WINTER FOLLY

The men who, during the mid-year period, are planning trips to the mountain regions of New England, would do well to bear in mind that foolhardy escapades reflect on the University as well as on themselves. Because the New England mountains are small compared to those in the West and in Europe, students unfamiliar with their dangers are inclined to regard them with too little respect.

Of late years, the name of the University has been connected with several unfortunate accidents, due entirely to insufficient preparation for winter climbing. The most recent example is the case of three University students who, at Christmas, nearly lost their lives on Mt. Washington. Their escape was due to prevailing mild weather conditions. Nevertheless, they caused an immense amount of trouble to their friends and to the people who searched the mountain region for them. The men were neither properly clothed, nor properly prepared for such a trip.

Men unaccustomed to winter camping should not undertake excursions without following the advice of experienced winter campers. A properly equipped party can ride out almost any storm in the mountains with safety. Mountain climbing at this time of the year is safe enough if undertaken in the right way, as is evident from the activities in this line carried on by the Dartmouth Outing Club; but "taking a chance" is only too liable to cause unnecessary trouble and bring undesirable publicity to the University.