Dr. ——, in propria persona, called upon a Southern student one morning in the recitation-room to define logic. The question was something in this form. "Mr. ——, what is logic?" Ans. "Logic, Sir, is the art of reasoning." "Ay; but I wish you to give the definition in the exact words of the learned author." "O, Sir, he gives a very long, intricate, confused definition, with which I did not think proper to burden my memory." "Are you aware who the learned author is?" "O, yes! your honor, Sir." "Well, then, I fine you one dollar for disrespect." Taking out a two-dollar note, the student said, with the utmost sang froid, "If you will change this, I will pay you on the spot." "I fine you another dollar," said the Professor, emphatically, "for repeated disrespect." "Then 'tis just the change, Sir," said the student, coolly.
FIRST-YEAR MEN. In the University of Cambridge, England, the title of First-Year Men, or Freshmen, is given to students during the first year of their residence at the University.
FISH. At Harvard College, to seek or gain the good-will of an instructor by flattery, caresses, kindness, or officious civilities; to curry favor. The German word fischen has a secondary meaning, to get by cunning, which is similar to the English word fish. Students speak of fishing for parts, appointments, ranks, marks, &c.
I give to those that fish for parts,
Long, sleepless nights, and aching hearts,
A little soul, a fawning spirit,
With half a grain of plodding merit,
Which is, as Heaven I hope will say,
Giving what's not my own away.
Will of Charles Prentiss, in Rural Repository, 1795.
Who would let a Tutor knave
Screw him like a Guinea slave!
Who would fish a fine to save!
Let him turn and flee.—Rebelliad, p. 35.
Did I not promise those who fished
And pimped most, any part they wished?—Ibid., p. 33.
'T is all well here; though 't were a grand mistake
To write so, should one "fish" for a "forty-eight!"
Childe Harvard, p. 33.
Still achieving, still intriguing,
Learn to labor and to fish.
Poem before Y.H., 1849.
The following passage explains more clearly, perhaps, the meaning of this word. "Any attempt to raise your standing by ingratiating yourself with the instructors, will not only be useless, but dishonorable. Of course, in your intercourse with the Professors and Tutors, you will not be wanting in that respect and courtesy which is due to them, both as your superiors and as gentlemen."—Harvardiana, Vol. III. p. 79.
Washington Allston, who graduated at Harvard College in the year 1800, left a painting of a fishing scene, to be transmitted from class to class. It was in existence in the year 1828, but has disappeared of late.