As those whose sons and wards are at a public seminary, must feel the greatest anxiety for their proficiency and their welfare, the Society have determined to send stated communications* one after each public examination, to the Parent or Guardian of every Young Gentleman pursuing his studies at this Institution.

In the opinions which the Society express, you may depend upon the greatest candour and impartiality, nor can they commit any mistake with regard to the acquirements of the Students, this being effectually precluded by the daily and semi-annual examinations. But although the Society omit no opportunity of informing themselves concerning the temper, character and habits of those over whom it is their duty to watch, yet it is obviously impossible for them to obtain in every instance, that accurate knowledge which is so desirable on these important subjects. Here therefore they are liable to err, and due allowances for this source of fallacy, accordingly are necessary. It is almost superfluous to add that the mistake, where there is one, will be generally on the favourable side. The error however it may be remarked must be slight, for it is deemed impracticable, for any young man to deviate widely and for any length of time, from the rules of propriety without being at least suspected, and even suspicions in an affair of such essential importance to the future welfare of a student, deserve the most serious consideration, and are accordingly stated. From this system, where Parents and Guardians have co-operated with the Professors, the most beneficial effects have already ensued; by means of it, irregularities and improprieties have been nipped in the bud, and that abundant harvest of vice and dissipation which might have followed, has been easily and effectually prevented.

Of Your sons James & W^m the Society is happy to state, that they have been orderly, diligent, and attentive to their Studies, and in Mathematics and Chemistry have made the most flattering Improvement. In Philosophy likewise, their progress is respectable.

The Society think you had better inform your Sons of the foregoing opinion. This information it would be well to accompany with those commendations which such conduct merits, the applause of those we love and esteem being perhaps the strongest incentive to virtue.

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* Parents and Guardians are always specially written to by the President, whenever there is any occasion for his so doing.