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Browning Literary Society. " ,. ,. S time is adding another year to everything and everybody, Brown- ing Society is not forgotten. Though a year has been added to the age of the society we, its members. have gained much in knowledge during this year. As early as 1871 the girls of the college began to realize the need of a literary society, and to supply this need Browning was organized. As it was to be composed only of girls, the name, Elizabeth Barret Browning, an English woman, distinguished widely for her literary genius, was given to it, at the same time adopting for its motto," Vita sine Letteris mars est." This motto, with the year of its organization, was painted upon a hand- some banner whicb the society still retains. The members of the society became so numerous it was thought best to organize a new one. This was done in 1881, the new society being called Philomathean. The aim of both societies is the same, searching of literature and love Of truth. There is some little rivalry between the two societies, but only shown at Commencement, when two members 1'1'0111 each society contest for the trophy presented by Professor Newell in 1888. The society comes before the public twice a year; once at the joint en- tertainment given with either the Webster or the Irving Society, and again at the contest. The new hall which was given to us last year has resulted in an in- creased interest in the society, and has proved an incentive to better work. \Ve have g)-own to love the new walls quite as much as we did the walls of our old society hall. Our library, always a good one, is better this year than ever. There have been many books given to 'the society, for which we thank the "givers," and many bought. The latest books, as well as books of our old standard authors, may be found on the shelves in the book-case. VIe have also one great advantage, that is, in haying our separate reading room, or library, which is at our .disposal at any time, and, let me say here, we are not slow to see our advantage and to take it. With such inducements we hope that in keeping our motto, "Life wi th- out learning is death," always ill mind, we will progress steadily, ever irn, proving, so that the founders of Browning Society, looking back at the good work clone,will ever be proud and have cause to rejoice. 125