A subject of interest to many, students and instructors alike, is the need of a much larger number of duplicate copies of certain reference books in the library. Several new methods of study have been introduced during the past few years, and among them is the use of reference books for parallel reading. Especially has this become the practice in many of the history courses, which are among the largest and most popular in the elective schedule. One of two alternatives for carrying out this reading must be taken by a candidate in such courses. Either he must buy or borrow for himself all these books, or he must make use of the library. The former method is the better for those who are able to afford it. When, however, important references are given to several large books, and these form parts of sets of several volumes for each work, to bry the books is beyond the means or inclination of the larger part of the students In any particular section. This larger part resorts to the library. Here have been reserved the necessary books,-in some cases a single copy of each and in others duplicate copies. Now, a few of the sections are so large that, if these books are kept in constant use, there is still no opportunity for many to read large portions of the required references. Time and again a man goes to an alcove and fines each time the desired book in use. After some weeks, when the course has entirely dropped the subject he wishes to prepare himself on, he gets a chance to look it up when his best attention should be directed to some later reference.

This state of things is unfortunate. As the college requires us to read certain references in order to keep up, and as the means of purchasing the books referred to is beyond the ability of many students, it should be the duty of the college to furnish enough reference books to satisfy the demand in the large courses. Instructors for the welfare of their sections should notify the authorities of the needs of each course in respect to the number of books wanted, and a greater amount of attention should be given the matter.