In order that the management of the extension fire ladders may be understood, the superintendent of the yard has suggested that the students practice placing and running them up. The idea is a good one since the ladders are rather complicated machines which could not be properly handled without previous practice, and since, moreover, Mr. Knapp and Mr. Eveleth, who understand the management, both live some little distance from the yard. It would be advisable for the proctors and other officers of government, particularly, to acquire a knowledge of the management of the ladders, since they are always resident at the college, while the students are changing, and they would then be competent to oversee the placing of the ladders in time of fire. If the superintendent should appoint an hour in which he would explain the workings of the ladders, the students would certainly co-operate with him as he desires.