REBELLION TREE. At Harvard College, a large elm-tree, which stands to the east of the south entry of Hollis Hall, has long been known by this name. It is supposed to have been planted at the request of Dr. Thaddeus M. Harris. His son, Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris, the present Librarian of the College, says that his father has often told him, that when he held the office of Librarian, in the year 1792, a number of trees were set out in the College yard, and that one was planted opposite his room, No. 7 Hollis Hall, under which he buried a pewter plate, taken from the commons hall. On this plate was inscribed his name, the day of the month, the year, &c. From its situation and appearance, the Rebellion Tree would seem to be the one thus described; but it did not receive its name until the year 1807, when the famous rebellion occurred among the students, and perhaps not until within a few years antecedent to the year 1819. At that time, however, this name seems to have been the one by which it was commonly known, from the reference which is made to it in the Rebelliad, a poem written to commemorate the deeds of the rebellion of that year. And roared as loud as he could yell, "Come on, my lads, let us rebel!" * * * * * With one accord they all agree To dance around _Rebellion Tree_. _Rebelliad_, p. 46. But they, rebellious rascals! flee For shelter to _Rebellion Tree_. _Ibid._, p. 60. Stands a tree in front of Hollis, Dear to Harvard over all; But than ---- desert us, Rather let _Rebellion_ fall. _MS. Poem_. Other scenes are sometimes enacted under its branches, as the following verses show:-- When the old year was drawing towards its close, And in its place the gladsome new one rose, Then members of each class, with spirits free, Went forth to greet her round _Rebellion Tree_. Round that old tree, sacred to students' rights, And witness, too, of many wondrous sights, In solemn circle all the students passed; They danced with spirit, until, tired, at last A pause they make, and some a song propose. Then "Auld Lang Syne" from many voices rose. Now, as the lamp of the old year dies out, They greet the new one with exulting shout; They groan for ----, and each class they cheer, And thus they usher in the fair new year. _Poem before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, p. 19, 1849. RECENTES. Latin for the English FRESHMEN. Consult Clap's History of Yale College, 1766, p. 124. RECITATION. In American colleges and schools, the rehearsal of a lesson by pupils before their instructor.--_Webster_. RECITATION-ROOM. The room where lessons are rehearsed by pupils before their instructor.