The intercollegiate fencing contest will take place earlier this year than usual, probably in March, as that is the only month in which Annapolis can send up a team to New York. A larger number of entries is expected this year, which will make the tournament especially interesting. Besides Harvard, Co umbia and Annapolis, last year's competitors, teams will probably be entered from Yale, Cornell, University of Pennsylvania and West Point.

The outlook for Harvard is not as promising as usual. J. P. Parker '96 and J. E. Hoffman '96, of last year's team, are not back this year and A. G. Thacher '97, the third member of the team, is much handicapped by an injured hand. A. F. Riggs '98 is the only other man who has represented Harvard in competitions. He was on the junior team that won the open championship last spring in New York. Moreover, there is a great lack of new material. In view of these facts the members of the Fencing Club and every one in the University interested in fencing must exert every effort if Harvard is to maintain its high position this year. Both the intercollegiate championship, which has been held for four years, and the junior championship, which was instituted last year, must be defended against strong opponents. The latter is open to men who have never received prizes in fencing competitions. Thus, there are three places to be filled by new men, one of whom, at least, will also be on the team to fence at the intercollegiate championship.

An important change has been introduced this year in the qualifications for membership of a college team. As Columbia, Annapolis and others who may enter will henceforth draw men for their teams from all the departments of the university, it has been decided to allow any member of this University to try for the Harvard team. In former years members of teams were confined to the fencing clubs of the contesting colleges. In accordance with this new plan a petition has been sent to the Athletic Committee asking it to appoint Professor Rondelle fencing instructor at the Hemenway Gymnasium. If this petition is granted any one may take lessons and, as open tournaments will be held from time to time at the Fencing Club, any one desiring to try for either the intercollegiate or the junior championship teams will be given every opportunity to show his ability.