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

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THE INDEX. The military department has lost none of its interest durins the past year. In fact, our young and enthjisiastic command- ant has steadily advanced the cause of this science. We students feel that he has discharged his duties in a manner satisfactory to the college and the public. Of the many works that will always serve to keep his name fresh in the memory of the college, none are of greater moment than the erection of the centennial battery, which adds much to the picturesqueness of the grounds and the ■ esprit du corps of the college. He has greatly increased our security, and sup- plied a deficiency, by constructing a magazine, in which our store of explosives is now kept. Military science being carried to such an extent, we have long needed an undress uniform. And here again our inde- fatigable lieutenant has come to our aid, with a neat and appropriate blouse, which we have gladly accepted. Another noteworthy event, which we cannot pass by in silence, is our going into encampment at Mt. Toby. And a most agreeable change from college life we found it. Nothing but the weather was a drawback, and even that had little effect upon us. It is the universal opinion of the college that it was an eminent success, and that it reflects great credit upon its originator. The experiences at Camp Wm. Knowl- ton, will be remembered with pleasure by all. We hope that this will, as is intended, become a permanent feature of life at the M. A. C. While we are proud to have such a perfect soldier for our instructor, we look forward with sadness to the date at which he may leave us. Though military etiquette may prohibit his reappointment, we earnestly hope that his terra of oflEice will be prolonged at least one year more. As the class of ' 79 entered the year that he was detailed, such an

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THE INDEX. With characteristic energy and regard for our interests, one of his first acts was the grading of the campus, making an almost perfect ball ground, of which we have always stood in greiat need. The impetus thus given to the national sport has had its effect, as we have entered with renewed vigor upon the fall games. By the generous aid of the Faculty, and a college subscription, we have provided our nine with an elegant uniform,, trimmed with the college colors. Believing that its name should refer in some way to our Alma Mater, it has been changed from Wilder, to that of Aggie. Having for some time been a department in the young and flourishing Boston University, we were invited, during the year, to represent our college in the Beacon, a paper publish- ed by the students of that institution. Such a rare opportu- nity for extending the welfare of the college, was at once accepted. It is but justice to the former editor to state that his articles expressed our feelings and interests in a manner satisfactory to all. Every year, the influence of our college increases; for, as the Alumni assume the duties of active life, the great benefits they have derived from their course of study are set forth in a manner so forcible as to resist the best arguments of the opposition. Every year, the facilities for applying science to agriculture and the mechanic arts are increasing, and with our enterprising corps of pr ofessors, we are fnlly up to the times. The various departments have been actively engaged in practical experiments, and in improving their facilities for instruction. In the horticultural department, thanks to the munificence of one of our patrons, and the energy and ability of its manager, extensive improvements are being made. The experiments carried on by this depart- ment, especially those under the direction of our professor of chemistry, have been of much interest to the whole college.

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THE INDEX. extension of office would give him time to fully carry out with one class the method of instruction that he has intro- duced. We have intended to set forth our own ideas of the work- ings of the college. If, in the expression of our thoughts, too much freedom has been taken, we humbly beg the pardon of those offended, as nothing detrimental to any one has been intended. To lower-classmen it is hardly necessary to repeat the yearly advice, Don ' t fail to publish the Index, for as every class has thus far published it, it has become a fixture in the college course. And now, as we draw towards the close of our Editorial, we regret being obliged to leave these pages, that have been to us both a pleasure and a profit. Whatever has a beginning, has an end; and bidding farewell, as editors, we retire.