pany with many others both East and West, established a "scientific course" of three years, for such as did not wish to study the classics; but this department, though conducted for the most part by the same instructors, was not considered an integral part of the College, and no degree was given in it. After a fair trial, it was abandoned. It was found that the average proficiency, even in English studies, was far higher among the graduates of the College proper, than among those who had completed the scientific course. The time has not yet come when a western College can dispense with the preparatory department. There are two literary Societies in the Institution, namely, the Psi

Societies.

Gamma, and the Alpha Kappa. A novel feature connected with these Societies is, that the new members of College are distributed between them, not according to their individual preferences, but according as they are chosen; each Society choosing alternately, until the whole list is exhausted. This plan cuts off the strife and bitterness of electioneering, and serves to keep the two parties not far from equal in numbers and strength. Nor does it often. lead to disaffection on the part of particular members; since few, un-der these circumstances, will venture to form decided preferences beforehand, and every one easily becomes partial to that Society which elected him, as against that Society which passed him over. Both Societies sustain their debates with great interest, and both display a commendable spirit of rivalry, in adorning their halls, enlarging their libraries, and sustaining their respective parts in public exercises.. There is also a Society of Religious Inquiry connected with the College, and a Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa.

Libraries and

In 1850, the sum of $9000 was subscribed for the purpose of enlarging the hitherto small collection of books. The purchaCabinets. ses were made, chiefly, in Europe, under the supervision of Dr. Smith. It is believed that the College now possesses one of the best selected libraries in the country. It is composed mainly of standard works of reference, and books of permanent value, apportioned not far from equally between the various departments of Metaphysics, Theology, Mathematical and Physical Science, Philology, History, and General Literature. Some of the important serials had belonged to the private collection of Louis Philippe. There is a distinct Library of Natural History, which, together with a valuable Cabinet, was presented to the College by Samuel P. Hildreth, LL. D. The College Library contains, in all, about 10,000 volumes; in addition to which, the two Literary Societies, and the Society of Inquiry, possess libraries, amounting together to about 7,000; making an aggregate

of 17,000 volumes belonging to the Institution. The Cabinet, including the Hildreth collection, is also large and well selected. Its choicest specimens, perhaps, are fossils of the Ohio valley, archaiological specimens from the western mounds, and a meteoric stone, "the largest hitherto recorded as existing in a single piece."

Building.

For several years, a single building was made to answer all the purposes of the College. This is a large four story brick building, now chiefly appropriated to dormitories. Another edifice, of more architectural pretensions, was raised for a Chapel and other public rooms. The halls of Alpha Kappa and Psi Gamma Societies, contained in the latter, are scarcely inferior in elegance to any rooms of their class in the country. It is in contemplation to erect a third building, much needed for the use of the libraries. The College grounds are ample, beautifully situated on a natural terrace, and thickly shaded with trees. There is an open space reserved for a play-ground; to which there is also a Gymnasium attached. The old Commons Hall, which was originally a part of the College appurtenances, has been happily dispensed with, together with the system which required its use.

Marietta College is not yet adequately endowed; but it has been more fortunate in this respect than many others. DurFinances. ing a period of financial embarrassment, it received timely and generous aid from friends in the East, through the intervention in its behalf of the Society for the promotion of Collegiate and Theological Education in the West. Aside from this, the greater part of its funds have been raised in Marietta and the vicinity. Sums amounting to more than $80,000 have, from time to time, been contributed by citizens of Marietta and the adjoining village of Harmar. The success, nay, the very existence of the College, has been mainly owing to the intelligence and public spirit of an excellent Board of Trustees, who have always been a unit in their counsels, and prompt to assist in times of need, not only with their counsels, but with their money. The united benefactions of two members, have amounted to $30,000. The Board comprises an unusual number of men who unite business talent of a high order, with enlightened views of education. The last Commencement was the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Quarter Century College; and some preparations had been made to give Celebration. the fact a due recognition.

The public services of the week opened, Tuesday evening, the twenty-sixth of June, with the annual contest of the two Literary Societies. Orators on the part of the Psi Gamma, J. H. Johnson, F. P.

Lutz, E. C. Dawes, P. S, Davies: on the part of the Alpha Kappa, H. H. Kendrick, W. S. Friesner, R. B. Brownell, J. H. Jenkins.

On Wednesday were held the proper exercises of the quarter century celebration. In the morning, an able and carefully prepared Historical Address, since published, was delivered by President Andrews, whose long connection with the Institution had made him peculiarly fitted for that task. He was followed by Dr. Allen, of Lane Seminary, who gave many interesting reminiscences of his early connection with the College. Remarks pertinent to the occasion were also made by Hon. William Denison, Governor of Ohio. In the afternoon a large number of Alumni and others, sat down to a College dinner. Many of the Trustees and early graduates were called out by appropriate toasts; and the eloquence and wit of the several speakers, as they recalled the scenes of the past, will cause the occasion to be long remembered. In the evening, all attended a reception at the palatial residence of Douglas Putnam, Esq. At a still later hour, there were spirited re-unions in the halls of the Literary Societies.

Thursday, the twenty-eighth; exercises of the graduating Class. Honors as follows:-Salutatory, R. M. Newport, of Newport; Literary Oration, D. A. Chambers, of Washington, D. C.; Philosophical Oration, E. D. Shaw, of Cortlandville, N. Y.; Valedictory, T. L. Condit, of Marietta. The last public exercises of the day was, an able address before the Society of Inquiry, by Rev. C. B. Boynton, of Cincinnati. In the evening, President's levee. The halls of the Literary Societies were brilliantly illuminated, and were visited by hundreds. At the election of officers of the Literary Societies for the present Society Elec. term, the following persons were chosen to fill the principal offices.

tions.

At a meeting of the subscribers to the UNIVERSITY QUARTERLY,

The Quarterly.

held at the beginning of the present term, Articles of Association were adopted, and the following persons

elected editors for the ensuing year.

Class of '61, R. B. Brownell, P. S. Davies, E. C. Dawes.

Class of '62, J. H. Jenkins, A. J. Lee. E. C. Dawes was chosen President of the Board and Association. R. B. Brownell, Treasurer, and P. S. Davies, Secretary.

Class Day.

XI-MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE.

CLASS DAY was instituted by the Class of '58, but for many reasons was not observed by the Class of '59. It was however revived by the Class of '60, and the exercises were held July 10th, in a beautiful grove on the banks of Otter Creek, about one mile from the College grounds. They consisted of an Oration, Poem, Chronicle, Prophecy and Presentation. It was a day of much interest and pleasure to the large audience, and, to the Class about to be separated, full of thronging memories and happy anticipations. The presentation of a pair of foils to the class wit, and the speech of the presentee, afforded unbounded merriment for a full half hour. The other exercises were of a high order and elicited frequent applause. The orator's subject was "The Scholar, a Reformer." At the close of the exercises, the Class united in singing a parting song, during which, many eyes were seen to glisten, which were unused to the "melting mood." In the evening, the Class met their invited guests, consisting of their fair friends, (of course,) many citizens of the town and vicinity, and the Faculty and Students of College, for a supper at the Addison House. A "feast of reason and a flow of soul," followed the material feast. Toasts were proposed and responded to, songs were sung, and witty things were said, until the day was finished. The present feeling is that Class Day in Middlebury shall not again be neglected.

The exercises of the Sixtieth Anniversary of Middlebury College, commenced August 5th, with the Baccalaureate Sermon by Prof. Samuel W. Boardman. His discourse was of that practical, energetic nature which is a prominent characteristic of the man, and was eminently calculated to make a deep and lasting impression upon the minds of his hearers. His remarks to the grad

Baccalaureate.

Addresses before the Societies.

uating class will long be remembered as peculiarly touching and beautiful. Tuesday, August 7th, A. M., John W. Fowler, President of the State and National Law School, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., delivered an Address, before the Philomathesian Society, on "The Versatility of American Oratory," which was certainly a perfect illustration of his subject. A more finished production and one delivered with more oratorical effect, we venture, was never heard by the sons of Middlebury. At 2 P. M., Rev. Henry Wilkes of Montreal, C. E., delivered an able discourse, before the Philadelphian Society, on the "Irrepressible Conflict," the conflict between Truth and Error. In the evening the speaking for the Parkerian Prizes occurred. This is a fund contributed by Daniel Parker, an American in Paris, the income of which is expended in premiums to be awarded to the best speakers from the three lower classes. The Parkerian Prize speakers, (four from each class,) are elected by their respective classes at the close of the spring term. For a few years past the speakers have gone through a short course of training under Prof. L. W. Russell, of Fitchburg, Mass. The judges on this occasion were Rev. Dr. T. M. Post, of St. Louis, Mo., Rev. Dr. Wilkes, of Montreal, C. E., and Rev. Dr. Clement, of Woodstock, Vt. The prizes were awarded as follows: Junior Class,-1st Prize, John B. Young. 2d Prize, James E. Pierce. Sophomore Class,— 1st Prize, John R. Converse. 2d Prize, Henry A. Eaton. Freshman Class,-1st Prize, Albert R. Sabin. 2d Prize, Ethan A. Sturdevant.

Exhibition.

"Commencement Day" proper was attended as usual with a great crowd and intense heat. The procession formed at the College Chapel and marched under the escort of "Dodworth's Band," to the church, where the Exercises of the graduating class commenced at 10.30 A. M. The honorary appointments, with subjects, pointments were as follows:

Honorary Ap

Valedictory," What is Truth?" Roswell Harris, Jr.
Oratio Salutatoria,-H. F. Walker.

Philosophical Oration,-" Personal Identity."-A. L. Mann.

Philosophical Oration,-" Revelation necessary for the perfection of Philosophy."-E. P. Wild.

Historical Oration,-" The Power of Forms."-J. K. Williams. Historical Oration,-" Gold."-H. P. Higley.

Literary Disquisition,--" Plagiarisms of the British Poets."--J. Q. Dickinson.

The Master's Oration was delivered by H. E. Miner, Esq., of Man