The Monthly.

The March number of the Monthly is perhaps the most interesting issue of the year. An important feature is a discussion of the "Influence of College Papers on College Men," which is made up of contributions from W. K. Otis for the CRIMSON; T. M. Hastings for the Lampoon; R. T. Fisher for the Advocate; and B. S. Baker, presumably for the student body. The opinion of the Monthly is expressed in an editorial.

It may be hoped that this discussion will have some tendency to awaken student interest in the college publications. It is an undeniable fact that these papers do not have the influence they should here at Harvard. It seems to us that this is entirely due to the spirit of hostile criticism and lack of cordial support which prevails. The "most direct and lasting influence of college papers" is, of course, on their editors and through their untiring efforts our publications are, and have long been, the standards for the papers of other colleges. If this eminence is to be maintained the papers must have "the interest and backing of the entire student body." Our publications are not for "literary societies," as the writer for the Advocate would have us believe. They are serious, earnest efforts to report the life of the University. As such they should have hearty support.

H. A. Phillips contributes a sketch, "At the Cross-Roads," which is fully up to his usual standard. The characters are carefully and consistently drawn and the unity of the composition is marked.

"After the Play," by A. Z. Reed, is well done. One wishes to see it acted. F. Curtis contributes a critical essay on "The Supernaturalism of Scott and Colleridge." The comparison is interesting although rather harsh upon Scott.

Two poems, one by Sarah Cleghorn on "Arcadia," which is fairly good, and the other, "Novissimum Verbum," by R. w. Kaufmann, an excellent bit, complete the number.