A New Athletic Field.

All interested in athletics as well as the athletic men of the university will be pleased to know that definite arrangements have at last been completed whereby the ground available for the use of those who desire to take outdoor exercise will be more than doubled. For several months the Athletic Committee and the officers of the different athletic organizations have had the matter under advisement, but not till recently have they been able to secure a suitable piece of ground near enough the college for practical purpose. But it has at last been decided to locate the new field back of Divinity Library.

Professor Chaplin, who has taken an active interest in the project, kindly furnished the CRIMSON with the details of the plan. The plot of ground which it is proposed to use includes about 100,000 feet belonging to Mr. Norton, and as much more which is the property of the corporation. That portion belonging to Mr. Norton is the only land adjoining the grounds of the college which can be purchased, and the whole piece is the only large tract which can be found within easy reach of the college. The field when completed will be large enough to accommodate two-base ball diamonds or two football fields. It will require some outlay to put the ground in suitable condition for use, but just what the expense will be cannot be definitely determined yet, as the survey has not been completed nor the estimates made out. The amount stated in Thursday's Herald is not an authorized estimate. The engineering department has been actively engaged in making surveys during the past few days, and as soon as their work is completed a definite estimate can be made of the outlay necessary to put the field in condition for use by the athletic teams. This amount will be one which the supporters of athletics in and out of the university will easily raise.

The ground will be leased for a period of five years; Mr. Nortion will give an option on the portion owned by him, so that it may be purchased at reasonable figures at any time before the expiration of the lease. The yearly expense of maintaining the field will be $1,000 and the taxes. It is thought that the surpluses of the different athletic organizations of the university will more than meet this expense, and any amounts in excess of sum required for yearly maintenance will be applied on the purchase of the ground. On account of the unfortunate result of the football season, the FootBall Association is not in shape to lend any assistance toward defraying the expense of fitting up the field. The BaseBall Association is in fairly good shape, but Captain Willard is authority for the statement that a part of the necessary amount for putting the field in condition will have to be raised by subscription.

Trustees will be appointed to hold the land. The Athletic Committee will, however, have general charge of the field and will apportion its use between the different athletic teams.

Even with this addition to its athletic fields, Harvard will have less ground available for the use of its athletes in proportion to the number of students than almost any other college in New England. The college authorities have been cognizant of this difficulty for some time, and they are as anxious to see the matter carried through to a successful issue as are the students.