AN HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

IT has been proposed of late to start an Historical Society at Harvard. The movement has already begun, and it is greatly to be desired that it succeed. The object of such a society is evident, namely, to collect several copies of the various text-books used in all the History electives, and place them at the disposal of the men who are studying History. The plan brought forward is this : It is thought that the College will provide a suitable and convenient room, where the books will be handy for every one. Out of the two hundred men in college who elect History, it is calculated that from one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five will join the society immediately. An entrance-fee of from three to five dollars each would pay for two copies of the ordinary text-books used in all the History courses, and pay for heating and lighting the room. The annual fee of the same amount collected from succeeding members is to be laid out in buying new books. These books are to be under the charge of an official Librarian, and not to be taken from the room.

It is plain that this would greatly facilitate the study of History; for at present men have but two alternatives, one of which is to go to the Library and use the books there (and there is no end of complaints about the inconvenience of getting at the books, to say nothing of ventilation), and the other is to buy the text-books yourself, which is very costly. This society would obviate both these difficulties to a lesser extent at first, and in time to a greater one, by providing several extra copies, so that thereby more men can work at the same time.

The idea of this society originated among some of the instructors, and has met with the hearty approval of all that have been informed of it. Such a society would, if kept up, be the foundation-stone of what might, in a few years, prove of immense value to all students of History, in or out of college. The chief support now must come from the present Junior and Sophomore classes, for, as it will take some three or four months to organize it, '78 cannot be expected to lend much assistance, though a small gift from the graduating class would not be out of the way. Many men in '79 and '80 are already interested in the existence of this society, and it is to be hoped that it will meet generally with as much favor as it deserves.

PHIZ.