The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1894-12-31
COLLEGE WOMEN AT PLAY.
Their Attempts at Hazing Are Of the.
the Mildest Order.

Sometimes They Play Baseball. But Bas-'
ket-BaI Is the Precent Fad-StrolIs
and Gymnasium Work.
The Century for January has SYM
postum on Festivals in American Col
leges for Women" written by women
connected with the institutions, that
gives an interesting glimpse of the
amusements of the fair collegians. In
grouping these brief papers the editors
intention was to show how the women's
colleges, in their festivals and amuse-
ments were cultivating "the love and
art of grace and beauty"
Miss Susan G. walker writes of Bryn
Mawr:
The early experiences of the students
at-Bryn Mawr differ from those OF stud
ents in other colleges in that hazine in
its ordinary form does not exist. In It's
place has developed one of the Oldest
and most characteristic of our customs,
that of "the presentation of lanterns"
q ceremony which is the essential feat
ure of the sophomore play. The sopho-
mores greet the freshmen with a song,
and present each one with Lantern
to light her steps through the unknown
ways of college life," and especially
through the azes of the" group system.
Sometimes much sage advice is given
with the light, and once the unfortunate
fresh men won their lanterns only aIter
passing an impromptu oral-examinatlon.
The form of this play differs with the
character and resources OF the class kglV-
ing it; but as preparations for 1t are be-
gun in the freshman year it is expected
to be both clever and original.
Thissvery courteous sort OF hazlng is
acknowledged month or two later by
the freshmen. who give an entertainment
in honor of the sophomores. he fresh
men play is usually less mbitions than
the sophomore play, but of.the same gen.
eral character, and it is most interesting
to see the first expression OF the ability
of the new class; for it is at this play
that the freshmen first sing their class
song, and give proof of any power. or
originality they may possess. No class
IN college has failed to receive the Ian
tern; for, in order that SO, the first class
to enter Bryn Mawr, might not be forced
to feel it's way. in darkness. the younger
classes united to give it's members Ian
terms to light them on the part OF their
way..that still lay before them.
Mount Holyoke, Miss Henrietta e.
Hooker writes:
Time was when oroquet or game
of beanbag was the resort for vigorous
recreation; but since physical culture
has.offered to college women the same,
means of development that is provided
in colleges for men, all gymnasium ex-
ercises are in favor, particularly the
class designated heavy gymnastics, ;"
and those who excel in vaulting and
the high jump, or are skillfnl in the
manipulation Of basket ball (the pres
emit fad) are ready for the more athletic
games of the campus.
In early autumn and late spring, when
gymnasium work is given up for OPEN
air recreations, a baseball Dine is
usually formed and If it never attains
thesexcellenoe that dares challenge col
1ege neighbors, we'll worn tracks give
evidence that good runs have been made
while rudy countenances and strength
ened muscles testify to the healthfulness
of the exercise ss0
Included in the college grounds is
Lake Nonotuck, well supplied with
boats in constant demand; and although
there has not been an overplus of en-
thusiasm for organized crews, some good
rowing matches are witnessed, and
there is opportunity for each student to
learn the art of rowing, which few
neglect, and in which many affair, grace
and skill. The same lake is equally
popular in winter as a skating ground
and the slopes toward it for coasting1
The inventive power manifested in i'm
provising substitutes Tor sleds for the
multitude when favoring crust appears
il hopeful for the future of woman.
Brooms and dustpans return to their re-
treats, after such occasions, valuab BILE
only as souvenirs.
But the tennis courts, increasing year
" in number and always in use out of
class hours, show which is the most
popular OF campus recreatiOns. A tour
much class pride is taken in the contests
and awards.
Miss Harriet G. Seelye says of Smith:
The social side of college, however, is
NOT cultivated to the exclusion of out
door life.
Here one find less originality, and,
perhaps, more likeness to the amuse-
meuts of mems colleges. Nevertheless,
the feminine character of the college is
clearly revealed in the manner in which
these healthy sports are conducted.
Even against the base bail that was
played one spring no charge of mascli
nifty could be brought. A glance at the
young women playing after supper in
train dresses, the batter forgetting to drop
the bat as she ran for her base, would
convince any doubter of the feminine
character of the game.
Base ball died 4 natural death at Smith
College before the attractions of basket
ball. Here train dresses are2not allowed,
the scientific spirit of the game demands
gymnasium suits, and an absorbed inter-
est. The principle is much the same as
in football-two baskets hung about
eight feet high forming the goals; but
the grace, self control and politeness de-
veloped amoig girls by such game are
most interesting. Ia Harvard-Y ale
football contest one does not hear opon-
ents saying at All exciting crisis. Par.
don me, but I think that's our ball, !"
or Excuse me, did I hurt your"
The enthusiasm for basket ball culim-
mates at the end OF the winter term in
the contest between the two lower class
teams. Although tine second class, with
its year more of practice, generally
wins, it is never safe to predict; and
the audience which fills the running
track is as full of interest and gay-col-
ored excitement as cheers and banners
can express. The game is even more at
tractive out of DOORS. Fortunately the
field is retired enough for.the girls to play
without EN- barrassment in gymnasium