Changes About the College.

To the [returning upper-class men the changes apparent are certainly not great and they find the appearance of things much as it was when they left town in June. The first noticeable difference is that made by the removal of the old Holmes house, so long a familiar landmark to every college man. Its disappearance is both a loss and a gain, so that the old adage : "It is an ill wind" etc., holds true. The antiquaries much deplore the breaking up of the ancient dwelling with its many historic associations, and even the thoughtless student as he passes the site now vacant cannot but have a little regret that the gambrel roof and the yellow and white house has gone forever. When the old house was destroyed much of the wood was sold to relic hunters to be made into souvenirs, and several complete parts, such as doors and wainscotings, were bought by eager purchasers to serve the same purposes in their own houses. However, now that the old house has gone, Austin Hall is seen to much better advantage. Indeed, one of the best vantage points from which to study its architectural effect as a whole is near the path which leads from the gymnasium to the physical laboratory. The gymnasium is also relieved by the change of a very near neighbor, so near that it almost trod upon its heels. Altogether, considering the weak and untenable condition of the old house and the probability that it would come down any way within a few years, it seems as if the good side the change more than balanced the bad.

The Jefferson Laboratory is practically completed, almost all of the interior work being done and some of the instruments already in place. The lectures in some of the physics courses will be held in it at once, although the workmen have not vacated a few of the rooms. A full description of the building, its contents and the uses to which it is to be put. The new tennis grounds behind Divinity are not in very good condition for play this fall as the grass was permitted to grow long during the summer. One court has been marked out which is very level but with poor turf. Next spring with proper attention and cutting of the grass the field ought to furnish students with a dozen good courts.

Of the lesser changes and additions made since last spring the placing of fixed wash basins in the basement toilet room at Memorial Hall will be regarded with satisfaction by many. This convenience was promised for last spring and is now a reality. The new suite of rooms on the ground floor of Holyoke House at the Holyoke street corner are ready for occupancy but are as only a drop in the bucket when the need of new dormitories is considered. More than these there does not seem to be any change and not until more money is donated to this thirsting university will the other necessary changes be made.