The first of a course of lectures which are given each year under the auspices of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, was delivered Monday evening by Mr. Donald G. Mitchell before a large audience in Livonia Hall. Mr. Mitchell has not lectured here since the winter of 1884-85, when he lectured on English literature to the University, and consequently this lecture attracted much attention. He took as his subject "Doctor Johnson and Some Old Clubmen of His Time," and followed the history of the Literary Club from the time of its foundation by the famous author and wit down to the present time. Mr. Mitchell's account of the doctor and his friends, Burke, Gibbons, Joshua Reynolds and Boswell, was exhaustive and critical, while his delightful style rendered it a source of enjoyment to the whole audience. It is hoped that he may be induced to lecture here more frequently on subjects connected with the study of English literature, and thus lend a powerful aid to a branch of study in which our curriculum is sadly deficient.

The course of lectures styled the "Mechanics' Course," given under the auspices of the Sheffield Scientific School, though open to any member of the University, will be resumed this year by a lecture on "Science and Miracles," which is to be delivered next Tuesday by Professor Dubois. These lectures are twelve in number and will be delivered on Tuesdays and Fridays during February and March. The lecturers are for the most part members of the faculty, but several other gentlemen will speak this year. The subjects of lectures are topics of interest in science and politics.

The Athletic Association held its first tug-of-war contest for the prize cups which have been given for this event and the championship of the University, in the gymnasium, Friday night. Four teams entered, representing the Scientific School and the three upper classes.

The Sheff men and the sophomore won after highly-exciting contests, and these two teams will contest on the 14th for the championship.

But little can be said of the progress of the various athletic teams. The candidates for the various crews are beginning to work well together and the relative abilities of the men are becoming apparent. It is probable that the end of the month will see a material reduction in the number of would-be oarsmen. The Mott Haven team is in active training in the gymnasium, and it is expected that the men will be much benefited by courtesting with the athletes from other colleges who have entered for the winter games which will be held next month in the Infantry Armory. A large number of men from Harvard, Columbia and the University of Penn. have signified their intention of being present, and the management of the Athletic Association anticipate a very successful meeting.

YALE NEWS.