Ploughing, mowing, raking, and other matches of kindred nature might take place on Jarvis Field, and in these contests wreaths of laurel and farming implements could be awarded to the victors, while to each of the vanquished, as a compensation for the disappointment, an elegant chromo and a copy of Vick's Floral Guide might be presented. Also the land in the rear of the Scientific School, if proper attention were paid to it, might be induced to become the abode of the sweet-smelling onion, the cabbage, and the beet, - the last-named, however, will not need to be cultivated, for deceased members of its family already abound in Cambridge, - instead of being used for foot-ball matches, and allowed to run to waste.
As in war it is necessary to have sappers and miners, it appears to me that the Harvard Rifle Corps might be instructed, and at the same time utilized, by digging ditches, etc., for these would answer the same purpose as trenches, and be infinitely more useful.
After some proficiency had been acquired in these pursuits by our students they could challenge other colleges, and then perhaps we might have the good-fortune to meet with the students of the University of Vermont, who, being accomplished in the science of agriculture, would undoubtedly accept an invitation to such contests, provided that there were no gamblers or blacklegs to mar the rural simplicity of the occasion. What a proud day it would be for old Harvard to witness her sons manfully endeavoring either to outplough and outhoe their competitors, or to dig ditches of given lengths against time! Then, and not until then, can we realize that we are engaging in some useful and honest work, and not foolishly spending our time and forces in such an exhibition of brute strength as a regatta.
W. M. C.
*If Mr. Buckham will allow that at this point he had a severe struggle with a pun, and that he meant "hybrid" to be understood for "high-bred," all remarks concerning the expression will be retracted.
*Liberal does of A. S. Hill's Rules for Punctuation taken quite frequently are warranted to effect a speedy cure in a case of this kind.