Page 136 - YB1900

:fJ3rownfng $ocfet\? '" " ... R ECOGNIZING that life without literature is b:reft of pleasures, half its Western of students the female Maryland College more than thirty years ago organ- ized a society for the purpose of pursuing, for pleasure as well as for profit, the delightful paths of English classics. As the society was to be composed entirely of girls, "Browning" was selected as the name most fitting to designate the new organization. Thinking of the end they had in viecv, they adopted as a motto characteristic of it, "Vita sine litteris mars est." As tile years passed on the society increased in size, till in 1882 a division was effected,.and since that time Browning has as its rival the Philomathean, a society,to all appear- ances, having the same purpose as our own. Only twice during the year does the Society come before the public. First on the occasion of its anniversary, held in connection with either the Irvings or wcbstcrs, and then at the society contest in June. But in devoting herself to literature Browning does not forget entirely the social side of humanity, for during the year she holds two informal entertainments, at which things more substantial than the feast of reason and flow of soul are enjoyed each week by the members are served. The first affair of this kind is the "Farewell to the Seniors," given the Friday before their final vacation; and the second is held during commencement week, when all ex- active Brownings are welcomed once more to the society hall. Although its progress may seem slow to some who watch it, Browning is certainly moving forward; for to-day she has more members enrolled than ever before and is financi- ally in a sound condition. Do not her well-wishers say, "Long may she prosper ?" -1- 118 -1-