Old Mother Advocate has much reason to congratulate herself on the last issue of her estimable paper, for the eighth number is decidedly the best one of the year. The editorials are few in number, clear and to the point; most of the stories and sketches have originality and show careful workmanship; the verse is less ambitious than usual and therefore more pleasing; and the College Kodaks-if they be English 12 themes-are of an A grade.

"Why Benton Believes in Clairvoyancy" by F. W. Nicolls is, on the whole, the best story of the number, and would bear favorable comparison with any of the Advocate stories of this year. Clairvoyancy has been the theme of many tales published in the last few years, but by giving his narration a college flavor, and carefully saving up the surprise for the end the author has succeeded in writing a story, interesting and original.

The rest of the prose in the number consists of a number of sketches and descriptions. "Goodale's Revival" comes, perhaps, nearer to a story than the others. It is a delineation of one Goodale who "came to college what might be called a religious tough," but who modified his original opinions about religion and ministers very considerably before the end of his senior year. The conception of the story shows some originality, and although as a whole it lacks finish, it is one of the best of Mr. Brown's efforts this year. It is evident, however, that in several places he does not believe in euphemism.

Of the five remaining sketches and descriptions, "Into the Dark" and "The Lighthouse of Villefranche" seem to us to be the best. The former exhibits an energy and vividness in direct contrast with its author's other sketch in the number, "Old Sam," being as it is a portrayal of the thoughts and sufferings of a disappointed lover about to commit suicide. "The Lighthouse of Villefanche" has a strength of diction which is well-suited to the dramatic scenes which the sketch portrays.

"On the Mountain" is a more imaginative effort and "In the Vatican" is a simply and naturally (and therefore well) told reminiscence of a sight-seer at the Vatican who unconsciously slept in the great chair of the Pope of Rome.

Of the verse of the number, "Dandelions" is a short poem, delicate in fancy and excellent in execution-"A Toast to Clarinda," a rhymed toast with more or less swing-and "A Poor Scholar" (a trifle more ambitious than the other two), a poem whose theme is Love, prettily conceived and well-written.