IF A TREE FELL...?

Elm trees in the Yard and across Harvard have been dropping like, well, trees. Dutch Elm disease is wreaking havoc on the University's arboreal population.

In June, a tree in front of Holworthy and a tree in the Yard's center--both about 80 years old--met their untimely demise. In the past 10 years, 10 to 12 trees across the University have succumbed to the disease. About 40 percent of Harvard's elms are reportedly infected.

Now, University officials are researching ways to replenish Harvard's tree supply, investigating disease resistant tree species with elm-esque tall trunks and full canopies.

As part of the Yard's refoliaging, the University may have a chance to increase its much-touted diversity. A greater range of species, officials say, reduces the risk of destructive tree epidemics.

411 PAGES, $115 BILLION

On July 23, President Bush signed into law an act expanding federal student aid programs and allowing Harvard to once again cooperate with other universities in allocating financial aid dollars.

Ivy league presidents praised the act, saying it will help them insure that financial aid dollars are equitably distributed.

The 411 page, $115 billion law also will make Harvard report to the government about large donations from foreign sources. It may force changes in the College's sexual assault policy. [See related story, page B-6.]

The Higher Education Reauthorization Act expanded federally guaranteed student loan programs. Elizabeth M. Hicks, assistant dean of admissions and financial aid for federal and special programs, said students from all parts of Harvard University already borrow about $40 million a year under the programs, and she said the new law may increase that by as much as $10 million.

MARITIME MESSIAH

The Tall Ships came to Boston this July amidst hype and fanfare. And one Russian tall ship sailed away with a bit of Michael Berry magic on board.

The Mealtime Messiah, along with many other New England residents, responded to a plea from hungry sailors on the undersupplied tall ship Sedov. The Sedov, participating in this summer's Sail Boston festivities, found both its money and its food supply had run dangerously low as the ship arrived in Beantown.

Attending a cocktail party on the Sedov, Harvard Dining Services Director Berry heard about the ship's woes and agreed to provide the sailors with much-needed provisions.

It took about six hours for dining services workers to amass items from Harvard's food suppliers. The Sedov set sail for England stocked with hundreds of pounds of chicken legs, peeled tomatoes, ketchup and cabbage.