ditor:

"Less than a century ago I was traveling through this enchanted region
and accidentally heard that it was commencement week at the seminary. I
went. My venerable appearance seemed to command respect and I received
many attentions. I presented my snowy head and patriarchal beard at the
doors of the sacred institution and was admitted. I heard all the
classes, primary, secondary, tertiary, et cetera. All went merry as a
marriage bell. Thursday was the great day. I made vast preparation. I
rose early, dressed with much care. I affectionately pressed the hands
of my two landlords and left. When I arrived at the seminary I saw at a
glance that it was a place where true merit was appreciated. I was
invited to a seat among the dignitaries, but declined. I am a modest
man, I always was. I recognized the benign Principals of the school. You
can find no better principles in the states than in Ontario Female
Seminary. After the report of the committee a very lovely young lady
arose and saluted us in Latin. I looked very wise, I always do. So did
everybody. We all understood it. As she proceeded, I thought the grand
old Roman tongue had never sounded so musically and when she pronounced
the decree, 'Richmond delenda est,' we all hoped it might be prophetic.
Then followed the essays of the other young ladies and then every one
waited anxiously for 'The Last Time.' At last it came. The story was
beautifully told, the adieux were tenderly spoken. We saw the withered
flowers of early years scattered along the academic ways, and the golden
fruit of scholarly culture ripening in the gardens of the future.
Enchanted by the sorrowful eloquence, bewildered by the melancholy
brilliancy, I sent a rosebud to the charming valedictorian and wandered
out into the grounds. I went to the concert in the evening and was
pleased and delighted. So was everybody. I shall return next year unless
the gout carries me off. I hope I shall hear just such beautiful music,
see just such beautiful faces and dine at the same excellent hotel.

Senex."

Anna closed her valedictory with these words:

"May we meet at one gate when all's over;
The ways they are many and wide,
And seldom are two ways the same;
Side by side may we stand
At the same little door when all's done.
The ways they are many,
The end it is one."

_July_ 10.--We have had word of the death of Spencer F. Linc