College humor magazines are on the way out, prophesied the editor of the Princeton Tiger in a recent article. This month, without fanfare, the Lampoon proves he was right. The former funny magazine has switched, for the most part, to political articles and avant-garde fiction.

A most startling example of the new Lampoon is an article by John Hubbard called Wolf in Fold. Penetrating and well-written, it is an expose of Communist infiltration into one of the least likely spots--the administration of the Boy Scouts of America. Hubbard explains how a young Tenderfoot caught one of the Commies red-handed, but the article leaves no doubt that there are still many more left.

Although Hubbard's is the only piece of original journalism in the issue, the Lampoon has printed stories by two unique fiction writes. Good-bye Bellaphone by Douglas Bunce, for instance, is representative of the newest trend in short stories. It is confusing, obscure, and very difficult to finish. And the other story, The Great American Novel by John Train, is quite puzzling, although in this case there is enough fast-moving action to make the piece interesting on the first level.

Levity Maintained

The Lampoon has not, however, completely abandoned the lighter side of art. Its short poems, particularly Lines in Favor of Deposed Kings by John Updike, are amusing rather than laugh-provoking. Regrettably, however, Updike has also tried some sketches on College life in the style of Frederick Osborne and Abner Dean, portraying oversized deans and headless freshmen. Too obviously derivative, these are neither original nor entertaining. And Updike could also use some fresh cartoon ideas.

Finally, the Lampoon has reprinted Fifty-sixth Cantabrigians. This codification of traditional College rules for social success are meant for freshmen, but they will probably be appreciated more by upperclassmen, some of whom take them all seriously.

In short, the Lampoon's addition of some serious pieces has been but moderately successful. One can only guess whether or not its editors will accelerate the trend and abolish the magazine's humor completely. If so, the Advocate will have a new and formidable rival.