tem, and especially when ladies graced by their presence those academic festivals, it comported better with polite literature to speak in a language intelligible to all.

Orations in English, formal disputations on interesting questions of science, and more familiar discussions called colloquies, on the same subjects, have gradually expelled the defence of Theses and syllogistic encounters; and the students, instead of expending their energies" in bello grammatticali,” (to use an expression of Lord Coke,) are more agreeably and profitably employed in examinations of practical subjects.

But with the dispute and colloquy the dialogue also made its appearance; and instead of occupying, as in former times, three formal rostra, projecting from the centres of the Chapel galleries, and carrying on a logical warfare of outposts, the students were provided with a regular stage.

The facilities afforded by this new arrangement soon changed the character of the primitive dialogue, and scientific models, such as Cicero has furnished in his works, "De Oratore" and "De Natura Deorum," gave way to ridiculous and timid imitations of the regular drama.

It is not the purpose of the writer to speak of the moral or intellectual effect of theatrical representations, but under the full conviction that they cannot form a valuable appendage of collegiate exercises, nor add to the reputation of a literary seminary, he may be permitted to hope that they will

eventually be excluded from the "Schemes" of Yale College, as they have already from those of most of the American Seminaries.

Dramatic compositions require not only the highest order of intellect, but talents of a peculiar character. Stage effect, as well as justness of sentiment and correctness of personification must be regarded, and the numerous failures of distinguished writers should furnish a monitory lesson to others.

Milton, Johnson, Addison, Young, Thompson, and Byron, have all failed as writers of dramas, fitted for theatrical representations. It need hardly be added, that, in the entire absence of scenery, unsupported by female actors, and on a stage surrounded by a venerable circle of clergymen and senators, every effort for dramatic display, at Com. mencement, must prove abortive. Cocked hats, laced coats, the fiery passions of war, and the voluptuous whisperings of love, but ill assort with such accompaniments.

It is true the actors have great inducements to regard the "special observance" given by Hamlet, in his charge to the players," that you o'erstep not the modesty of nature," for a slight breach of the rule in action, would bring them on the toes of some reverend doctor or conscript father.

But levity apart, it is seriously believed, that exercises, which do not usually equal the most indifferent performances of the theatre, are not the best adapted to gratify enlightened audiences, or exhibit the proficiency of students in literary attainments.

The cultivation of dramatic talent is a very unimportant branch of general education; and as the whole system is of modern coinage, and is not commended to our regard, even by the “venerabilis arugo" of antiquity, it is hoped it may soon give place to more appropriate academic exercises.

CHAPTER XIV.

Facilities and Advantages for Literary Pursuits at Yale College, arising from Local Situation and other Circumstances.

AMONG facilities for literary pursuits, many considerations will suggest themselves to the mind of an inquirer, and physical as well as moral circumstances must be fairly exhibited, as guides of decision.

New Haven is agreeably situated at the head of a handsome bay, putting up about four miles from Long Island Sound. It is in 41°, 18′ N. latitude; 72°, 58′ W. longitude; and distant 76 miles N. E. from New York, 34 miles S. S. W. from Hartford. 134 S. W. from Boston, and 107 S. S. E. from Albany. Daily stage coaches arrive from, and depart to, those several places, and sloops and steam boats ply daily between New Haven and New York.

In addition to ordinary channels of communication, a canal has been, for some time, in operation, extending from New Haven to the southern part of Massachusetts, and which will probably be soon completed to Northampton.

New Haven is one of the semi capitals of the State, and divides with Hartford the Legislative Sessions.

The city occupies a large plain, and was originally divided into nine squares, of sixty rods each, including streets. These squares have subsequentty been subdivided by parallel crossing streets.

The centre square was appropriated by the grantees, for public purposes, and is known by the appellation of the Green. It is a beautiful promenade, and has been embellished by rows of fine elms, gravel walks, and an external railing. Several of the public buildings, which are elegant and expensive in their style of architecture, are situated on this square. A new State House, constructed of stone and marble under the superintendence of Mr. Ithiel Town, an architect of cultivated taste and talents, forms a prominent ornament of the city. It is placed on the western side of the square, and presents one of the best copies of ancient models, which our country affords, and is worthy of an artist who has evinced his fondness for his profession by visiting the best schools of Europe, to perfect himself in his art.

The principal edifices of Yale College face the western boundary of the Green, and present an imposing front, including passage ways, of about six hundred feet.

The extensive lawn spread out in front of the Colleges, it is presumed, must contribute as much to health, as it certainly does to beauty of prospect.

The College buildings are chiefly constructed of brick, and consist of four principal edifices, occupied as studies and dormitories by the students;