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Now, dear readers, you are doubtless expecting (if we may lay "so flattering an unction to our souls") an Editor's Table full of fun and puns. Our reputation ought to be our apology. Who ever heard of our saying anything funny or puny? We might have underscored that last word and inserted a parenthetical explanation, but as it is an old pun, such procedure is unnecessary. This conversation reminds us of a fact which we wish thus early in our labors to impress upon our readers, and that is, our antagonism to puns. It once occurred to us, to devote a portion of time to this accomplishment, as some of our friends have done, but the very first fledgeling that essayed to fly forth upon its own responsibility, brought ridicule upon itself and parent. For instance, we call to mind several occasions, when, seated with our friends enjoying a good old College talk, we thought it proper and timely to try our skill at pun-making. Well, what do you suppose was the result of our intrepidity?

A kind of general smile pervaded the countenances of those present, and there was observable a forgiving glance which seemed to say-" We owe you this much from personal friendship, and delicacy of feeling, but your effort is unpardonable."

Do you, then, blame us, dear readers, for an earnest desire to escape being victimized to the politeness and "pity of mankind?" If we don't make puns, what shall we do for an Editor's Table? Now it may suggest itself to some that our opposition to puns is somewhat like a certain old fox's hatred of grapes. To some extent, this is true. But if you will excuse us for endeavoring to be sensible in a portion of our “Table”—we have other grounds for our aversion to these troublesome children of wit. We are expected in an Editor's Table to talk about things in general, in a general way. We are supposed to lay aside (if they ever incommode us) Rhetorical restraints. But are we necessarily expected to dispense with good sense, because we have dispensed with its best clothing? You see, therefore, readers, that puns in our estimation, are not dignified. However, we will debate the question no farther.

We must acknowledge that we have been disappointed in not receiving through the "Post" any fine material for the display of Editorial acumen. We refer, of course, to certain ambitious flights to Parnassus. The gentlemen who preceded us in our labors, have, we fear, exterminated this portion of "Yale Lit" contributors. We have seen one production upon "Spring," but it is not worth criticising. The author must try again, if he wishes to see his production in the Editor's Table. In fact, we have been so much at a loss to find anything to prey on, that several wise ones have sug

gested the expediency of writing our own poetry, and then criticising it. The subject for criticism would be good enough, but we have too much self-respect for that enterprise. Besides, there would be more prose than poetry in the business. We have a great inclination, for want of something better, to pounce upon those impudent "Spoon men," who dared to call the honesty of the "Yale Lit" Eds. into question. Who knows but some of them may have written for that "Yale Lit" Prize, and attempted the "bribe game," and were angry because it didn't take. Never mind Spoonies! Independent of that indiscretion the "Pot Pourri" gentlemen did finely. We could talk to you, readers, on generalities all day long, but "brevity is the soul of nonsense, as well as of wit."

Although we are not as tardy in our appearance, as others have been in times past, still we think, that we owe you, readers of the "Lit," an apology for our late debut. Many circumstances, however, in addition to our inexperience, have combined to oppose our labors. The death of our esteemed publisher has greatly deranged our plans, and has thrown us more upon our own resources. Besides, a cold-worse than any Pelignian cold-has so afflicted us, that we have found great difficulty in bringing the rays of our mental vision to a focus. We have thought of a number of thingsbut nothing definitely and distinctly. We feel thankful that our mental gear has been almost repaired, and hope by the time we arrive at our next No. of the “ Lit” we shall be able to prove that we have not traveled in vain, by placing before you the fruits of a more careful observation, and of an improved experience.

EXCHANGES, &c.

We acknowledge our indebtedness for the "Popular Educationists," May, '53, and for the Monthly Jubilee. We are also greatly indebted to Senators Seward and Doug. lass, for copies of their speeches in the Senate, that of the former upon "Relations with Mexico," &c., Feb. 8th, '53,-that of the latter in reply to Senators Clayton and Butler on the "Central American Treaty," March 16th and 17th, '53.

Of our regular Exchanges, we have received the "Illustrated Magazine of Art,” for May; North Carolina University Magazine, for April; Knickerbocker, for April; Nassau Literary, for April. We have not space to comment upon these Periodicals in detail, but in the Nos. before us, they sustain their previous high character.

ERRATA.

In the article entitled Zenobia, in the last No. of the Lit., page 210, line second, for gloried, read glories; line third, for whose, read where; line twenty-eighth, for those, read thou; page 211, line sixteenth, for form, read forum; page 211, line twenty-fifth, for humble, read humbler ; page 211, line thirty-sixth, for disclosed, read discloses; page 212, line sixth, for led, read lead; page 212, line twenty-fifth, for royal, read loyal; page 212, line twenty-ninth, for concealed, read conceals; page 213, line sixteenth, for Eastern, read stern; page 214, line seventeenth, for charged, read charge; page 215, line third, for their, read there; page 215, line third, for trains, read wains; page 215, line forty-first, for submission, read submissive; page 216, line eighth, for under, read ruder.

In the article entitled "The Maying Party," page 238, second line from the bottom, for gay, read gray; page 239, line sixth, for glorious, read merry; page 239, line seventh, for urchins, read worthies; page 239, line thirty-sixth, for gloomy, read gloring; page 239, line forty-second, for our, read one; page 239, line forty-second, for meet, read met.

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THE

YALE LITERARY MAGAZINE,

CONDUCTED BY

The Students of Pale College.

The EIGHTEENTH VOLUME of this Magazine commences with October, 1852. Three Numbers are published during every Term, and nine Numbers complete an Annual Volume.

Contributions to its pages are solicited upon any subject of interest to students; but local, humorous, and spirited articles are particularly desired.

In the MEMORABILIA YALENSIA it is intended to make a complete record of the current events of College Life, and also to give such histori cal and statistical facts as may be generally interesting.

TERMS. $2.00 a Volume, payable on the delivery of the FIRST number. No one can receive the remaining numbers until the subscription is paid. Single numbers, 25 cents each.

Communications or remittances may be addressed, through the Post Office, to the "EDITORS OF THE YALE LITERARY MAGAZINE," New Haven, Conn.

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