THOSE who had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Perry last year were glad to see his announcement that he would begin, on Tuesday, his course of lectures on the "English Dramatists." Accordingly, notwithstanding the hour, eleven o'clock, which probably prevented some from attending, about fifty gentlemen were present, with their expectations gauged by Mr. Perry's success last year. We do not, however, think they were fully met, though through no fault of the lecturer. In such a course the first lecture must be more or less introductory, and in proportion as it is so, the hearer has all the more difficulty in becoming interested. Then, too, it is rather hard for us to appreciate the dramatic attempts of the thirteenth century in England, when Noah's Ark and Balaam's Ass were the only plays that had a "run." The next lecture, to be given at the same hour and place Monday, will be in reality the beginning, and we doubt not that those who attend the course will be introduced to much curious and valuable English literature to which they are now strangers.

PROFESSOR SIMON NEWCOMB'S lectures on taxation are now announced. The interest which the University took last year in instruction of this kind makes it probable that these lectures will be largely attended. There is a widespread feeling among the students that lectures should play a very important part in our college course, and the action of the authorities in offering us such advantages is thoroughly appreciated. We wish, however, that our own professors would do something in this way for us, as well as for other colleges and for the public. Many students who cannot spare time to go into Boston would gladly attend lectures if given here, and we hope that Professor Fiske will be able to repeat in Cambridge the course of lectures which have already proved so interesting to audiences elsewhere.