Statistics compiled by Dr. Alfred Worcester, Henry K. Oliver Professor of Hygiene show that the health of students during the Reading Periods is greater than that during the remainder of the college year.

This is shown by comparing the absences from college duties during the weeks of no classes and the rest of the year. During the January Reading Period of last year students sick days totalled only 66 percent of the average for the other months of the college year. In the May respite, the percentage was 87.

It is Dr. Worcester's opinion that if the privileges of the Reading Periods were granted to all, the improvement in health would be even greater.

The average daily number of students absent from college and excused because of sickness was 52 61. This was 3.96 less than the year before. The average number of days of absence per student was 3 04, also less than the year before.