Two stories, an essay, two bits of verse, an article on Harvard work in France, another on Russia, editorials, and book reviews comprise the not ungenerous fare provided in the current Advocate. It is a number distinctly worth reading; its purpose is obviously sincere; its crudities are no worse than one sees in the magazines of the world outside--and yet one inevitably wonders whether the number truly reflects undergraduate life and represents the best expression of which Harvard men are capable.

The stories, which are called "The Daughter of Alan Muir" and "Shadows of a Shade"--a somewhat far-fetched title have an unpleasant crotic trend. The scene and circumstances of the one are not very clearly visualized; the chronology of the other is rather difficult to grasp. Both show a certain power in attaining climax. Surely the writers' talents might better be employed in treating themes of college life.

The excellent work performed last summer by a small group of college men in France is clearly set forth in Mr. Buell's account of the Harvard Reconstruction Unit. Mr. Colby's crisp and entertaining essay on "Barbers and Barbarisms" reveals a practiced hand. What seems to the reviewer a sound presentation of Russian affairs is given by Mr. Holbrook although the facts in the opening paragraph might have been brought more closely up to date.

In one respect the number is a true reflection of college life. It is not perfect, and it is not very bad. Hiding the amiable character of the undergraduate, in whose ability to do better than he does both parents and teachers like to believe, is the cheerful illiteracy which persists in misspelling words derived from the Greek.