production of life is a live problem, and is likely to so continue for ages to come.

Academy of Science.

H. W. H.

This institution which was established and fostered mainly by the professors in the University is by no means a local organization, its membership being distributed throughout Texas. For convenience its season conforms to the academic year, beginning in October and ending in June, during which time monthly meetings are regularly held to which the public is always cordially invited. The scope of the society is well shown by an examination of the programs herewith given.

On October 13th, after proper tribute to the memory of the late Dr. Norman, in which Messrs. Bray, Harper, Garrison, Sutton, Clark and others participated, Dr. Simonds, as the incoming president, read his inaugural address, "From the Standpoint of the Man of Science," in which a vigorous protest was made against sham in all matters and especially in science. At the November meeting Professor W. S. Sutton, of the University, presented an exceedingly interesting and timely paper on the "Bachelor of Arts Degree," in which the origin of this ancient collegiate honor was shown. Its evolution was then traced and its departure from classical lines pointed out. Indeed, at the present time, in several of the most prominent American universities, it stands solely for academic culture. At the December meeting the program was the most varied of the year. Two brief original papers by former State Geologist, E. T. Dumble, were read; the first was entitled "Cretaceous of Obispo Cañon, Sonora," the second "Occurrence of Oyster Shells in Volcanic Deposits in Sonoro, Mexico." Following the reading of these papers Dr. Bray spoke on the "Modern Trend of Botanical Studies," showing the immense strides made within the last few years, pointing out the differentiation of the science-how it had outgrown the grasp of any one man. Dr. Henry Winston Harper discussed the "Recent Advances of Chemistry." The solidification of hydrogen was, in his opinion, the most important chemical contribution of the present year (1899). From a thermo-dynamic standpoint this is one of the greatest accomplishments of the nineteenth century, as a point within 15°C. of the absolute zero has been reached. The study of the properties of matter at such extremely low temperatures is a virgin field for original investigation, and phenomena of a most startling nature may be looked for. Some of the results of the latest research along this line were brought before the Academy. The advance of chemistry along other lines was also discussed, especial stress being given to the recent utilization of the Indian corn plant, or maize, not alone of the grain, but of the entire plant-pith, stalk and leaves. Dr. Harper closed his discussion by reference to some recent developments of chemical theory, devoting particular attention to "Werner's Theory of Coördinated Types." On account of the lateness of the hour Dr. Simonds' paper on the "Wellman Polar Expedition," which presented some recent advancement along the geographical line, was postponed.

At the meeting of January 12th a paper by Mr. E. T. Dumble, on "The Red Sandstone of Diabolo Mountain, Texas," was read, in the author's absence, by President Simonds. Mr. A. C. McLaughlin, a graduate of the University, and a late member of the Geological Survey of Maryland, addressed the Academy on "Outline Geology of Maryland," giving an account of the work carried on in the State under the auspices of the Johns-Hopkins University. An excellent sketch map had been drawn for the purpose of illustrating his remarks. Dr. S. E. Mezes, of the Chair of Philosophy in the University, presented a paper on "Monogamous Marriage," in which he gave an account of the origin of this custom and of its effects upon society and civilization. That the home is conducive to the best interests of mankind was clearly shown, especially as it led to the proper care and training of children and to the happiness and well-being of the parents.

It would be disloyal to the alumni to doubt the success of the enterprise undertaken by the Alumni Association to present to the University marble busts of O. M. Roberts and Swante Palm; but it seems very difficult to gain for this matter the attention it deserves.

The Memorial Busts.

The committee earnestly bespeak the attention of all friends of the University, but especially of all alumni, to the following report and appeal: Very little has been added to the fund since last June. At that date more than half of the required $1000 had been contributed, but the fund has not yet reached the $600 mark. The busts have been returned by the marble worker in Berlin, and are being finished by the artist. The committee has completed the first half payment ($500) according to contract, to cover the artist's outlay in Berlin and cost of transportation. Upwards of $400 must be collected during the next six months, if the presentation of the busts is to be accomplished in June, 1900.

The greater part of the amount already contributed has come from other friends of the University than its alumni, and it is a simple fact that the handful of alumni who have left the State have contributed, in response to the same circulars, not relatively, but in absolute amount, more than all the alumni in Texas (excluding those officially connected with the University). It would seem, therefore, that something like a general response might now be expected from the Texas alumni.

Of course many, not large contributions is the true and proper aim in this movement, and nothing but the importance of making sure that the enterprise, once undertaken, should not miscarry, could justify the committee in not limiting subscriptions, say, to two or three dollars. In assuring the success of this movement, however, more than ordinary interest may well be taken by those who have the ability. For the significance of these memorials is deeper than any mere matter of compliment, nor should they be understood only as a due tribute of gratitude. The undertaking appeals to, and its execution will foster the spirit of generous civility which a

university, as one of its finest effects, ought to engender in all who come within the sphere of its influence.

There is also a wider claim, in the case of Governor Roberts, upon all who are conversant with the history and concerned in the welfare of the State of Texas; nor could those who may be especially interested in the movement from this point of view select a fitter place to set up a memorial than the halls of the State University. The foundation, development and immediate service of that institution constituted one of the most prominent motives in the life of Oran M. Roberts, and his title to grateful remembrance on the part of his fellow citizens rests no less upon that great merit than upon his formative influence in the jurisprudence and politics of this commonwealth.

There is still further the general appeal to all friends of art and culture as such; for the marble busts thus to be presented to the University are not of that mechanic style which has prevailed to such a distressing extent in the attempts to commemorate public benefactors in this State; but they are true works of art, of supreme excellence, by the hand of the sculptress Elisabet Ney, whose portriatures perpetuate in European capitals the lineaments of a long list of notables in rank and in genius. This artist has created also many works of the imagination of the first quality, but it is as the unexcelled portrait artist of the great men of her day that she is most famed.

One of the busts, it should be mentioned, is to be obtained without cost, in the way of the completion on the part of the artist of a donation made by her at the foundation of the University of Texas. On the occasion of the inauguration of the University she presented the plaster cast of a bust of Governor Roberts, and this fragile memorial (the fruit of personal friendship and esteem) she so much desired to see safe in imperishable marble that she generously offered to execute this one of the busts without charge.

It should be stated that all contributions will be devoted intact to their avowed purpose, the Alumni Association having undertaken all charges incident to communication and collection. The Association has already borne a great expense in printing and mailing circulars, and it is hoped that each admirer of the men to be commemorated, each friend of art and culture in general, and each alumnus of the University in particular, who reads this report, will read it in the light of a personal appeal and promptly make some contribution.

The busts are to be presented to the University by the Alumni Association in the name of all who contribute.

Address any member of the committee (two of them resident in Austin and one in Victoria) for further information. Send cash contributions or subscriptions to the chairman, Arthur Lefevre, Victoria, Texas.

Football.

ATHLETICS.

During the fall term athletics among the young men is practically confined to football. And this fall that sport attracted even a larger share of interest than is usual. More men were out for practice, and they were out earlier in the season, and stayed in training longer. As a natural consequence a larger portion of the student body occupied the grandstand to witness the afternoon practice; a novelty of good omen being the presence of some of the more enthusiastic young ladies on these occasions.

Eight match games were played, two being lost and six won. Of the games lost, the score against us in the Sewanee game was 10 to 0, and in the Vanderbilt game 6 to 0. As the distinction of being the best team in the South probably rests with one or the other of these two, the scores indicate that the Texas team is not far from the Southern championship, and may win it any year. Indeed, it is not too much to say that with gymnasium facilities, a training table, and loyal observance of training rules, the leading place would have been won this year. For the first of these desiderata dependence must be placed on the Regents, for the second on the Council and Athletic Instructor, and for the third on patriotic student opinion.

The following table gives the schedule of games played; the amounts gained and lost are put down in round numbers:

The schedule, it will be observed, is excellent, all but two games having been played with college teams. But the financial showing is not as satisfactory as would appear from the table. After deducting all expenses, the football treasury shows a deficit of about $150, and that in spite of the fact that the coach is paid by the University this year. But, in comparing this with former years, against this saving must be placed the loss from library deposits, practically all of which were paid towards the debt on the Athletic Field purchased last spring. It will probably be conceded that no more satisfactory financial outcome could easily have been secured

this year. But for the future the aim of the management should be to make football support itself, and aid in the support of other sports, that are as useful to the students, but cannot count on as much financial backing from the public. The remedy is to be sought in two directions. A larger number of paying games must be scheduled in the State; for instance, a series of three with the A. and M. College. The expenditures of the northeastern trip must be cut down, and the guarantees increased. Probably no other coeducational college has a gymnasium for women and none for men. This anomalous situation exists because, as a careful examination revealed, the basement set aside for the latter purpose is too unwholesome to justify its use. It is hoped that before the opening of next session a suitable men's gymnasium will in some way be procured. The friends of the University who are withholding donations for lack of an object will find one ready to hand here.

The Gymnasium.

What was formerly the library, and recently the history room, the largest room in the main building, has been converted into a gymnasium for the young women. Lockers, shower baths, and a goodly supply of apparatus have been provided, and regular exercise is taken by all of the Freshman young women and many others besides, under the popular and efficient supervision of Miss Norvell. Theory calls for better class room work as a consequence, but however that may be, the participants are satisfied and declare that never before have they enjoyed better health. The promise made by the Council at the beginning of the session that all forms of athletics would this year receive financial support, has already

Tennis.

been redeemed in the case of tennis. Three excellent courts, probably as good as any in the State, have been made on the north side of the campus, making eight courts in all open to faculty and students. The three courts cost about $90, $40 having been paid by the Council, and $50 advanced by Dr. Ellis. As Dr. Ellis is willing to postpone his reimbursement till more funds are available, the Council has further appropriated $50 for this form of sport, to be expended by a committee for the encouragement of general interest in tennis. The plan is to furnish nets and a few rackets for general use, in order to start the tennis habit; and when the weather permits, to have a series of match games for prizes. Admission or chair fees may be charged for some of the more interesting games, in the hope of raising funds to meet some of the expense incurred.

It is too early in the season for much news of interest in the way of track athletics and baseball. Messrs. Victor Brooks and Gordon Clarke of

Track Athletics

and Baseball.

the Managing Committee, and Managers Hildebrand and Moore of these teams, are busy maturing plans, and, in the latter case, arranging contracts for games, which it is hoped will be even more attractive and profitable than last year. There is some talk of using Prof. Fitz-Hugh's "peripatos" in lieu of a cinder track. The Council has already author

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