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

Page 18 text:

Wm The class of ' 76 enters College with her members numbering thirty-seven. Not as large a number as were reported to be coming at the commencement of the term, but we hope the difference be- tween the actual and expected number wiU be ma de up partially, if not wholly, in the second term. Among us, four different States and one foreign country (Japan) are represented ; the four States being New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, of which Massachusetts sends more than two-thirds of the whole number ; thus showing that the people of this State are alive to the advantages of an Agricultural College, and that they intend, by sending their sons to it, to give them through life the benefit of a thorough scientific education. The Sophs have treated us very well thus far. To be sure a few doors have been tested by them, and one or two Freshmen have re- ceived practical instructions in chemistry (experiments with sul- phuretted hydrogen); but such things must be looked upon as due to an overflow of animal spirits. As regards rushes , we have had one, or rather, several closely following each other on the same evening. In these, we flatter our- selves that we came out a little ahead. We endeavored, and we hope succeeded, in showing them that we were not deficient in pluck, and that the spirit of ' 76 burned as brightly as it did a hundred years ago. ' 74 has kindly offered to assist us in all class matters; such as forming our corps of rushers, filling the office of moderator, etc., for which we are, of course, grateful to them. They try to make us feel that, although we are much persecuted Fresh- men, we have friends upon whom we may rely in time of need, and always find consolation. As in all classes, so in ours, there are some odd names on the list. Most curious of all is. our having three bearing the same surname.

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TheIndex. 11 faithfully we have endeavored to initiate them into the many minor points of college life. Some generous spirits, having their future welfare at heart, favored them quite early in their college career with a visit, and when the ominous Sophomoric rap resounded in their ears, with what alacrity did they open unto us, and produce the calumet together with the weed that lulls, but doesn ' t agitate, and tremblingly invite us to fall to. In hazing we have never indulged, knowing well it would be be- neath the dignity of ' 75. ' Tis true we did invite one hero of ' 76 to remove his outer habihments and prepare himself for the embrace of kindly Moipheus. Need I say that this modest request was com- plied with, notwithstanding the disinterested advice of ' 74 to the contrary ? In regard to Rushes, we have had but one decided one, and then were challenged by ' 76. We responded to the urgent ap- peals for ' 75 to appear, and, though the night was extremely dark, the result will never be published in the annals of those brave but rash Freshmen. Thus we have briefly glanced over some of the leading points of interest in our Sophomore year thus far. It vnll be our endeavor to maintain the record thus far creditable, throughout the remain- der of our course. May all of us, when called upon to fight hfe ' s battles in after years, be able to say that our Alma Mater never had cause to blush for us during our college course. K.

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The Index. 13 Let us hope that at least one of them may equal in standing and in declamation, the student of ' 75 of the same name. Of military drill and farm work, so far most of us have had a sufficiency. A few brave spirits, however, seem to be unable to get enough of work, and if they retain their present relish for it during the year, an astonishing amount will have been performed. By that time they will probably be able to tell us what they know about farming. We endeavor to do our best in both of these branches; but, as many ct us are green hands, no doubt our best is but poor. We hope, nevertheless, by perseverance, to be able to stand high in all departments ; and, by trying on all occasions to conduct ourselves in a gentlemanly manner, to so improve, that the College will some day be proud of us, both individually and as a class. G.