senior class "The Question of Personality and its Relation to Modern Thought." The income from a fund established by the class of 1873 is devoted to essays on philosophical and historical subjects to be given on alternate years. The prize is awarded on commencement day.

Seniors who have made a specialty of Greek are now beginning to prepare for the Foster premium, which is derived from a fund of $3,000, given to the university a few years ago by the late Hon. Lafayette S. Foster. Contestants this year will be examined on the "Oration on the Crown." As the premium is the largest one which is offered during the course, the rivalry is sharp.

The Boston Association of the Brown Alumni will hold their eleventh annual rennion on February 13 at Young's Hotel, Boston. The association includes in its membership the alumni of Boston and vicinity, and those of Providence are invited. The New York association holds its reunion next month under the direction of the President, Mr. George William Curtis. Dr. Robinson and probably one or two other members of the faculty are expecting to attend this latter meeting.

Professor J. L. Lincoln gave an interesting lecture on "Marcus Aurelius" last week before the Rhode Island Historical Society. He considered the stoic philosophy as it was originally held in Greece, then at Rome in the time of Seneca, and finally as it was taught by Marcus Aurelius himself in his writings and illustrated in his life. Professor Bailey read a paper a few days ago before the Franklin Society on the "Correlation of Insects with the Flower." He has made several notable discoveries in the line of insect visits to flowers, and on the basis of these has advanced some new botanical theories.

The University of Pennsylvania has sent a challenge to the boating association to row a four or eight-oar race. This will not be accepted, as there is little or no interest in aquatic affairs. Last year the class races were successfully carried out, but a university crew still remains a hope for the future. The proposed trip of the ball nine to the South during the spring vacation has been abandoned. The new trainer is expected next month.

The editors of the Liber Brunensis, the publication of the secret societies, are preparing the annual installment of college jokes and "grinds." In addition to these there will be this year several new features which will make the book of interest to alumni as well as to undergraduates.

The Debating Society, with a membership of about forty, was established recently. The society "system" differs at Brown from that found at most of the New England colleges. There are no chapter buildings here, nor any society houses. The halls are all in city buildings, the locations of which are supposed to be profound mysteries. It was rumored a few months ago that another fraternity was seeking entrance here. The ground has been well covered, and a new society would find it hard to obtain suitable members.

It is pleasant to mention that the class elections all passed off harmoniously this year, and the different societies are all on the best terms. [N. Y. Post.