Professor Norton's Lecture.

In spite of the fact that the announcement of the lecture had been made so late. Sever 11 was well filled last evening by an appreciative audience. Prof. Norton's lecture was of the most interesting character, and his account of the work already done in the partial excavation of Delphi, and of what those most interested in the matter hoped to do in further discoveries, could not but infuse enthusiasm into his hearers.

At the most remote period at which we have the slightest historical knowledge of Greece, the oracle at Delphi has been an object of peculiar importance. To the ancient Greeks it was a real source of communication between this and another world. They were sincere in the divinity of the oracle, and they had perfect faith that the communications which they received through the lips of the priestess came from a god whose powers of prophecy were unlimited. The communications received through the lips of the Pythia undoubtedly contained much of truth and falsity mixed together; but they were, nevertheless, of ten times marvels of common sense and good advice, and to the people of that age it is no wonder that they appeared to come direct from a deity. It was not only from the near-lying states of Greece that the people came to consult the oracle at Delphi, but from states situated far away. There came to the shrine people in every rank of life. Kings sent their envoys with rich presents to seek aid from the oracle, and states sent their ambassadors to ask aid in the direction of public affairs. The temple could not but become immensely wealthy with such a revenue continually pouring into it. The riches excited the cupidity of Xerxes at the time of the Persian invasion, and it was his object to plunder the temple. At this time the nationality and unity which the oracle represented sank with obscurity. It still gave responses, but they were no longer true, and in Athens' wars they favored the enemies of Attica. Two hundred years after Christ, the last word concerning Delphi was heard, and from that time until comparatively lately it has remained buried in the deepest obscurity. In 1840, Dr. Ottfield Muller went to the site of Delphi and his work showed the opportunity for discovery and research among the ruins. Twenty years later another attempt at discovery was made by the French. America had no hand in the work until some eleven years ago Gen. Meredith Read, the United States Minister to Greece, interested himself in the matter. He was soon recalled from Athens, however, and it was not until two years ago that Americans became actively engaged in the matter. Then the prominence into which the American School of Athens brought all objects of Greek antiquity stirred Americans to obtain the concession from the Greek government of the site of Delphi. A large amount of money was needed, however, for the purchase of a small village situated immediately above the site of the temple. It was only a few weeks ago that there became a possibility that the necessary amount could be raised. The amount to be raised, $80,000, is being contributed by private subscriptions mostly from residents of New York city. There seems to be but little fear now lest enough money can be raised for the purpose, but it is not at all sure that the concession of the site can be obtained from the Greek government. French scholars are making every endeavor to obtain the concession of the site, and it will be a great triumph for American archaeologists if the privilege of making the research in the ancient ruins of so famous a temple is given to them.