Am I too familiar, Daddy? Ought I to treat you with more dignity and
aloofness?--Yes, I'm sure I ought. I'll begin again.
My Dear Mr. Smith,
You will be pleased to hear that I passed successfully my mid-year
examinations, and am now commencing work in the new semester. I am
leaving chemistry--having completed the course in qualitative
analysis--and am entering upon the study of biology. I approach this
subject with some hesitation, as I understand that we dissect
angleworms and frogs.
An extremely interesting and valuable lecture was given in the chapel
last week upon Roman Remains in Southern France. I have never listened
to a more illuminating exposition of the subject.
We are reading Wordsworth's Tintern Abbey in connection with our course
in English Literature. What an exquisite work it is, and how
adequately it embodies his conceptions of Pantheism! The Romantic
movement of the early part of the last century, exemplified in the
works of such poets as Shelley, Byron, Keats, and Wordsworth, appeals
to me very much more than the Classical period that preceded it.
Speaking of poetry, have you ever read that charming little thing of
Tennyson's called Locksley Hall?
I am attending gymnasium very regularly of late. A proctor system has
been devised, and failure to comply with the rules causes a great deal
of inconvenience. The gymnasium is equipped with a very beautiful
swimming tank of cement and marble, the gift of a former graduate. My
room-mate, Miss McBride, has given me her bathing-suit (it shrank so
that she can no longer wear it) and I am about to begin swimming
lessons.
We had delicious pink ice-cream for dessert last night. Only vegetable
dyes are used in colouring the food. The college is very much opposed,
both from aesthetic and hygienic motives, to the use of aniline dyes.
The weather of late has been ideal--bright sunshine and clouds
interspersed with a few welcome snow-storms. I and my companions have
enjoyed our walks to and from classes--particularly from.
Trusting, my dear Mr. Smith, that this will find you in your usual good
health,
I remain,
Most cordially yours,
Jerusha Abbott