Bowdoin Prizes.

With this year a new arrangement goes into effect for the Bowdoin Prizes, which ought to stimulate greatly the competition for them. Under the old arrangement a certain number of moderate prizes, of between fifty and one hundred dollars each were offered, for essays upon subjects stated in advance. Under the new arrangement two large prizes,--a first prize of two hundred and fifty dollars and a second prize of two hundred dollars, -- are offered for undergraduates in regular standing, on subjects to be selected by the writers themselves. The only limitation as to subject is that it shall be a contribution to "useful and polite literature" (this was the phrase used by Governor Bowdoin, who founded the prizes in 1790), and that it shall be appropriate for treatment in literary form. The subjects must be approved in advance, as conforming to these conditions, by the chairman of the standing committee of the Faculty on Bowdoin Prizes. The present chairman of that committee is Professor Taussig.

In the regulations adopted by the Faculty for the new plan it is expressly provided that theses forming part of the regular work of a course may be presented in competition, with the consent of the instructor, or, subject to such consent, may be rewritten for the competition. Hence the student must no longer go out of his way to compete for Bowdoin prizes, but may use the results of work already done. In making the award, the literary quality of the essays as well as their substance is to be taken into account. The essays must not exceed ten thousand words in length, and must be handed in not later than April 1, 1900. Winners of the prize will be named on the Commencement Programme for next June.

For graduates, a single prize of three hundred dollars is offered for this year for an essay on a subject within the range of ancient and modern language, literature and fine arts; the precise subject here also being left to the choice of the writer. In subsequent years prizes for graduates will be offered within other departments of knowledge.