University of Massachusetts Amherst - Index Yearbook (Amherst, MA)

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6 THE INDEX. our life-work, and yet, shall find it hard to break up friendships which we may have formed, both in college and in the community in which our lot has been cast. On the good people of Amherst we bestow our best wishes, and flatter ourselves that we shall receive the same from them. Our fondest expectations will always be in- separable from the under classes, particularly ' 72, whose course, parallel with ours for three years, has given us better opportunities for acquaintance than with the other classes. We feel that the honor of the College will not suffer with them. Our four years ' course has thus far been of pleasure and profit to us, and if the memory of college life shall be as happy as our participation therein, our lot wiU be pleasant indeed. N.

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Comnmnicatioiis. — e©s- -i 71. Again, and for the last time, ' 71 presents her communication to The Index. Before another volume is issued we shall have resigned our position as Seniors, and taken up that of Alumni. And yet how little we realize that four of the best years of our lives have passed since the College was brought into existence through us. The position of the first class in any college is one of a very pe- cuHar nature. Theories are to be put in practice ; courses of study developed, and a general outline given to the coUege ; while it is reserved for future classes to fiU out the details. Reahzing these facts, we entered as the first class. Accepting them, we have en- deavored throughout our course to fulfill the duties devolving upon us. In many particulars we may have failed, but it has not been from lack of interest. Our best wishes always have been and al- ways willsbe with the CoUege. In our studies during the past year we have wandered through the pages of History, Astronomy, Rhet- oric, Literature, Mental Science, Geology, c. In each of these departments we have made some progress, and have learned to love those whose patient efforts guided us to hidden treasures therein. We welcomed with joy the advent of our new Professor in Science, and chaplain whom we could call our own. We congratulate our- selves on the fact that our numbers remain the same, while the golden cord of friendship has been drawn tighter about us, strength- ened by ma: y fond associations, the memory of which will ever be a bright featuie in our recollections of the past. It is with feehngs of sadness, mingled with joy, that we look for- ward to our graduation from College. We are anxious to begin

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' 72. - i«-e©£- -i= We have passed the meridian ; and as Juniors, commence the last, but pleasantest haH of college life. Our time thus far has been profitably spent, and if the remaining years show as good a record as the former, we shall have little to regret. We are still on the best of terms with the Faculty ; and never cut or holt reci- tations, preferring rather to use our cheek than our heels. This term closes our study of German, and practice in the Labo- ratory. The interesting lectures on Organic Chemistry, which we are now receiving, are such as no one but Prof. Goessmann could give us, and we hope to have them continued next term. We were glad to attend the lectures on Entomology, by Dr. Packard, but re- gret that much of interest was lost to us. Under the instruction of Capt. Alvord, we have learned to handle the big guns. Much of the beauty of the grounds in front of the College is due to our untiring energy, which seems to be appreciated by nearly all but the Freshmen, who can ' t heed the frequent call to kee2J off the grass but prefer to go ' cross-lots, because they hke to be on the green, and it is so aiohward to go ' round. Our class- work at present is of the highest character found on the farm. The landscape view to the east of the College has been greatly diversified by the numerous dwarf oak and chestnut trees which we have lately set out there. May the College live to see the fruit of our labor. We exceedingly mourn the death of Professor Miller, one of the best of professors, a man of true Christian character, who has labored earnestly here for the spiritual and temporal welfare of the students. Beginning his labors at the time we entered, he had taken a special interest in us, and we were his favorite class. He wUl be gxeatly missed, and not soon will another be found equally qualified for the position left vacant. We begin to realize that the time is drawing near when ' 71 must