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

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16 THE INDEX. may be in a proper condition to receive mental food. The pic- ture would be very incomplete did I not tell how we are crammed stomachically, as well as intellectually. The class generally take their meals at the College boarding establishment. There are, however, a few who, we presume, follow the Scripture maxim, Better is a morsel with quietness, c. As for the former, they prefer to follow Shakspeare ' s maxim, A hearty laugh helpeth the digestion. But we modestly withold from asking further space. As Freshmen, we remember our position in col- lege life, and seek not to overstep it. In future years we may be again called upon for contributions to the Index, when a more liberal culture, and a larger experience will the better fit us for the task. 8.

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We are called upon to give a sketch of our experiences, that they may be embalmed in the Index. With diffidenc e we pro- ceed to the task. Our antecedents being unknown, you may naturally ask for our credentials. Our class, as far as numbers are concerned, is fully up to the average. Twenty of us there are — enough to prevent any feeling of isolation, but not so many but that each member may retain his own individuality. Our homes are widely scattered. We have representatives from Min- nesota and far off Chili, thus securing that element of the uni- versal which fits us for the assimilation of knowledge. The preparatory examination was the first obstacle to our entrance ; but, after having a blank charge fired in our faces, we entered the portal. A short rest now followed, but it was the lull that pre- cedes the storm. Certain garrulous Juniors prepared us for the Freshman ' s ordeal, yet, from certain conscientious scruples, we hesitated. This lasted not long. The insolent Sophs soon brought us to action. Victory was ours ! One strong push sent them flying like jackstraws. 0, the leering, jeering, window-smashing Soph- omores ! Bullies, as they are, they have to receive a sound thrash- ing before they can be brought to respect the rights of Freshmen. Our connection with the Faculty has been a pleasant one — the Professors are kind, genial, and of the right stuff, generally. Their lectures are both practical and popular ; they even allow a few jokes as fireworks, for the amusement of the students, and actually have been known to explode a few themselves. On the whole, we are highly satisfied with this part of college life. Nourishment is absolutely essential to the physical man that he

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