Junior Reception at Wellesley.

We are constantly learning new things; in our freshman year, for instance, we found out how really large Harvard was; we saw the Washington elm, Longfellow's house, Tufts college, and all the other great sights in the vicinity, and, true to Harvard instinct, were ready and able to talk about the region for miles around. When, however, we were asked if we had visited Wellesley, our invariable answer was "No;" but we always added that we had friends there, and had been invited out, but had never cared to go. We then, thought this was a wise answer, but now we see how foolish it must have seemed to those who heard it. We now seriously assert that no man's education is complete without his having visited Wellesley at least once, and if he once goes there, he cannot help going again.

A few days ago we received a card, with the inscription,-"The President and Faculty of Wellesley College at home, Monday, Feb. 23, 1885, from 2.30 to 5 P.M." An enclosed note explained all, we were invited to the Reception given to the Wellesley Jnniors, by the Faculty. As it was against our principles to attend recitations on a national holiday, it may be readily imagined that the time we took to make up our minds about accepting the invitation was very short. Accordingly, last Monday afternoon, shortly after two o'clock, we found ourselves at Wellesley station, and there our good luck began; for standing before us on the platform, we met a young lady with whom we walked toward the college. And here we learned our first lesson. We will not relate how we learned it, but will simply warn all who may read this never to call that lovely piece of water, at the foot of Wellesley College, a pond. This is the sin of sins for which you may never be forgiven. Call it a lake by all means, if you wish to win favor with the students.

Upon entering the grounds through the driveway, we first passed a pretty stone building called the Lodge, then on the right, the imposing Stone Hall. Music Hall is the next, on the left, and finally we arrived at the College, a fine brick building, imposingly placed on the summit of a steep hill which rises directly from the lake. Entering, we passed through the long hall, and were shown to our dressing room from which we went to the reception, held in the corridor on the second floor. The corridors were filled with members of the Faculty, juniors, and their guests. We first drank tea with the kind friend who invited us, and we were then taken through the upper part of the building. We passed up the stairs, through the halls. Elegant pictures adorned the walls, statuary and tropical plants were frequently seen, and, indeed, everything was beautiful.

We went through the physical laboratories, the natural history museum, and the trunk-rooms. Hundreds and hundreds of trunks, side beside, occupy two large attic rooms. Trunks of all sizes and all varieties were there; and here came the only sad thought of the day. We almost wept in pity when we thought of the sorrow in the college when the day for final packing up came. Our sadness soon passed away, however, for at the next moment we were again in the corridor, and for the next two hours were talking Wellesley, Harvard, Athletics, Prayers and Greek. How much we talked! Junior after junior was introduced, and when one set of girls got tired of talking, they would bring up a relief set. We were introduced to the president of the college and various members of the faculty; to the president of '86. and the whole class, we believe, though 60 is a large number. How we did enjoy it; but how much more we should have enjoyed it if we could have had occasional intermissions of five minutes in which to rest our tired tongue. The time sped rapidly, and we soon saw darkness creep around us. We took tea at Stone Hall, in a room with twenty girls governed by matrons. They have a pleasant little custom at Wellesley meals. All are obliged to stand until every one has arrived, when there is a sudden and systematic pulling out of chairs, and then all take their seats at the same time. A blessing is asked, and after that it is necessary to wait until all are helped before eating. After tea, we had the good fortune to meet some young ladies who were willing to brave the risk of being found out, and take a slide on the hills. We have been coasting many times, but nothing equals coasting with Wellesley girls on a moonlight night. We wish there was space to describe the "heathen" bell that calls the students from bed at six o'clock in the morning and summons them to chapel,-to describe the chapel itself,-the Browning room and the library. Late in the evening we reluctantly left the college.

P. T.