[We invite all men in the University to submit communications on subjects of timely interest. The CRIMSON is not, however, responsible for the sentiments expressed in such communications as may be printed.]

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

May I ask the privilege of using your columns to suggest a plan, which it seems to me, would enable students in meagre circumstances to obtain for use in their courses, books which they would otherwise be obliged to purchase. These men have now either to make use of the reserved libraries in Gore and Harvard Halls, or they are compelled to buy all necessary books, either new, or at second-hand. The first alternative is not constantly convenient; the second, even when the books are bought at second-hand, entails more or less expense. Moreover, it is always necessary for every student to purchase (or to borrow from private sources) all "text-books," strictly so-called.

Many students have in their possession books purchased for college courses, books which they will not again use. These are generally sold to second-hand dealers at ridiculously low prices. The suggestion I should like to make is that these books be collected by a student-committee, brought together, catalogued and kept in some accessible building, as Phillips Brooks House. This collection might be known as the Text-Book Loan Collection, and students would have the privilege of borrowing from it books to be used in connection with specific courses, and of retaining the same until the end of the course.

It might be well in each case to require a deposit equivalent to a fair second-hand price for the book, which deposit would be refunded on the return of the book in good order. A charge of five or 10 cents, however, might be deducted to defray the cost of cataloguing, and provide money for rebinding. If such a collection were to be begun now it could be in readiness at the opening of the next College year. P. A. HUTCHINSON '98.