Professor Palmer lectured before the Prospect Union last night on "The Study of Poetry." He said: Every hard-working man really needs some interest outside of his regular work to broaden him and to keep him from being dull. It seems better that this interest should be in some fine art, music, or painting, or poetry, something entirely without money value, because then we feel that it is of no use to anyone else and is a thing peculiarly our own. There is a great advantage in choosing the study of poetry for our interest rather than other fine art, namely, that the masterpieces of poetry we can always have and carry round with us.

As regards the study of poetry three rules may be laid down. First, commit much to memory. Nothing will help us so much to understand why the poet has chosen each work and why he expresses himself as he does. Second, choose one master and study him; know him perfectly and understand his ways. Third, when you have learned what you can from one master, study others and compare them with your master.

After the lecture Professor Palmer answered several questions and then met the members of the Union informally.