Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-20
The Spider, 'O7, Richmond College,
(F'or the DispatchJ

GINA, are not aware or the close anu
accurate study OF biology which Is De-
ing made by the students OF Richmond
College. II is not improbable mat some
OF the trustees. and perhaps. some men,
bers OF the faculty. are also ignorant
OF this, for We fall TO find biology
among the sciences included In the
course of study as given by the annual
catalogue II such Ignorance has here
tofore existed, there is certainly no ex-
| cuse for It's longer residence among us.
for the appearance OF the book bearing
the title given above makes 1t possible TO
supply this deficiency OF knowledge.
The daily papers of the city have here
tofore announced that the young men
| Of the college would issue an annual
towards the close OF the session. Even
the most sanguIne expectations OF their
friends have been far surpassed by the
neat and attractive appearance Of the
book itself. which made Its bow to the
| public last week.
! The first Impressions OF any new book
are always gained from the outside. and
many book has found a purchaser by
reason OF its pleasing exterior, for an
| attractive cover must necessarily some
| what prejudice any one-even critic
In the books favor.
| In the case of 1.-THE SPIDER" the
managing editors could hardly have Sc
| lected q heater cover Most appropri-
ately. the book Is bound In the college
| colors-viz., crimson ard navy blue
while the front page OF the cover is
| ornamented with a large spider sitting
serenely and expectantly OH its silyery
web. ready to ensnare the unsuspect-
| ing fly.
The favorable impression made by the
| handsome cover is deepened as we be-
gin to examine the pages OF the book,
for smooth. glossy paper and tasteful
| skill in mechanical execution combine
with the literary and artistic excellence
| on the part OF editors and contributors
| to make 1.-THE Spider" attractive.
In making his bow to a critical public,
1.-THE Spider" realizes that there are
many who forge.ful that the fairy fabric
OF his home is toilsomely spun from his
very bowels. would crush him at the
outset" so he appeals TO the literary
entomologist from succor and ndul-
gence."
The various college organizations first
receive "The SPIDERS attention, and ne
| names the officers and gives brief his
torical sketches OF the Athletic Asso-
citation. Lawn Tennis Association, Geo
| graphical and Historical Society, Lite
| rary societies. Greek-Letter fraterni-
| ties. Greek Club, Young Mems Christian
| Association, Glee Club. Peanut club IN
dependent order of Midnight Toe-Pul-
lers, etc, etc.
who that has ever seen SPIDERS web
| with its graceful, funnel-shaped tunnel
| leading TO the spiders bed-chamber' can
have failed to realize that this insect
| is artistic?
True 10 his tribe. the College Spider
also shows well-developed artistc
bump. Not only does he present excel
lent pIctures of several groups of stu
| dents. and one of the faculty, but he
shows himself Independent OF the
camera. and gives us several original
drawings OF no small merit. 1.-THE Ten
mis- Girl" "The Serenade." and Peanut
| collie" are especially worthy of notice,
besides many others of almost equai
merit.
But 'erhe Spider" offers food to the
imaginative as well. Professor l.. H.
! Hamberln, of the University or Texas'
whom "The Spider most aptly duos
| the Poet Laureate of Richmond College,
gives an interesting account OF dick
| Richard." who. though he may nave
had no soul himself as th1author re-
peatedly assures us. certainly appears
notbetically and sweetly TO the souls
! of others. as he stands forth In inc
SPIDERS" web. .,.
"a S. W" gives. IN "The Auction at
Finch g. Barkers." a graphic illustra-
ton of the evils which sometimes follow
either an excess or lack OF CONF
dence I'm our felowmen. This scene OF
this story is laid in the town OF Blasted
Pine, Va.
The epistles Of CrooKshahhs
and "Ephraim Guzz.- WaypacN lur-
nisb good reading 20 the most sedate,
,,biIa .1enotus" tells in verso OF THE
Devil and the Lawyers" in manner
suited 10 instruct.even our chief Justices
The poetic muse also inspired The
snlder" but as his language might not
he intellieible TO the public. he induced
| Misses Annie Steger Winston and Mary
Wvnne Jones and Messrs. Garrett Ry-
land Henry Nicholas. and Professor John
Pollard. besides some others who screen
their identity behind initials, TO act as
his interpreters. -.
cn,dors are great travellers-at least,
-, lord-as Is shown by the number or
webs suspended from bough 10 Doush.
rbis insect seems also to have visited
the old country, as Leaflets from an
! Ocean Diary" interpreted TOT MN ny
80. l.. H." clearly shows We sincere
" trust the party from the college, VINO
are travelling abroad this summer may
NOT be subjected 10 such thrilling expe-
riences as these Leaflets" relate. That
."rhe. Spider" also appreciates humor, Is
evident from the excellent cartoons he
Gives of the several members OF the
faculty. To be appreciated they must
| be SEEN
we close the book with feelings or
warmest congratulations to the young
men on the success they have won In
this. their first annual The managing
editors have set the mark for their sue
cessors very high, and II the race Of
insects that hope to appear annually
shall be clothed each year In the bright
ed garb." the appearance OF each sue
ceeding insect will be awaited with much
| interest.
We bespeak for 1.-THE Spider warm
and hearty reception by the friends Of
the young men and OF the college, for
Il Is worthy OF nothing less.